Chefs and confectioners have long used slivers of gold to adorn their dishes. Getty Images
Chefs and confectioners have long used slivers of gold to adorn their dishes. Getty Images
Chefs and confectioners have long used slivers of gold to adorn their dishes. Getty Images
Chefs and confectioners have long used slivers of gold to adorn their dishes. Getty Images

Virtues of varq: Why a coating of silver or gold is a mainstay of India's cuisine


  • English
  • Arabic

As a child, I loved trotting to the neighbourhood sweet shop with my grandfather. Hidden amid the labyrinthine lanes of Old Delhi, the cavernous establishment, redolent with the smell of ghee and bustling with cooks frying delicacies in gargantuan woks, held me in thrall.

My favourite part, though, was the shop's glass-fronted counter, which was lined with trays of pastel-hued barfis, syrupy gulab jamuns, rasgullas and rasmalais coated with varq, a wispy, glistening sheet of edible silver. Nose pressed against the glass, I would stare longingly at these delicacies.

Diwali sweets coated in varq. Getty Images
Diwali sweets coated in varq. Getty Images

The Indian fascination with gold and silver varq goes back centuries. Chefs and confectioners have long used it to adorn their dishes, as well as items including chyawanprash, a herbal paste said to boost immunity; paan or betel leaf; mukhwaas, a mouth freshener; candied fruits; pastry; and even mocktails. Nuts are often gilded with silver varq to make them look festive. Biryanis, rich meat curries, cardamom and betel nuts are also given a magical makeover with this glistening garnish.

"Varq plays a vital role in Indian cuisine," says award-winning chef Vinod Saini of Leela Palace Hotel, New Delhi. "It adds value to any dish, taking it to the next level. It is the culinary equivalent of an airline upgrade – from economy to business class. Though edible metal doesn't alter the flavour profile of the dish, nor add any nutritional value to it, it is a surefire way to impress guests. After all, eyes eat the food first, don't they?"

Saini, who has hosted Bollywood celebrities, heads of states and royalty at the hotel’s Jamavar Indian restaurant, says even ordinary dishes such as paneer and vegetable curries can be enhanced with varq. “We often use silver varq to garnish dishes like kundan kaliya, a traditional lamb curry dish, desserts like malai kulfi, barfi, kala jam and even some of the hotel’s buffet items. For high-end events, it’s always gold varq.”

Varq is a regular feature at Jamavar restaurant. Courtesy Jamavar
Varq is a regular feature at Jamavar restaurant. Courtesy Jamavar

For consumption, varq has to be pure, made from sterling silver or 22K to 24K gold. It should also be "food grade", meeting stringent food security and safety standards. And, needless to say, this beautification comes at a price. About 10 sheets of gold varq (enough to decorate 10 to 15 dishes) may set the restaurant back $300 to $400. Silver varq costs about a third of the price.

No matter. Such is the appeal of varq in the Indian subcontinent that an entire restaurant has been named after it. Nestled in New Delhi's Taj Mahal Hotel is Varq, an 82-seater outlet that wows visitors with its gold-leaf coffered ceiling, set against rosewood wall panelling and an auburn tile floor. Its resplendent entrance features a pair of illuminated cylindrical glass sculptures with polished cut-glass floral details set in gold leaf.

Varq restaurant at the Taj Mahal Hotel. Courtesy Taj Mahal
Varq restaurant at the Taj Mahal Hotel. Courtesy Taj Mahal

"We reference the concept of art on a plate in our dishes," says the hotel's executive chef, Arun Sundararaj. Think modern Indian classics such as the chilled masala pot, an innovative twist on Delhi's signature chaat; varq garden green, a salad prepared with edible flowers; and the panchdhaan khichada, a dehydrated form of the traditional Indian thali, crafted with the five grains used in porridge (oats, black rice, millet, wheat and lentils) and served with six accompaniments, including tempered curd, guava curry and smoked ghee. "All anointed with gold varq, of course," says Sundararaj.

Aside from beautification, chefs say varq is functional, too. "It keeps the food warm and moist," says khansama Haji Bhoora, whose great-grandfather worked in the royal kitchens of Rampur, a north Indian city in Uttar Pradesh known for its ornate, courtly cuisine.

