Book excerpt: For the first time celebrated Chef Hemant Oberoi shares his experiments with masalas which resulted in extraordinary recipes that have been loved by all who have walked through the doors of Taj’s popular restaurants crafted by him. The Masala Art: Indian Haute Cuisine is a culmination of Chef Oberoi’s holistic journey across the Indian cosmopolitans and obscured states and villages – delving into the cuisines of every nook and corner of the country. Deeply embedded in cultural traditions, his innovative recipes have revolu-tionized the Indian culinary world. The Masala Art shares age-old secrets and recipes with contemporary flavours while retaining their traditional touch. A feast for your eyes and palate, everyday cooking is truly a simple and pleasurable experience. Vital to the Indian tradition, The Masala Art sets forth a veritable blend of spices to create scrumptious Indian cuisine. While the recipes come from the Grand Chef of the Taj Group of Hotels, they are easy to follow. Right from the food for maharajas, to the authentic flavours of our local dhabas, a delectable spread of Indian food seems to be somewhere around the corner. And you will be cooking it.