A PhD’s Passion for Food Drives Culinary Innovation at MOGLU

A PhD’s Passion for Food Drives Culinary Innovation at MOGLU

Chef Kiran Narayanan

Published on January 2, 2025

Chef Kiran Narayanan's transition from computational physics to culinary excellence is a testament to the power of passion. The co-founder of MOGLU, a premium casual dining restaurant in Bangalore, Kiran has not only defied conventional career paths but has also redefined modern dining with his scientific approach to food. With his wife, Ankita, a former IRS officer and trained yoga teacher, Kiran opened MOGLU as a space where culinary innovation and community come together.

Kiran's love for food began early, thanks to his childhood experiences living across India. The varied regional cuisines sparked a lifelong curiosity about flavors and cooking techniques. By the age of 10, Kiran was already learning how to cook with guidance from his gardener and local community members. "Food was always part of my life. I learned from the people around me, from grandmothers to neighborhood aunties," Kiran shares. Despite a successful career in science and engineering, his passion for food remained. At 39, after completing a PhD and founding a tech company, he decided to pursue his dream of becoming a chef, enrolling at the Institute of Culinary Education in New York.

Kiran's stints in Michelin-starred kitchens like Dirt Candy and ABCV provided invaluable lessons in process, staff management, and kitchen design. "It’s about consistency—how to create the same dish perfectly every time," Kiran explains. The attention to detail and the focus on the people behind the food are principles he brought to MOGLU, where he cultivates a culture of growth and innovation.

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At MOGLU, Kiran embraces the challenge of working with indigenous ingredients and heirloom grains. "Using local ingredients forces you to be creative, to think about flavor profiles and textures in new ways," he says. The restaurant's seasonal menus celebrate this approach, offering diners an evolving experience that reflects both local trends and global influences. "Experimentation is key, but we keep it balanced with careful planning. We don’t need more than three iterations to perfect a dish," Kiran adds.

The Chef’s Tasting Menu at MOGLU is particularly noted for its bold and creative pairings. "There’s no formula for it—it’s inspired by seasonality, trends, and the inspiration I draw from travel and experimentation," Kiran shares. One of the restaurant's unique offerings is its fermentation lab, where Kiran creates small-batch kombuchas and ferments that enhance the flavor profiles of dishes. "Fermentation gives us control over quality and consistency, and it adds an entirely new dimension to our food," he explains.

Looking ahead, Kiran’s vision for MOGLU is clear: to create a place that fosters community through food while maintaining a strong commitment to quality and innovation. "For me, success isn’t about hyper-growth; it’s about building something that lasts, that people love, and that provides a meaningful experience," he says.

With MOGLU, Chef Kiran Narayanan has not only made his mark on Bangalore’s culinary scene but also demonstrated how passion and creativity can lead to exceptional dining experiences. The restaurant is more than just a place to eat; it’s a space where food becomes a journey of discovery, tradition, and innovation.

Catch the complete interview in the January edition of Hospitality News Magazine, available on our website.


Bakul Pednekar on Building a Workplace Where People Feel Heard, Valued & Empowered

Bakul Pednekar on Building a Workplace Where People Feel Heard, Valued & Empowered

Bakul Pednekar

Published on July 1, 2025

Bakul Pednekar, the Director of People and Culture at Four Seasons Hotel Bengaluru, is on a mission to create more than just an excellent place to work, he’s building a workplace where people feel truly heard, valued, and empowered. With over two decades in hospitality, Bakul brings global perspective and local sensitivity to shaping people strategies that go beyond roles and hierarchies.

Under his leadership, Four Seasons isn’t merely positioning itself as a luxury brand but as a people-first organisation where careers are nurtured with intent and care. From tackling pressing industry challenges like talent shortages and rising attrition, to developing skillsets tailored for an increasingly luxury-focused market, Bakul is aligning long-term growth with evolving industry needs.

He’s also made learning a cornerstone, with a dynamic mix of digital modules, classroom sessions, soft skills workshops, and mentoring that not only upskill teams but also instill confidence and curiosity. Initiatives like the lively “Four Teams” programme, where employees compete in everything from wellness activities to culinary contests have added a spirited, collaborative edge to engagement, strengthening bonds across departments.