In royal kitchens, even the slightest break in the varq on the dish would indicate that it had been tampered with. The dish would be promptly sent back to the cook due to fear of contamination

"In royal kitchens, even the slightest break in the varq on the dish would indicate that it had been tampered with. The dish would be promptly sent back to the cook due to fear of contamination," explains Bhoora, who hosts Rampuri food pop-ups to honour his family's centuries-old gastronomic legacy.

Bhoora's repertoire includes a selection of quintessentially Rampuri recipes such as neem ke patton ka halwa, a dessert concocted from neem leaves, and kachhe gosht ki tikki, or mutton kebabs, as well as some other dishes with a provenance that dates back to the 18th century.

The popularity of varq isn't limited to India. Western chefs have also been known to dish out gold-encrusted sushi, for example, as well as burgers and pastry peppered with gold flakes. In 2016, New York's Manila Social Club created a buzz by serving a hamburger decorated with champagne frosting and a coating of 24K gold.

In Dubai, Doors Freestyle Grill offers a succulent Dh786 striploin steak that is coated in a fine sheet of gold, the Dubai International Financial Centre's Maria serves up a handmade burrata flown in from southern Italy, coated with 24K gold leaf, and the Armani Lounge treats guests to a cappuccino made from Arabica beans and topped with 23K gold.

Armani's gold flake cappuccino. Courtesy Armani Hotels
Armani's gold flake cappuccino. Courtesy Armani Hotels

Much of varq's appeal lies in its mystique, say food historians. In 3,000 BC, for example, Egyptians consumed gold, believing that the metal was the skin and flesh of the gods. They saw it as a "gateway to immortality", according to an essay in The Craftsmanship Initiative magazine.

"In the 16th century, Paracelsus, the 'father of toxicology', pioneered the use of minerals in medicine. During the Renaissance, European noblemen sought to impress their guests by decorating their food (bread, oysters, quail, carp) with gold leaf at banquets and weddings.

"In Renaissance Venice, gold-covered, sugared almonds were offered after a meal in the belief that gold strengthened the heart and protected against rheumatism," states the essay.

In India, the practice of eating precious metals was predominantly popularised by Mughal kings and queens, who regarded it as a status symbol. They laid out rich feasts anointed with varq to impress guests. Furthermore, the application of these edible metal sheets helped deliver clean and hygienic food by repelling any dust particles that might contaminate the dishes. The region's best craftsmen were employed by the rulers to craft these thin edible sheets.

But beyond the extravagance, does consuming gold or silver provide any nourishment to the body? The jury is still out on this one. Priti Kandhari, a nutritionist from New Delhi, says scientifically, gold is inert and doesn't break down easily to dissolve in the bloodstream. "It is thrown out of the body as a waste product and hence provides no nutritional or health benefits. Of course, you do gain bragging rights for being able to say you ate gold," she says.

Gulzari Lal, a Vedic scholar who lives in New Delhi, says the tradition of decorating treats in India with gold and silver foil originates from Ayurvedic medicinal practices. Practitioners of Ayurveda believe that gold is an aphrodisiac and that silver has antimicrobial properties.

"Gold relaxes the body and mind. People suffering from digestive problems and those of the urinary system and organs experience relief when they consume silver-charged water because silver has antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal properties. People suffering from respiratory disease such as asthma, breathlessness, heart diseases and brain diseases, find it beneficial to consume gold-charged water. This is done by keeping water in the required metal [tumbler or bowl] for a few hours or as advised by the doctor," he explains.

Given its enormous value, crafting varq can be back-breaking work. The foil is traditionally made by skilled silversmiths who pound the metal sheets by hand for days until they become 1/8,000 of a millimetre thin. These sheets are placed on the back of a piece of paper for support and peeled away immediately before application. Only then can this minuscule layer of precious metal be used to give even the humblest of dishes a makeover fit for royalty. 

What is blockchain?

Blockchain is a form of distributed ledger technology, a digital system in which data is recorded across multiple places at the same time. Unlike traditional databases, DLTs have no central administrator or centralised data storage. They are transparent because the data is visible and, because they are automatically replicated and impossible to be tampered with, they are secure.

