Top 10 Indian Chefs In The World In 2024
Chefs worldwide recognize that obtaining a Michelin star is the apex of their careers. Any restaurant employing a three or four-star Michelin chef instantly gains prestige. This accolade is awarded to the best restaurants globally for their excellence in culinary arts. Achieving a Michelin star is difficult, as they are awarded by anonymous diners who assess if the restaurant and chefs meet high standards. Reviewers evaluate various factors, including food quality, consistency, hospitality, and chef performance. This rating has been in place for over a century, thanks to the Michelin tire company's founders. Since the 1920s, it has been the coveted standard for chefs after the Michelin brothers hired secret diners to evaluate restaurants. From a one-star “very good” restaurant to a three-star “exceptional cuisine,” chefs who reach this level are truly remarkable.
Many Indian restaurants and their chefs have reached this level of culinary excellence, employing some of the most renowned Indian chefs. Chefs who bring prestige to their Indian restaurants hold a unique place in this form of culinary artistry. Let us look at ten Indian chefs who have received Michelin stars.
Vikas Khanna
Chef Khanna, born in Amritsar, Punjab, moved to the U.S. to fulfill his dream of becoming a world-renowned chef. His first restaurant venture ended after September 11, 2001. His culinary skills gained recognition three years later at the James Beard House. In 2006, he opened Spice Route and later Junoon in New York. He also founded the Feed India charity, which fed millions during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Atul Kochhar
Chef Kochhar was one of the first Indians to receive a Michelin star for his London restaurant, Tamarind, in 2001. He has since opened several restaurants, including one in London’s Mayfair District, earning him a second Michelin star. He returned to Delhi after 20 years in the U.K. to open Saga, specializing in goat curry and tikka masala.
Vineet Bhatia
Chef Bhatia, born in Mumbai, began his career in Kandahar and hotel restaurants in Delhi and Mumbai. He moved to the U.K. and became known for blending various culinary styles with Indian food. In 1999, he opened Zaika in Chelsea, earning his first Michelin star in 2001. His restaurant Rasoi in Geneva received another Michelin star in 2009 but relocated to London.
Garima Arora
Chef Arora gained fame at Bangkok’s Gaa restaurant in 2017, serving traditional Indian cuisine with modern global flavors. In 2018, she became the first Indian woman to receive a Michelin star and was named Asia’s Best Female Chef in 2019. She studied at Le Cordon Bleu in Paris and trained with Gordon Ramsey before advancing in the culinary world.
Sriram Aylur
Chef Aylur leads Quilon in London, holding a Michelin star for 14 years since 2008. He innovates with southwestern Indian cuisine, making dishes like black cod and masala dosa well-loved.
Srijith Gopinathan
Chef Gopinathan combines South Indian spices with modern flair. He began his career at the Culinary Institute of America and refined his skills under Chef Raymond Blanc in England. He has been the Taj Hotel’s head chef for over a decade, earning two Michelin stars in 2017.
Vicky Ratnani
Chef Ratnani, awarded Best Chef of the Year in 2015, is known for unique recipes. He hosts NDTV’s “Vicky Goes Fetch,” sharing his culinary adventures globally.
Sanjeev Kapoor
Chef Kapoor, famous for the 1990s show “Khana Khazana,” made Indian cooking accessible. His restaurant, The Yellow Chili, features recipes from his show. He set a Guinness World Record in 2017 by cooking 918kg of khichdi.
Pankaj Bhadouria
Chef Bhadouria rose to fame after winning MasterChef India season one. A former teacher, she now teaches cooking on shows like “3 Course With Pankaj” and runs her own cooking school.
Ajay Chopra
Chef Chopra, a judge on MasterChef India, is known for creative recipes that modernize traditional Indian dishes. He promotes cooking at home and has his own show, “High Tea with Ajay.”
Summary:
India is renowned for its rich food heritage, and its cuisine is among the best globally. Indian chefs are gaining international recognition, blending traditional and innovative cooking methods to showcase their exceptional culinary talents.
