A chef is an individual skilled in all aspects of food preparation, often specializing in specific cooking styles or cuisines. Indian culture boasts a wealth of culinary traditions, making it incredibly diverse. Across different regions of the country, various types of dishes are cooked with distinct flavors and techniques.
1. Sanjeev Kapoor
Sanjeev Kapoor, the renowned chef in India, is widely celebrated for his culinary expertise. Aside from being a chef, he is also an entrepreneur and a television personality. Sanjeev Kapoor’s association with the TV channel ‘FoodFood’ led him to become the world’s first chef to own a 24×7 food and lifestyle channel. He gained immense popularity as the host of the television show ‘Khana Khazana,’ which held the distinction of being Asia’s longest-running show during that time. In 2010, the show reached a massive audience, broadcasting in 120 countries and attracting over 500 million viewers.
2. Vikas Khanna
Born on 14 November 1971 in Amritsar, Punjab, India, Vikas Khanna is a multi-talented individual. He is not only an Indian chef but also a restaurateur, cookbook writer, filmmaker, and humanitarian. Vikas Khanna gained recognition as a judge on the Star Plus series MasterChef India. His passion for cooking was sparked by his grandmother, who served as a great inspiration to him. At the young age of 17, he opened Lawrence Gardens Banquets, a venue for hosting weddings and functions. Vikas Khanna pursued his education, completing his graduation from Manipal Academy of Higher Education and earning a doctorate from GD Goenka University.
3. Ranveer Brar
Ranveer Brar, born on 8 February 1978 in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India, is a multi-talented personality. He is not only an Indian chef but also a TV and digital celebrity, judge, host, author, restaurateur, food film producer, and benefactor. Currently, he holds the position of senior official food expert at Novotel Mumbai, Juhu Beach. Additionally, he serves as a supervisor at Dosa Factory and Shalimar in Cambridge. Ranveer Brar kickstarted his career at the Taj Hotel in Mumbai following his education at IHM, Lucknow.
4. Madhur Jaffrey
Madhur Jaffrey CBE, born on 13 August 1933 in Civil Lines, Delhi, British India, is a multi-talented individual. She is not only an Indian American chef but also an actress, author, food and travel writer, and television personality. Her second husband, Sanford Allen, is a renowned American fiddler. In the mid-Fifties, Mrs. Jaffrey learned cooking at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts (RADA) during her time in Britain. Her cooking style predominantly focuses on Indian and South Asian cuisine.
5. Anjum Anand
Anjum Anand, an Indian British TV chef and food writer, was born on 15 August 1971 in London, England. She pursued her education at the Business Administration School of Geneva. Anjum’s cooking style revolves around Indian cuisine, reflecting her cultural heritage. In addition to her residence in England, she owns two family homes, one in Delhi and the other in Calcutta. Anjum Anand’s focus is primarily on healthy food, which stems from her personal experiences with weight problems during her upbringing. At the age of 25, she wrote her first cookbook, showcasing her culinary expertise.
6. Hari Nayak
Hari Nayak, a New York-based Indian chef, author, restaurateur, and culinary consultant, was born on 8 February 1974 in Udupi, Karnataka, India. After completing his education at the Welcome group Graduate School of Hotel Administration in Karnataka, he embarked on his culinary journey at the Culinary Institute of America. With 7 bestselling books to his name, including Modern Indian Cooking, Hari Nayak has established himself as an accomplished author. His latest book, Spice Trail, was recently released. Throughout the world, Hari Nayak operates several restaurants such as Sona, Jhol, Charcoza, Alchemy, Masti, CafeSpice, and Bombay Bungalow.
7. Vineet Bhatia
Vineet Bhatia, an Indian chef, restaurateur, author, and media personality, was born on 9 December 1967 in Mumbai, Maharashtra, India. He holds the distinction of being the first Indian chef to receive a Michelin Star Award, and he has achieved this honor twice, making him the only Indian to do so. Vineet Bhatia completed his education at The Oberoi School of Hotel Management. His culinary style is characterized as modern Indian cuisine, showcasing his innovative approach to traditional Indian flavors.
8. Nita Mehta
Nita Mehta, an Indian chef, author, restaurateur, and media personality, is widely acclaimed for her contributions to the culinary world. Her expertise is showcased through her cookbooks, cooking classes, and appearances as a celebrity judge on various cooking shows. Nita Mehta’s cooking style is rooted in Indian cuisine, reflecting her cultural heritage. In 2001, she established the ‘Nita Mehta Culinary Academy’ in New Delhi, providing aspiring chefs with a platform to enhance their culinary skills.
9. Saransh Goila
Saransh Goila, an Indian chef and restaurateur, was born on 17 February 1987 in Delhi, India. Having completed his education at the Institute of Hotel Management in Aurangabad, he honed his culinary skills. Saransh Goila’s cooking style is deeply rooted in Indian cuisine, showcasing his passion for traditional flavors. He is the proud owner of ‘Goila Butter Chicken’, a renowned restaurant situated in Mumbai, offering a delectable culinary experience. In addition to his culinary ventures, he has authored the acclaimed travelogue ‘India on my Platter’, capturing his gastronomic journey across the country.
10. Harpal Singh Sokhi
Harpal Singh Sokhi, an Indian chef, restaurateur, author, and entrepreneur, was born in 1966 in Kharagpur, West Bengal, India. His culinary journey began by working as a chef with various hotels and restaurant chains, gaining valuable experience in the industry. In 2013, Harpal Singh Sokhi ventured into entrepreneurship by establishing his own chain of restaurants called “The Punjabi Tadka”. He is widely recognized as the host of the popular cooking show, Turban Tadka, where he shares his expertise and passion for Indian cuisine.