The main difference between blockchain and other forms of DLT is the way data is stored as ‘blocks’ – new transactions are added to the existing ‘chain’ of past transactions, hence the name ‘blockchain’. It is impossible to delete or modify information on the chain due to the replication of blocks across various locations.

Blockchain is mostly associated with cryptocurrency Bitcoin. Due to the inability to tamper with transactions, advocates say this makes the currency more secure and safer than traditional systems. It is maintained by a network of people referred to as ‘miners’, who receive rewards for solving complex mathematical equations that enable transactions to go through.

However, one of the major problems that has come to light has been the presence of illicit material buried in the Bitcoin blockchain, linking it to the dark web.

Other blockchain platforms can offer things like smart contracts, which are automatically implemented when specific conditions from all interested parties are reached, cutting the time involved and the risk of mistakes. Another use could be storing medical records, as patients can be confident their information cannot be changed. The technology can also be used in supply chains, voting and has the potential to used for storing property records.

Need to know

The flights: Flydubai flies from Dubai to Kilimanjaro airport via Dar es Salaam from Dh1,619 return including taxes. The trip takes 8 hours. 

The trek: Make sure that whatever tour company you select to climb Kilimanjaro, that it is a reputable one. The way to climb successfully would be with experienced guides and porters, from a company committed to quality, safety and an ethical approach to the mountain and its staff. Sonia Nazareth booked a VIP package through Safari Africa. The tour works out to $4,775 (Dh17,538) per person, based on a 4-person booking scheme, for 9 nights on the mountain (including one night before and after the trek at Arusha). The price includes all meals, a head guide, an assistant guide for every 2 trekkers, porters to carry the luggage, a cook and kitchen staff, a dining and mess tent, a sleeping tent set up for 2 persons, a chemical toilet and park entrance fees. The tiny ration of heated water provided for our bath in our makeshift private bathroom stall was the greatest luxury. A standard package, also based on a 4-person booking, works out to $3,050 (Dh11,202) per person.

When to go: You can climb Kili at any time of year, but the best months to ascend  are  January-February and September-October.  Also good are July and August, if you’re tolerant of the colder weather that winter brings.

Do not underestimate the importance of kit. Even if you’re travelling at a relatively pleasant time, be geared up for the cold and the rain.

Indika
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDeveloper%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%2011%20Bit%20Studios%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPublisher%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Odd%20Meter%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EConsole%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20PlayStation%205%2C%20PC%20and%20Xbox%20series%20X%2FS%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ERating%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%204%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Ten tax points to be aware of in 2026

1. Domestic VAT refund amendments: request your refund within five years

If a business does not apply for the refund on time, they lose their credit.

2. E-invoicing in the UAE

Businesses should continue preparing for the implementation of e-invoicing in the UAE, with 2026 a preparation and transition period ahead of phased mandatory adoption. 

3. More tax audits

Tax authorities are increasingly using data already available across multiple filings to identify audit risks. 

4. More beneficial VAT and excise tax penalty regime

Tax disputes are expected to become more frequent and more structured, with clearer administrative objection and appeal processes. The UAE has adopted a new penalty regime for VAT and excise disputes, which now mirrors the penalty regime for corporate tax.

5. Greater emphasis on statutory audit

There is a greater need for the accuracy of financial statements. The International Financial Reporting Standards standards need to be strictly adhered to and, as a result, the quality of the audits will need to increase.

6. Further transfer pricing enforcement

Transfer pricing enforcement, which refers to the practice of establishing prices for internal transactions between related entities, is expected to broaden in scope. The UAE will shortly open the possibility to negotiate advance pricing agreements, or essentially rulings for transfer pricing purposes. 

7. Limited time periods for audits

Recent amendments also introduce a default five-year limitation period for tax audits and assessments, subject to specific statutory exceptions. While the standard audit and assessment period is five years, this may be extended to up to 15 years in cases involving fraud or tax evasion. 

8. Pillar 2 implementation 

Many multinational groups will begin to feel the practical effect of the Domestic Minimum Top-Up Tax (DMTT), the UAE's implementation of the OECD’s global minimum tax under Pillar 2. While the rules apply for financial years starting on or after January 1, 2025, it is 2026 that marks the transition to an operational phase.

9. Reduced compliance obligations for imported goods and services

Businesses that apply the reverse-charge mechanism for VAT purposes in the UAE may benefit from reduced compliance obligations. 

