Of Food, Films, and Faraway Places
Raised in a family where food was a celebration, Ranbir Kapoor follows his palate across continents—blending childhood nostalgia, beach getaways, and cinematic escapes with every journey.
By Deepali Nandwani
Ranbir Kapoor comes from a khandaan that loves food. His father, Rishi Kapoor, uncles Randhir and Rajiv, and grandfather, the legendary Raj Kapoor, were all celebrated for their passion for food and drink.
Raj Kapoor, famously known as the 'showman of Indian cinema,’ was known to host grand feasts at RK Studios. “Food was central to every celebration, shoot, or family gathering, featuring classic North Indian dishes like rich gravies, kebabs, and traditional desserts,” Ranbir recalls. Rishi Kapoor, a devoted food lover, often expressed his affection for biryani, paya, and Delhi-style chaat on social media. The family’s Christmas brunches—held for decades at their bungalow—became a beloved Bollywood tradition, known for their warmth, laughter, and indulgent spreads that brought together friends and family from across the industry.
No wonder, then, food informs his travel choices, and he often follows his nose to ferret out great restaurants across the world.
Food-driven travel: Ranbir’s travel decisions are often guided by his appetite for memorable dining experiences. “My fondness for traditional Punjabi food remains strong, but I also enjoy street food, especially in Mumbai,” he shares. He’s particularly fond of the city’s vibrant street eats, adding, “Dabeli and Bhajiya Pav are a burst of flavours.”
His time in New York, where he studied, sparked a love for its comforting food scene—burgers, pizzas, bagels, and halal cart fare. “New York’s multicultural food scene was a canvas of discovery and nostalgia, from pastrami sandwiches at Katz’s to late-night shawarmas,” he says. Among his cherished food memories are savouring the best steak of his life at Peter Luger and a chance meeting with Robert De Niro in 2018.
Puglia is a favoured Italian destination.
Maldives' pristine beaches are a hit with Ranbir.
Travel with Ranbir
New York connection: Ranbir’s bond with New York is deeply personal. He studied filmmaking at the School of Visual Arts and trained in method acting at the Lee Strasberg Theatre and Film Institute. These formative years immersed him in the city’s creative and cinematic energy. “Those years gave me independence—I lived alone, did my laundry, cooked a little, and explored the food scene. Being a Kapoor, my best memories are related to food.” To this day, New York remains a nostalgic haven for him.
Favourite destinations: Beyond New York, Ranbir is drawn to the Maldives for its beaches and to European cities like Prague for their rich heritage and architecture. Ranthambore is his go-to wildlife retreat—“the tigers and brooding forest make the journey worthwhile.” Family vacations to Mauritius are etched in memory for their combination of beaches, wildlife, swimming, and cuisine. “The food is good, and so are the beaches. We spent time on the beach, enjoyed the wildlife and spent most of our time swimming.” He also fondly recalls childhood holidays at his grandmother’s home, where he was “pampered and fed nonstop,” especially with her signature paya.
Cinematic journeys: Ranbir’s films have taken him across India and the world. Wake Up Sid showcased cinematic shots of Mumbai’s Marine Drive and South Bombay; Rockstar travelled through Delhi, Varanasi, Kashmir, and Prague. Tamasha and Barfi captured Kolkata’s atmospheric buildings such as J. Thomas & Co., Victoria Memorial, and Rabindra Sadan, and Brahmāstra: Part One – Shiva was set in the sacred city of Varanasi. Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani featured the snowy landscapes of Manali, and Tamasha included Shimla. His international shoots span Bulgaria, Edinburgh, London, New York, Turkey, Paris, Corsica, and Lyon. He considers Prague—where Rockstar was filmed—a top travel destination. “Whenever Imtiaz [Ali] went scouting for locations, I followed him around.” In Europe, Hungary tops Ranbir’s list—he shot an ad there and was struck by its charm. “And Italy, of course,” he adds. “When we were shooting Bachna Ae Haseeno, I fell in love with the food, the people, and the culture, especially in Venice and Puglia.”
At heart, though, he’s a beach person. “So you’ll find me in Seychelles, on the Australian coast, or in Mauritius,” he says. But no matter where he travels, one place remains constant: “New York will always be my choice of an evergreen destination.”
Travel Style
Ranbir prefers beach escapes and historic cities that offer new cultural experiences. “I love holiday travel because work shoots don’t allow us to fully enjoy a destination,” he explains. He describes himself as a “lazy traveller” who often returns to familiar places but is increasingly open to the vastness of the world. “When I’m alone in a new place, I feel happy,” he says.
Dining Out: In Mumbai, Ranbir’s favourite dining spots include Koko, Wasabi, and Masque. He gravitates towards Indian, Japanese, and Continental cuisines, with a special fondness for cardamom. When he travels, he never returns without cheese—“especially cream cheese. I just can’t resist it! My fridge is stocked with cream cheese, frozen dim sum, sausages, salami, and ham,” he admits.
Dream destinations: On his travel bucket list: Brazil and Argentina—for their culture, food, and music—and Africa, particularly Kenya and the Serengeti, to witness the Great Migration. “I’d love to shoot in Africa,” he says, also expressing interest in India. “India, too, has a lot of beautiful cities that I haven’t explored. I would like to explore Madhya Pradesh and Kerala.”
And let’s not forget, space! “Space tourism is the next frontier, and I hope to explore it someday.”
What he looks for in a hotel: “Warm smiles, positive vibes, good room service, and a restaurant that serves a delicious burger, good kaali dal and butter chicken.” His Mumbai recommendation: Taj Lands End in Bandra.
