India Doris

Chelsea, Manhattan

The food at Markette tells a story that starts long before the dining room. Chef and co-owner India Doris draws from a childhood spent watching her grandmother cook, a London upbringing where cultures (and flavors) naturally mixed, and time in some of New York’s most exciting kitchens (SAGA, Crown Shy, and Overstory to name a few!) Now, Markette is where European technique meets a Caribbean palate, what India calls Euro-Caribbean, and where memory, instinct, and a little kitchen chaos all come together.

Full name, age, and where are you from?

India Doris, 33, London.

What is your title at Markette?

Executive Chef and Co-Owner.

What inspired you to get into this industry?

My Gran is Jamaican and is an incredible cook. She was very particular in the kitchen and didn't let people touch her stuff, which was very intriguing for me when I was young. Also, once I stepped foot into a professional kitchen, I loved the madness of it all - the highs and the lows.

What is the most blissful food moment from your upbringing?

My Gran wouldn't let anyone in her kitchen while she cooked, so I used to sit by the door frame and watch. She got so annoyed and sick of me sitting there in silence that she finally let me in, and we would bond in those moments. I was the only one in our home who could do that.

What, to you, is the best city for food right now?

New York...

In three words, how would you describe the menus you're creating here at Markette?

"Euro-Caribbean." For me, this is a very common flavor mix growing up in London in a Caribbean household. We always blended food. I love European food, but I grew up with a Caribbean palate, so that's what we do at Markette.

If you could shout out a colleague or friend in the industry who would it be and why?

Emily Hall. Easy. Very talented pastry chef in New York (formerly Executive Pastry Chef at SAGA, Crown Shy and Overstory under Chef James Kent).

Where have you been drawing inspiration from recently? 

My roots. i've been digging deep into my past and trying to bring it into my future in a different, but nostalgic way.

If it's my first time stopping into Markette, what's your order recommendation right now?

Salt Cod Fritters, Caviar Hash Browns, Tuna Crudo, Braised Oxtail, Jerk Lamb with Curried Lentils, Blood Orange Cheesecake.