10. Substance and CbC reporting focus

Tax authorities are expected to continue strengthening the enforcement of economic substance and Country-by-Country (CbC) reporting frameworks. In the UAE, these regimes are increasingly being used as risk-assessment tools, providing tax authorities with a comprehensive view of multinational groups’ global footprints and enabling them to assess whether profits are aligned with real economic activity. 

Contributed by Thomas Vanhee and Hend Rashwan, Aurifer

How to avoid crypto fraud
  • Use unique usernames and passwords while enabling multi-factor authentication.
  • Use an offline private key, a physical device that requires manual activation, whenever you access your wallet.
  • Avoid suspicious social media ads promoting fraudulent schemes.
  • Only invest in crypto projects that you fully understand.
  • Critically assess whether a project’s promises or returns seem too good to be true.
  • Only use reputable platforms that have a track record of strong regulatory compliance.
  • Store funds in hardware wallets as opposed to online exchanges.
From Zero

Artist: Linkin Park

Label: Warner Records

Number of tracks: 11

Rating: 4/5

MATCH INFO

Bayern Munich 2 Borussia Monchengladbach 1
Bayern:
 Zirkzee (26'), Goretzka (86')
Gladbach: Pavard (37' og)

Man of the Match: Breel Embolo (Borussia Monchengladbach)

ESSENTIALS

The flights 
Fly Etihad or Emirates from the UAE to Moscow from 2,763 return per person return including taxes. 
Where to stay 
Trips on the Golden Eagle Trans-Siberian cost from US$16,995 (Dh62,414) per person, based on two sharing.

Classification of skills

A worker is categorised as skilled by the MOHRE based on nine levels given in the International Standard Classification of Occupations (ISCO) issued by the International Labour Organisation. 

A skilled worker would be someone at a professional level (levels 1 – 5) which includes managers, professionals, technicians and associate professionals, clerical support workers, and service and sales workers.

The worker must also have an attested educational certificate higher than secondary or an equivalent certification, and earn a monthly salary of at least Dh4,000. 

Results

1. Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes) 1hr 32mins 03.897sec

2. Max Verstappen (Red Bull-Honda) at 0.745s

3. Valtteri Bottas (Mercedes) 37.383s

4. Lando Norris (McLaren) 46.466s

5.Sergio Perez (Red Bull-Honda) 52.047s

6. Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) 59.090s

7. Daniel Ricciardo (McLaren) 1:06.004

8. Carlos Sainz Jr (Ferrari) 1:07.100

9. Yuki Tsunoda (AlphaTauri-Honda) 1:25.692

10. Lance Stroll (Aston Martin-Mercedes) 1:26.713,

WHAT%20MACRO%20FACTORS%20ARE%20IMPACTING%20META%20TECH%20MARKETS%3F
%3Cp%3E%E2%80%A2%20Looming%20global%20slowdown%20and%20recession%20in%20key%20economies%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%E2%80%A2%20Russia-Ukraine%20war%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%E2%80%A2%20Interest%20rate%20hikes%20and%20the%20rising%20cost%20of%20debt%20servicing%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%E2%80%A2%20Oil%20price%20volatility%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%E2%80%A2%20Persisting%20inflationary%20pressures%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%E2%80%A2%20Exchange%20rate%20fluctuations%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%E2%80%A2%20Shortage%20of%20labour%2Fskills%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%E2%80%A2%20A%20resurgence%20of%20Covid%3F%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
The specs

Engine: 6.2-litre V8

Transmission: seven-speed auto

Power: 420 bhp

Torque: 624Nm

Price: from Dh293,200

On sale: now

Recipe: Spirulina Coconut Brothie

Ingredients
1 tbsp Spirulina powder
1 banana
1 cup unsweetened coconut milk (full fat preferable)
1 tbsp fresh turmeric or turmeric powder
½ cup fresh spinach leaves
½ cup vegan broth
2 crushed ice cubes (optional)

Method
Blend all the ingredients together on high in a high-speed blender until smooth and creamy. 

Springtime in a Broken Mirror,
Mario Benedetti, Penguin Modern Classics

 

Essentials

The flights

Emirates and Etihad fly direct from the UAE to Geneva from Dh2,845 return, including taxes. The flight takes 6 hours. 

