Have you ever tasted a dish that made your taste buds sing with joy? That feeling of pure culinary bliss is what the best chefs in India strive to achieve every time they step into the kitchen. From the street food vendors to the Michelin-starred restaurants, these culinary wizards create magic with their pots and pans, weaving together flavors, textures, and aromas in a symphony of taste.
In this blog post, we’ll be shining a light on the 10 best chefs in India, who have captured our hearts and palates with their incredible talent, innovation, and passion.
Top 10 Best Chefs in India
1] Vikas Khanna
2] Ranveer Brar
3] Kunal Kapur
4] Sanjeev Kapoor
5] Saransh Goila
6] Hari Nayak
7] Pankaj Bhadouria
8] Harpal Singh Sokhi
9] Ajay Chopra
10] Vineet Bhatia
In Detail about Top 10 Best Chefs in India
Vineet Bhatia
Vineet Bhatia’s story is one of passion, love, and a dedication to his craft. Born in 1967, he was introduced to the world of cooking by his mother. He followed his passion for cooking and learned from several professionals along his journey. After completing his degree, he worked at the prestigious Oberoi hotel, where he showcased his cooking ability and gained recognition as a talented chef. In 2001, he received the highly coveted Michelin Star Chef award, a testament to his hard work and dedication.
Vineet Bhatia made appearances as a Judge on several popular shows such as “the final table” and “Master Chef India.” His recipes are easy to follow, and they use simple ingredients to create an extraordinary dining experience. I still remember being thoroughly impressed by their butter gravy recipe, which left me craving for more.
Vineet Bhatia is also the proud owner of 11 restaurants across the world.
Some of his Famous restaurants are Maharaja and Rasoi. Maharaja was started in 2008 in Saudi Arabia, and Rasoi was established in 2015 in Bahrain.
He’s also an accomplished author, with two books under his belt – Rasoi: New Indian Kitchen (2009) and My Sweet Kitchen (2016). These books not only showcase his culinary skills but also provide a glimpse into his life and the inspiration behind his cooking.
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Ajay Chopra
Ajay Chopra is a renowned Indian celebrity chef, food film producer, and restaurant consultant who has won hearts worldwide. He has served as a judge on the first and second seasons of MasterChef India and has worked in London, gaining great exposure to the international restaurant scene.
Chopra is admired for his refreshing approach to Indian food culture and emphasizes the importance of cooking with patience, resulting in his complex and flavorful Indian dishes. He actively shares his culinary creations and cooking recipes on social media platforms such as YouTube, Instagram, and the Moj app.
Recently, Chopra was interviewed about India’s 50 Best Dishes, showcasing his expertise and passion for the Indian culinary world. He started his career as the head of Kitchen Bridge and hosted successful TV shows, and now works as an entrepreneur, spreading his unique creations everywhere. His innovative take on traditional Indian dishes will inspire you to try new flavors and techniques in your own kitchen.
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Harpal Singh Sokhi
Harpal Singh Sokhi, a renowned celebrity chef from India, known for his fun and jovial personality. He hosts the popular culinary show Turban Tadka on FoodFood channel, which has made people all charged-up and passionate about cooking. Harpal Singh Sokhi, also known as the “Energy Chef of India,” has mastered the art of Indian cooking after pursuing a Diploma in Hotel Management from IHM, Bhubaneswar.
Incorporating ayurvedic concepts into his recipes, he has authored two books and is going for the big one by investing $15-20 million to open five new eateries. Harpal Singh Sokhi has received numerous awards, including Best Chef-driven restaurant by Indian Restaurant Congress for his restaurant Karigari by Chef Harpal Singh Sokhi in 2022. The restaurant was also awarded the Most Admired Food Service Launch of the Years New Outlet by Images Food Service Awards.
Harpal Singh Sokhi’s famous quote “Namak Shamak, Namak Shamak, Daal Dete Hain” is mimicked by people all over the country, and he has redefined cooking on television screens with his catchy jingle
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Pankaj Bhardouria
Pankaj Bhadouria’s journey to success is a true inspiration for anyone who wants to pursue their passion. Born in New Delhi in 1971, she faced a major setback when she lost her father at the young age of 13. Despite the challenges, Pankaj went on to become a successful school teacher, teaching English for 16 years at City Montessori School in Lucknow.
However, her life took a major turn when she decided to participate in the cooking competition show MasterChef India in 2010. Pankaj’s competitive spirit and culinary skills helped her win the show, becoming the first-ever MasterChef winner to have an official cookbook in her name. Since then, she has authored two more cookery books, Barbie I Can Be Chef and Chicken From My Kitchen.
