Kaner Clay
Elemental Alchemy: The five elements are honoured through ancient pottery and experiential dining at Kaner Retreat.
Visitors to Rajasthan’s Kaner Retreat have the rare opportunity to immerse themselves in two treasured traditions—pottery and culinary arts—thanks to this experience that is as engaging as it is tasty.
Guests begin with a guided viewing of the Thar Desert Pottery Project, an innovative exhibit curated by Dr Madan Meena. Meena—who is an artist, a documentarian, and an academic—has spent the last two years travelling through the Thar Desert, collecting over 500 objects from across the Thar.
Guests are then invited to sit down to a seven-course meal designed by celebrated chef Pankaj Sharma, who was named one of Conde Nast Traveller's 40 under 40 chefs. The menu, which integrates locally sourced ingredients, was inspired by Panchmahabhuta (the five elements). In keeping with the spirit of the potter communities, meals are served communally, with all guests dining together at one table.
About the Thar Desert Pottery Project
The project aims to support the revival of Jajmani culture in the Thar Desert. Traditionally, village potters give 16 sets of utensils to Jajmans (village patrons) on major festivals such as Diwali and Eid. In turn, the Jajmans would provide potters with bajra (pearl millet), a key staple in many desert climates.
This inherently eco-friendly tradition is under threat, owing to the growing popularity of single-use plastics. Kaner is working to keep the tradition alive, a reflection of the adage: “to survive in a desert, one needs a pot and a plant.”
About the Dining Experience
Sharma drew his inspiration for the menu from the five elements that comprise clay—and the human body. The menu follows a journey, much like the journey of a clay vessel from its inception as an idea to its final iteration as a fully formed object, created of earth, air, fire, water, and space
Each carefully dish course integrates ingredients found in the Thar Desert, including foraged and sun-dried produce. Sun drying food is at the heart of culinary traditions of the Thar.
Both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options are available.
Menu
● Course 1- The Birth of an Idea Jaisalmer dates and sesame laddoo, aerated tomato and garlic water.
● Course 2- Earth Dehydrated watermelon, local arugula leaves, wild ber berries and olive-honey drizzle.
● Course 3- Water Potato pavé, camel cream cheese, pickled mustard, and gwar bean soup.
● Course 4- Air Homemade chicken sausage or lentils cake. Both are served with spring onions and curried kachra mousse.
● Course 5-Fire Your choice of lamb or kumatiya bean skewers. Both are served with bajra stew and garlic ghee confit.
● Course 6-Space Your choice of double-cooked lamb or roasted sweet potatoes. Both options are accompanied by sour chili gravy, cumin, and wild grass smoke.
● Course 7- The Culmination Pomegranate sorbet, pomegranate jam, fresh herbs, wild flowers and a crisp biscuit.
Additional Details
The experience is open to both overnight guests and day visitors.
Advanced reservations are required. To book, contact Kaner Retreat at +91 9810203057 or at rsvp@kanerretreat.com.
Available daily 1-3 pm, from 1st October to 31st March..
₹3,000 per person (for minimum 4 guests)
Elemental Alchemy: The five elements are honoured through ancient pottery and experiential dining at Kaner Retreat.
Visitors to Rajasthan’s Kaner Retreat have the rare opportunity to immerse themselves in two treasured traditions—pottery and culinary arts—thanks to this experience that is as engaging as it is tasty.
Guests begin with a guided viewing of the Thar Desert Pottery Project, an innovative exhibit curated by Dr Madan Meena. Meena—who is an artist, a documentarian, and an academic—has spent the last two years travelling through the Thar Desert, collecting over 500 objects from across the Thar.
Guests are then invited to sit down to a seven-course meal designed by celebrated chef Pankaj Sharma, who was named one of Conde Nast Traveller's 40 under 40 chefs. The menu, which integrates locally sourced ingredients, was inspired by Panchmahabhuta (the five elements). In keeping with the spirit of the potter communities, meals are served communally, with all guests dining together at one table.
About the Thar Desert Pottery Project
The project aims to support the revival of Jajmani culture in the Thar Desert. Traditionally, village potters give 16 sets of utensils to Jajmans (village patrons) on major festivals such as Diwali and Eid. In turn, the Jajmans would provide potters with bajra (pearl millet), a key staple in many desert climates.
This inherently eco-friendly tradition is under threat, owing to the growing popularity of single-use plastics. Kaner is working to keep the tradition alive, a reflection of the adage: “to survive in a desert, one needs a pot and a plant.”
About the Dining Experience
Sharma drew his inspiration for the menu from the five elements that comprise clay—and the human body. The menu follows a journey, much like the journey of a clay vessel from its inception as an idea to its final iteration as a fully formed object, created of earth, air, fire, water, and space
Each carefully dish course integrates ingredients found in the Thar Desert, including foraged and sun-dried produce. Sun drying food is at the heart of culinary traditions of the Thar.
Both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options are available.
Menu
● Course 1- The Birth of an Idea Jaisalmer dates and sesame laddoo, aerated tomato and garlic water.
● Course 2- Earth Dehydrated watermelon, local arugula leaves, wild ber berries and olive-honey drizzle.
● Course 3- Water Potato pavé, camel cream cheese, pickled mustard, and gwar bean soup.
● Course 4- Air Homemade chicken sausage or lentils cake. Both are served with spring onions and curried kachra mousse.
● Course 5-Fire Your choice of lamb or kumatiya bean skewers. Both are served with bajra stew and garlic ghee confit.
● Course 6-Space Your choice of double-cooked lamb or roasted sweet potatoes. Both options are accompanied by sour chili gravy, cumin, and wild grass smoke.
● Course 7- The Culmination Pomegranate sorbet, pomegranate jam, fresh herbs, wild flowers and a crisp biscuit.
Additional Details
The experience is open to both overnight guests and day visitors.
Advanced reservations are required. To book, contact Kaner Retreat at +91 9810203057 or at rsvp@kanerretreat.com.
Available daily 1-3 pm, from 1st October to 31st March..
₹3,000 per person (for minimum 4 guests)