The package

Clinique La Prairie offers a variety of programmes. A six-night Master Detox costs from 14,900 Swiss francs (Dh57,655), including all food, accommodation and a set schedule of medical consultations and spa treatments.

Desert Warrior

Starring: Anthony Mackie, Aiysha Hart, Ben Kingsley

Director: Rupert Wyatt

Rating: 3/5

The White Lotus: Season three

Creator: Mike White

Starring: Walton Goggins, Jason Isaacs, Natasha Rothwell

Rating: 4.5/5

How much do leading UAE’s UK curriculum schools charge for Year 6?
  1. Nord Anglia International School (Dubai) – Dh85,032
  2. Kings School Al Barsha (Dubai) – Dh71,905
  3. Brighton College Abu Dhabi - Dh68,560
  4. Jumeirah English Speaking School (Dubai) – Dh59,728
  5. Gems Wellington International School – Dubai Branch – Dh58,488
  6. The British School Al Khubairat (Abu Dhabi) - Dh54,170
  7. Dubai English Speaking School – Dh51,269

*Annual tuition fees covering the 2024/2025 academic year

Greatest Royal Rumble results

John Cena pinned Triple H in a singles match

Cedric Alexander retained the WWE Cruiserweight title against Kalisto

Matt Hardy and Bray Wyatt win the Raw Tag Team titles against Cesaro and Sheamus

Jeff Hardy retained the United States title against Jinder Mahal

Bludgeon Brothers retain the SmackDown Tag Team titles against the Usos

Seth Rollins retains the Intercontinental title against The Miz, Finn Balor and Samoa Joe

AJ Styles remains WWE World Heavyweight champion after he and Shinsuke Nakamura are both counted out

The Undertaker beats Rusev in a casket match

Brock Lesnar retains the WWE Universal title against Roman Reigns in a steel cage match

Braun Strowman won the 50-man Royal Rumble by eliminating Big Cass last

Common OCD symptoms and how they manifest

Checking: the obsession or thoughts focus on some harm coming from things not being as they should, which usually centre around the theme of safety. For example, the obsession is “the building will burn down”, therefore the compulsion is checking that the oven is switched off.

Contamination: the obsession is focused on the presence of germs, dirt or harmful bacteria and how this will impact the person and/or their loved ones. For example, the obsession is “the floor is dirty; me and my family will get sick and die”, the compulsion is repetitive cleaning.

Orderliness: the obsession is a fear of sitting with uncomfortable feelings, or to prevent harm coming to oneself or others. Objectively there appears to be no logical link between the obsession and compulsion. For example,” I won’t feel right if the jars aren’t lined up” or “harm will come to my family if I don’t line up all the jars”, so the compulsion is therefore lining up the jars.

Intrusive thoughts: the intrusive thought is usually highly distressing and repetitive. Common examples may include thoughts of perpetrating violence towards others, harming others, or questions over one’s character or deeds, usually in conflict with the person’s true values. An example would be: “I think I might hurt my family”, which in turn leads to the compulsion of avoiding social gatherings.

Hoarding: the intrusive thought is the overvaluing of objects or possessions, while the compulsion is stashing or hoarding these items and refusing to let them go. For example, “this newspaper may come in useful one day”, therefore, the compulsion is hoarding newspapers instead of discarding them the next day.

Source: Dr Robert Chandler, clinical psychologist at Lighthouse Arabia

Dubai World Cup draw

1. Gunnevera

2. Capezzano

3. North America

4. Audible

5. Seeking The Soul

6. Pavel

7. Gronkowski

8. Axelrod

9. New Trails

10. Yoshida

11. K T Brave

12. Thunder Snow

13. Dolkong 

GAC GS8 Specs

Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo

Power: 248hp at 5,200rpm

Torque: 400Nm at 1,750-4,000rpm

Transmission: 8-speed auto

Fuel consumption: 9.1L/100km

On sale: Now

Price: From Dh149,900

The National Archives, Abu Dhabi

Founded over 50 years ago, the National Archives collects valuable historical material relating to the UAE, and is the oldest and richest archive relating to the Arabian Gulf.

Much of the material can be viewed on line at the Arabian Gulf Digital Archive - https://www.agda.ae/en