Pankaj Bhadouria is not just a chef and cookbook author, but also a restaurateur, public speaker, television host, and food traveler. She has over 1 million followers on Instagram and has shown an indelible entrepreneurial spirit in everything she touches. Her favorite comfort food is a simple khichdi with ghee and papad, showing that even the most successful chefs have a soft spot for comforting, home-cooked meals.
In 2021, Pankaj was awarded the prestigious “Iconic Women Creating a Better World for All” award by Women Economic Forum. She plans to further pursue her interest in culinary education and help youngsters make a career out of it.
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Hari Nayak
Hari Nayak is a culinary artist whose passion for Indian cuisine has led him to become one of the most sought-after chefs in New York City. His culinary journey began at the prestigious Culinary Institute of America, where he honed his skills and apprenticed under the legendary chef Alain Ducasse. With impressive fine dining credentials from restaurants in New York and Paris, Nayak has revolutionized the way Indian cuisine is perceived in the modern world.
Nayak has a unique ability to marry traditional Indian flavors with modern culinary techniques, creating a new style of cooking that is both simple and eclectic. He has demonstrated that Indian cuisine can be prepared in a straightforward way with all the modern trappings, while still appealing to the everyday household cook. With seven cookbooks to his name, including the bestseller “Modern Indian Cooking,” Nayak’s dishes have inspired home cooks and professional chefs alike.
As a culinary consultant for several restaurants, including Masti Bombay Bungalow and Moombai Co. in Dubai, Nayak has been instrumental in bringing his innovative cooking style to different parts of the world. He is also the culinary director and executive chef of Sona, a new Indian restaurant on East 20th Street in New York. Sona serves a feast from all around India, with dishes such as mint parathas and roasted lamb chops leaving diners wanting more.
Saransh Goila
Saransh Goila, India’s youngest TV chef, has made a name for himself in the culinary world with his passion for food and travel. He rose to fame after winning the Food Food Maha Challenge and has since hosted the popular TV program Roti Rasta aur India.
Chef Saransh Goila is not just a chef, but also an anchor and consultant for FoodFood channel. He has been traveling across India for his dream project, documenting recipes and cultures, eating and exploring without any boundaries whatsoever. His unique food travelogue, “India on My Platter,” depicts his epic journey in search of various nuances of local cuisines from rural India.In addition to his TV shows and travelogues, Chef Saransh Goila has also opened a popular restaurant and launched several food initiatives in the country. He believes that the kitchen is like a playground for people who love to cook and is constantly pushing the boundaries of Indian cuisine.
Chef Saransh Goila’s passion for food and travel has made him a household name in India and beyond. He continues to inspire food lovers with his innovative recipes and unique culinary experiences
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Sanjeev Kapoor
Sanjeev Kapoor is an Indian culinary legend and household name. Born in Ambala, India, in 1964, Kapoor has spent his life spreading his love of food throughout the world. He began his journey in the hospitality industry in 1984 and quickly rose through the ranks, becoming the youngest executive chef of Centaur Hotel in Mumbai in 1992.
Kapoor is best known for hosting the iconic TV show Khana Khazana, which ran for more than two decades and had a massive following of over 500 million viewers in 120 countries. He has since become a brand ambassador for Sweekar Advanced, a leading sunflower oil brand in India. Kapoor also launched Sanjeev Kapoor’s Khana Khazana in 2010, his line of ready-to-cook meals that allows people to enjoy his delicious dishes from the comfort of their own homes.
In addition to his TV work, Kapoor co-owns the popular TV channel FoodFood and the cookware brand Wonderchef. He has also authored more than 150 recipe books, translated into seven Indian languages, and has his own app, website, and YouTube channel. Kapoor’s influence on Indian cuisine is immense, as he has introduced new ingredients into traditional Indian dishes, creating a culinary revolution that has been embraced by the country.
Despite his many accomplishments, Kapoor remains humble and approachable. He takes an ordinary dish and transforms it into something extraordinary, with his unique twists and flavors that make people wonder why they never thought of it before. Kapoor’s impact on Indian food television is immeasurable, and he was awarded the prestigious Padma Shri in 2017 for his contributions to Indian cuisine. In 2019, his earnings reached an impressive Rs 248 crore, a testament to his entrepreneurial spirit and passion for food.
