LCAHouston Magazine Summer 2019

LIFEBYTES
Houstonians with a discerning palate know that a
bright star has risen on the horizon of the city’s
restaurant landscape. In this highly competitive
business, Kiran
Verma, Executive Chef
and Owner of Kiran’s,
stands tall. Fondly called
the Godmother of up-scale
dining, she represents India
at its culinary best. Located in
the fashionable Upper Kirby
district, Kiran’s spacious
interior epitomizes elegance, class, and
quality at a level rarely visible in Indian
restaurants.
Connoisseurs see Kiran’s cuisine as
a titillating fusion of the East and
West, a combination of cultures,
philosophies and cooking techniques,
while retaining Indian authenticity and
traditions. You never go to Kiran’s just
once. There is always more to try and
taste. Among the numerous innovative
dishes at Kiran’s, my favorites are the
Mango Lassi, Seekh Kebab, Chilean
Sea Bass, Rack of Lamb, Bison
Kofta Curry, and her incredible
selection of specialty Naans, crisp
veggies, delectable Biryanis and the
mouthwatering Trio of Crème Brulee
or Gulab Jamun for dessert. Talking
about innovation, a must-try in all its
delicious decadence here is the Samosa
filled with chocolate hazelnut ganache
with salted caramel and chai ice cream!
Kiran’s has been recognized in the
local media and its list of awards is as
long as its extensive menu.
Behind this classic American success story is a human
dynamo of unbounded energy and passion for excellence,
Kiran Verma, the person. I have known Kiran for over two
decades, and have watched her spectacular growth with
admiration. What makes Kiran tick?
On a fine Monday morning recently, at 11 AM sharp, I
arrived at Kiran’s to listen to her fascinating life story. She
was in her trade-mark Chef ’s coat giving instructions of
the day to her staff. It was too early for the lunch guests to
arrive, but the place was abuzz with activity. She greeted me
with a big hug and an even bigger smile. We sat down at a
cozy table in her beautifully appointed bar, where a waiter
brought us steaming Masala Chai and a plate of homemade
biscotti. She knew my purpose and obliged.
The product of a traditional middle-class Indian family,
Kiran was married at 18 leaving her dream of a professional
2019 LCAHouston.com
COOKING UP DREAMS
Chef Kiran Verma
By Dan Mayur
The Godmother of Indian
cuisine, Kiran Verma sits down
with Dan Mayur to share her
journey and the recipe for
Kiran’s.
education unfulfilled. But she still longed for a career, to be
financially independent, and to do good while doing well.
She had always enjoyed cooking and feeding. Her drive,
compassion, and nurturing
attitude led her to cooking
beyond the familial setting.
She cooked for the friends
of her children, neighbors,
and acquaintances. When the
children flew away to college,
and the Vermas became
empty-nesters, Kiran jumped
into the restaurant business with both
feet. There are Indian restaurants
galore in Houston, most of them
featuring mediocre and mundane
buffets. Kiran recognized a definite
need and market for an upscale Indian
restaurant. She chose class over mass,
focusing on quality, not quantity.
Immensely proud of her Indian
heritage, she has been driven to restore
Indian cuisine to its rightful glory
and to make cooking a respectable
profession. With that philosophy,
she has emphasized contemporary
décor, fine china, excellent wines,
and above all else, exquisite food and
incomparable service. Her formula
is simple. “Use the finest, freshest
ingredients with subtle use of herbs
and spices for delicate flavors to create
delicious, light and healthy meals. Just
like grandma’s cooking.”
Coincidentally, as she finished saying
this, a waiter brought out the most
delicious Corn Soup with Poblano,
hot buttered Stuffed Paratha, and zesty
Paneer Karahi.
She says “Cooking is both a sensual and spiritual activity.”
She strives to create a lavish experience for her customers.
Attention to detail and learning from others for continuous
improvement is how she does it. She treats every party she
caters to as her own. She proudly says, “I taste every sauce,
every dressing. Nothing leaves the kitchen without my
approval.”
Kiran is supported by husband Shiv and daughter Puja.
The mother-daughter pair reminds me of the Double Mint
commercial, two look-alike lovely ladies doing their thing
in perfect harmony.
What’s next for Kiran? Achieving a Michelin star rating
is her avowed goal. With her determination, drive, and
dedication, we have no doubt this dream will become a
reality.
Photo By | Chuck Cook
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