Kiran Verma, Kiran's - Recipe for Success

Kiran Verma, Kiran's

More than eight years ago, Kiran Verma opened the doors to a small restaurant in west Houston, convinced there was a market for her classically prepared Indian dishes.

Little did she know then that not only was there a market for her innovative food, but that she was pioneering a movement to bring her native cuisine to a new level of quality, imagination, and style. In the ensuing years, she introduced Indian food to scores of new people and raised the expectations of how and where it can be served. Suddenly, the passion with which diners in London and cities across Europe expressed for the cuisine found an outlet in Houston.

In 2004, Chef Kiran sold Ashiana and began developing another dream - to create a fine-dining Indian restaurant in the heart of Houston's most competitive restaurant area. In October 2005, their work paid off. Kiran's, a stunningly designed restaurant at 4100 Westheimer, just west of upscale Highland Village shopping center.

Passion fuels Chef Kiran's motivation for her cooking. Considering herself a classic chef at heart, her menu is greatly influenced by the Mughlai style of northern India. But in time her own tastes and techniques have evolved and been personalized, fusing French and American influences and exploring new combinations of spices, herbs, and other ingredients.

Chef Kiran and Dr. Sharma have also taken an unprecedented step for Houston in creating a wine collection of some 300 wines, all carefully chosen to complement the myriad of flavors and complexities of Indian cuisine. The collection has already been praised and recognized by wine lovers, experts, and national publications.

2018 Chef of the Year
Kevin Naderi, Roost

Chefs Advisory Board

Beginning in the late 1990's Chef Monica Pope joined in Gracie's efforts to establish a group of concerned chefs who were willing to get involved in a hands on way to teach kids to cook. Twenty-four answered the call and in 2006, we established our Chefs Advisory Board, a working committee with Monica as its Chair. Through the years, more and more chefs have joined our founding members, and today we have over 100 members in Houston and across the country. Monica Pope continues to lead the team as Chair Emeritus.

These busy professionals donate their time month after month, year after year, bringing their unique insight and perspective of food to the children, turning on their taste buds and opening their minds to new foods. It's a Recipe for Success! Would you like to join us? Get in touch and get started today!

The Foundation's Chefs Advisory Board served as inspiration for the White House campaign for Chefs Move to School! Six members of our Chefs Advisory Board joined members of our Board of Directors at the White House in June 2010 for the kick-off of Chefs Move to Schools! where Recipe for Success was featured as a national model and resource. See pictures here. And read about the trip here and here.