Kunal Kapur
Kunal Kapur, a celebrated Indian chef and restaurateur, is a household name in the culinary industry. Born in New Delhi, India, he developed a passion for cooking from a young age, training under his father and grandmother. After starting his career with the Taj Group of Hotels in 2000, Kapur quickly rose to prominence and was hailed as one of India’s best chefs by India Today.
Kapur’s television career took off when he hosted and judged Master Chef India, which aired on Star Plus, and Junior Master Chef Season 1. He has also authored a cookbook, “A Chef In Every Home: The Complete Family Cook Book,” which has received widespread acclaim.
In addition to his television and literary accomplishments, Kapur is a successful restaurateur, with several establishments in India and Dubai. He co-owned Patiyala by Kunal Kapur in Dubai and Namak by Kunal Kapur in Abu Dhabi, where he presented Satvik cuisines to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and German Chancellor Ms. Merkel.
Kapur’s talent has been recognized worldwide, and he was awarded the prestigious ‘Sir Edmund Hillary Fellowship 2012’ from the Government of New Zealand in the field of Food & Beverages.
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Ranveer Brar
Chef Ranveer Brar is a celebrated culinary expert from India, widely known for his expertise as a restaurateur, author, and television personality. Hailing from the beautiful city of Lucknow, Chef Brar is famous for his innovative and creative approach to traditional Indian cuisine. He has been a judge on several seasons of the popular cooking reality TV show MasterChef India, alongside distinguished chefs like Sanjeev Kapoor, Vikas Khanna, Garima Arora, and Vineet Bhatia. Chef Brar made his debut as a judge in season 4 of the show in 2014 and has since appeared in season 6 (2020) and season 7 (2023).
Driven by his unbridled passion for food, Chef Brar has travelled extensively across the world, exploring a multitude of culinary cultures and techniques. He achieved the remarkable feat of becoming the youngest executive chef at a five-star hotel at the age of 25. Since then, he has handled banquets at the Rashtrapati Bhawan and the Prime Minister’s residence, and cooked for several Hollywood and Bollywood celebrities both in India and the US. Chef Brar has also worked as a culinary consultant and brand ambassador for various brands, including Mercedes-Benz India and Bertolli Olive.
Chef Brar’s recipes draw inspiration from the traditional cuisine of his home state of Uttar Pradesh, imbuing them with rich flavors and a wealth of history. He has an exceptional ability to modernize traditional recipes, making them more approachable and exciting for contemporary diners. Chef Brar is also a published author, having authored several books, including his autobiography titled “Come Into My Kitchen.”
Vikas Khanna
Vikas Khanna is a true inspiration, a masterful chef, and a humanitarian with a heart of gold. Born and raised in Amritsar, India, Khanna’s passion for Indian cuisine was ignited by his grandmother, who taught him the art of cooking at a young age. With determination and a drive to succeed, Khanna established his own banquet and catering business, Lawrence Gardens, at just 17 years old.
Khanna’s talent and hard work paid off as he earned his degree in hospitality management and studied at some of the world’s top culinary schools, including Cornell University and New York University. He went on to work with renowned chefs such as Gordon Ramsay, Eric Ripert, Bobby Flay, and Jean-Georges Vongerichten, and was employed at prestigious hotel groups such as the Taj, Oberoi, Welcome, and Leela.
In addition to his impressive culinary career, Khanna is also a dedicated humanitarian and a goodwill ambassador for the Smile Foundation, an organization that supports education for underprivileged children. He has cooked for numerous charity events, including a fundraiser for President Obama, and has received several prestigious awards for his contributions to the culinary industry, including the Rising Star Chef Award by Star Chefs and recognition from the James Beard Foundation.
Khanna’s talent and passion for cooking have also led him to be a judge on the popular cooking show, MasterChef India, where he inspires and mentors aspiring chefs.
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Conclusion
In conclusion, the culinary world of India is a fascinating and dynamic space, filled with talented chefs who are pushing the boundaries of traditional cuisine and creating new and exciting dishes every day. We’ve explored the top 10 best chefs in India, each with their unique style, flavor, and technique that sets them apart from the rest. However, it’s important to note that there is no official ranking of the best chefs in India, as each chef brings their own individuality and creativity to the table.
Whether you’re a foodie, a chef, or simply someone who loves good food, we hope this list has given you a glimpse into the diverse and captivating world of Indian cuisine. From the fiery spices of the north to the delicate flavors of the south, there’s a world of taste waiting to be explored in India. So, the next time you sit down for a delicious meal, take a moment to appreciate the hard work, skill, and creativity that goes into each dish, and the chefs who make it all possible.
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