“Food is so much more than just taste. It’s about memories, connections, and emotions.” This profound belief encapsulates the remarkable culinary journey of Chef Keith Sarasin, whose story is woven with transformation, resilience, and a heartfelt discovery of purpose through food.
Beginnings and Early Influences
Raised in the picturesque landscapes of New Hampshire by a single mother who instilled in him the values of hard work and perseverance, Sarasin’s entry into the culinary world was born from necessity rather than passion. At just 14, he began washing dishes at a local sub-shop, Danelly’s, not with dreams of becoming a chef, but to save for a mountain bike. This modest start laid the groundwork for a career that transcends traditional culinary boundaries.
As Sarasin navigated various roles in the restaurant industry—working at establishments like Red Lobster and Weathervane—he remained unaware that each experience was enriching his understanding of food, culture, and connection. Though he graduated with a psychology degree and envisioned a conventional career, life had other plans.
A pivotal moment arrived when his close friend, aspiring chef Steve Mahoney, fell gravely ill with stage-four cancer. During this challenging time, Sarasin began preparing dishes that evoked their shared culinary memories, stirring bittersweet nostalgia. It was in these intimate moments that he discovered the true essence of food: a powerful medium for nurturing and healing.
Culinary Philosophy and Cooking from the Soul
This realization ignited a passion that would shape his life and career, guiding him on a path of culinary exploration infused with love and purpose. At his restaurant, Aatma—derived from the Hindi word for “soul”—he promotes a philosophy that encourages chefs to create dishes resonating with their personal experiences and emotions.
Sarasin challenges the notion of cooking as a mechanical process, believing that a dish reaches its zenith when it embodies the chef’s essence and passion. He often tells his team, “You’re not cooking for them; you’re cooking for you.” This philosophy is evident in his signature dishes, such as the innovative “From Maine to Mumbai,” which beautifully combines the classic Maine lobster roll with the vibrant flavors of Mumbai’s Street food. Each dish is a sensory experience, inviting diners to indulge not just in taste but in the stories and emotions behind each creation.
As he shares the narratives behind his dishes, Sarasin fosters a deeper connection between the food and those who savor it, encouraging diners to reflect on the cultural significance of what they eat. This narrative-driven approach transforms every dining experience into a celebration of heritage and creativity, turning each plate into a canvas of life’s rich experiences.
Embracing Local Ingredients and Community Engagement
Sarasin’s unwavering commitment to sustainability and community engagement forms the foundation of his culinary practice. He believes food should nourish the body while uplifting and supporting local economies and promoting environmental stewardship. By sourcing ingredients from over 31 local New England farms, he ensures that his dishes are fresh, seasonal, and a celebration of the region’s bounty.
Seasonality plays a crucial role in Sarasin’s menus, as the earth’s natural cycles dictate the rhythm of his kitchen. With each season, he eagerly incorporates new ingredients—such as spring asparagus and radishes—into innovative recipes that honor the changing landscape. This approach enhances the quality of his food and encourages diners to appreciate the beauty of nature and the labor of love behind each harvest.
In addition to his culinary endeavors, Sarasin actively engages in community events and educational programs, believing that a restaurant should be a sanctuary for cultural exchange and learning. Aatma hosts a takeover every Thursday from 4 to 8 p.m. at Coffee & Kindness, located at 105 W Pearl St. in Nashua. Through cooking demonstrations, workshops, and collaborations with local organizations, he cultivates community while promoting cultural understanding. By engaging with guests and sharing the stories behind his dishes, Sarasin transforms dining into an educational experience that enriches both plate and palate.
Overcoming Challenges and Looking to the Future
Despite his remarkable achievements, Sarasin faces challenges within the culinary industry, particularly concerning the often-misunderstood perceptions of Indian cuisine in the West. Many still associate Indian food with buffet lines and takeout, relegating it to a lower tier of culinary prestige. Sarasin passionately advocates for a broader appreciation of Indian cuisine, equating its complexity and rich history with that of French or Italian cooking.
He emphasizes that this need for recognition is vital for elevating the culinary landscape and dismantling harmful stereotypes. Through his work, he encourages diners to rethink preconceived notions and appreciate the depth and diversity of Indian culinary traditions. He often speaks reverently about the rich tapestry of spices and techniques that define Indian cooking, asserting that it deserves to be celebrated as a high culinary art—one that tells stories of culture and history.
Upcoming Cookbook: *The Soul of Spice*
Looking to the future, Chef Keith Sarasin remains steadfast in his mission to foster cultural respect and culinary innovation. With the upcoming release of his cookbook, “The Soul of Spice,” he hopes to inspire others to explore the richness of Indian cuisine and the heartfelt stories that accompany it. This book reflects his journey and celebrates the people and experiences that have shaped his culinary identity.
A Legacy of Connection and Celebration
Sarasin’s legacy is defined not just by the exquisite dishes he creates but also by the deep connections he fosters and the communities he nurtures. His story serves as a poignant reminder that food has the power to unite, heal, and inspire. As he continues to innovate and educate, Chef Keith Sarasin stands as a beacon of creativity in the culinary world, inviting us all to embrace the art of cooking as a means of connection and celebration.
Through his journey, Chef Sarasin exemplifies that the kitchen is not merely a place for cooking; it is a sacred sanctuary for the soul, where every meal becomes an opportunity for storytelling, connection, and cultural exchange. His work encourages us to explore the vastness of global cuisines and appreciate the narratives that shape our culinary experiences. In doing so, he enriches the dining experience and contributes to a greater understanding of the world through the universal language of food.
In conclusion, Chef Keith Sarasin’s culinary journey reflects a deep commitment to authenticity, creativity, and community. As he continues to push the boundaries of culinary art, he invites us to join him on a flavorful journey that transcends borders and celebrates the rich tapestry of human experience through the simple act of sharing a meal. His story is a testament to the belief that food is not just sustenance; it is a celebration of life itself, a heartfelt embrace that brings us all together around the table.
Robert Moore is a Nashua-based freelancer who writes about coffee and food.