CHAPPAQUA, NY, February 17, 2026 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Ashok Salian has been included in Marquis Who's Who. As in all Marquis Who's Who biographical volumes, individuals profiled are selected on the basis of current reference value. Factors such as position, noteworthy accomplishments, visibility, and prominence in a field are all taken into account during the selection process.

Mr. Salian is the owner of Raasa Indian Cuisine, an establishment he has led since 2015. Overseeing two locations — one in New York and another in Southbury, Connecticut — he manages all aspects of restaurant operations. His responsibilities span from culinary innovation to mixology, with a particular focus on beverage creation as a primary strength. Mr. Salian works closely with his team in both the kitchen and the front of house, ensuring seamless service and guest satisfaction.

In addition to these responsibilities, Mr. Salian is actively involved in personal marketing efforts to promote the restaurant and is dedicated to creating new recipes that emphasize healthier, modern, and conscious eating. Under his leadership, Raasa Indian Cuisine has developed an extensive menu featuring vegan, gluten-free, vegetarian and seafood dishes, catering to evolving consumer preferences.

Mr. Salian's approach includes researching and experimenting with recipes to introduce innovative dishes such as vegan Indian-style chickpeas and beetroot tikki. Training staff to uphold high standards is a priority, as is incorporating modern culinary trends to continually elevate both food and service. The Salisbury location was strategically opened in one of the largest senior living communities in the United States, offering a variety of vegan and gluten-free options that have been well received by residents seeking healthier dietary choices.

A decade ago, Mr. Salian set out to present Indian cuisine with the same elegance found in fine American, Italian and French dining establishments. Recognizing a lack of awareness about the diversity and health benefits of Indian food, he has worked to educate patrons about the nutritional value of spices such as cardamom, cumin and turmeric. Together with his wife, Mr. Salian plans to offer local cooking classes that teach healthy Indian dishes, including easy vegan and gluten-free options, highlighting ingredients like lentils and okra for their nutritional benefits.

Mr. Salian's most notable achievement is the successful launch of Raasa Indian Cuisine, which has introduced local Americans to the rich flavors of Indian cuisine in an inviting environment. Inspired by his wife's experiences with perceptions of curry aromas, they have made it their mission to showcase the positive aspects of Indian spices. Their dedication has resulted in formal recognition: Raasa Indian Cuisine has received write-ups in the New York Times, awards from Forbes magazine and achieved Michelin recognition for five consecutive years (2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024), the first Indian restaurant in their area to do so.

At the outset of his career, Mr. Salian earned a bachelor's degree from Kohinoor College of Hospitality Management & Tourism Studies in Mumbai, India, graduating in 2002. This formal training provided him with foundational knowledge in hospitality management that has been instrumental throughout his career. Growing up in a family deeply rooted in the restaurant business in India, where his parents and brothers continue to operate several establishments, Mr. Salian developed a passion for diverse cuisines at an early age by assisting in family restaurants and experimenting with his mother's recipes.

Although his family initially encouraged him to pursue a different path after graduating in commerce, Mr. Salian returned to his culinary roots by attending a culinary school in central Mumbai. He gained valuable experience working at various Marriott hotels before being transferred to Phoenix, Arizona. There, he met his wife, who shared his enthusiasm for hospitality after studying hotel management in New York.

In 2015, their shared vision led them to New York City, where they launched their first restaurant venture after gaining experience at renowned establishments such as Tamarind and Picholine. They later moved to Westchester to open Rushmore, a restaurant focused on modernized Indian cuisine presented with contemporary flair.

Reflecting on his journey, Mr. Salian credits much of his success to his wife's unwavering support. He emphasizes hard work, discipline and maintaining a consistent routine as essential elements behind his achievements. Over the past decade, he has remained committed to delivering high-quality food prepared with a home-cooked sensibility while continually innovating within the industry.

Beyond his professional pursuits, Mr. Salian is actively engaged in civic initiatives that reflect his commitment to community well-being. He regularly donates food to hospitals, including New York-Presbyterian Hospital, and to senior living facilities, while supporting fundraising efforts for organizations such as the Rotary Club and cancer research groups. Additionally, Mr. Salian contributes food donations and fundraising support for events such as the Narayan Sewa Cup, which benefits children with disabilities.

In his personal life, Mr. Salian enjoys playing cricket, practicing meditation and yoga and spending time with his family. Looking ahead, he envisions traveling extensively to explore diverse food cultures while educating others about healthy diets through seminars that blend industry insights and personal well-being. He advocates for natural ingredients over pharmaceuticals and encourages balanced living through healthy eating habits, yoga meditation practices and cultural engagement.

About Marquis Who's Who®:
Since 1899, when A. N. Marquis printed the First Edition of Who's Who in America®, Marquis Who's Who® has chronicled the lives of the most accomplished individuals and innovators from every significant field of endeavor, including politics, business, medicine, law, education, art, religion and entertainment. Who's Who in America® remains an essential biographical source for thousands of researchers, journalists, librarians and executive search firms around the world. The suite of Marquis® publications can be viewed at the official Marquis Who's Who® website, www.marquiswhoswho.com.

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