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For Bakul, leadership is inseparable from culture. By embedding empathy into management training, encouraging open dialogue, and fostering psychological safety, he’s ensuring Four Seasons remains a place where people feel respected and inspired to grow.

As he puts it, “We position ourselves not just as a luxury brand, but as a people-first organisation where careers are nurtured with purpose.”

Want more?
Read our full interview with Bakul Pednekar in our website e-magazine to see how Four Seasons Hotel Bengaluru is creating a future-ready, values-led hospitality workforce and what that means for the industry at large.


Faisal Nafees on Elevating Lonavala: More Than a Stay, It’s a Soulful Journey

Faisal Nafees on Elevating Lonavala: More Than a Stay, It’s a Soulful Journey

Faisal Nafees

Published on July 1, 2025

Faisal Nafees, the General Manager of Radisson Resort & Spa, Lonavala, is on a mission to make luxury travel more meaningful. With over two decades in hospitality, Faisal combines global experience with a passion for creating authentic, people-first spaces. Under his leadership, this picturesque hill-station resort isn’t just offering stays, it’s crafting soulful getaways that linger in memory.

From the start, Faisal has focused on turning Radisson Lonavala into a true destination. He’s brought a global eye for operational excellence to this uniquely local setting, ensuring the resort stands out not only for its comfort but for experiences that connect guests with the very spirit of Lonavala.

For leisure travellers, there are immersive wellness retreats set against the tranquil Sahyadris and signature culinary journeys like the Khema Dinner: a regal feast under the stars inspired by Maratha traditions, brought to life with organic produce from the resort’s own gardens. Meanwhile, corporate guests enjoy thoughtfully curated MICE experiences that balance productivity with relaxation, proving that even business trips can be enriching.

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Sustainability is a cornerstone here. As a Hotel Sustainability Basics verified property, Radisson Lonavala blends eco-conscious architecture with a commitment to local sourcing, waste management, and reduced plastic use. The result is a stay that feels both indulgent and responsible, something today’s discerning guests increasingly seek.

Looking ahead, Faisal and his team are raising the bar even higher. Guests can look forward to new luxury villas for more private escapes, Lonavala’s first rooftop sky lounge promising panoramic views and vibrant dining, and wellness collaborations that transform weekends into holistic rejuvenations.

As Faisal puts it, “Ultimately, our aim is to make Radisson Lonavala more than a place to stay, it is a destination where every visit is meaningful, every detail is intentional, and every guest leaves with a sense of warmth, care, and authenticity.”

Want more? 

Read our full interview with Faisal Nafees in our website e-magazine to see how Radisson Lonavala is setting new standards for luxury in the hills.


Where Elegance Meets Experience: Pranav Rungta’s Nksha Journey

Where Elegance Meets Experience: Pranav Rungta’s Nksha Journey

Pranav Rungta

Published on June 30, 2025

Every great dining destination begins with a story and at Nksha, one of South Mumbai’s most celebrated fine-dining addresses, that story is steeped in the timeless elegance of Bombay’s golden era. In a Hospitality News July edition exclusive, we sit down with Pranav Rungta, Co-founder and Director of Nksha, and Vice President of NRAI Mumbai Chapter, who gives us a glimpse into how nostalgia, innovation, and heartfelt hospitality converge to create something unforgettable.

Pranav’s journey in hospitality began in 2007 with Garden of Eden in Pune, but it is through Nksha that his philosophy has truly found form. At its core, Nksha is a tribute not just to a city, but to the soul of Indian hospitality. From Art Deco-inspired interiors to reimagined North Indian classics, Pranav explains how the past and present harmoniously coexist to shape an experience that’s as aesthetically rich as it is emotionally resonant.

He walks us through Nksha’s defining moments, like the success of the thoughtfully curated High Tea menu, which emerged not just from trend-watching, but from keen observation of the city’s shifting rhythms and cultural needs. It's this commitment to relevance that defines Nksha’s innovation rooted in tradition, yet constantly evolving.

Design and cuisine, Pranav shares, are treated not as separate aspects, but as chapters of the same story. From vintage lighting to the crockery on the table, everything at Nksha is about crafting a narrative that guests feel part of one that unfolds with each bite and every glance around.

Beyond the restaurant, Pranav’s influence in the National Restaurant Association of India (NRAI) allows him to mentor emerging talent and contribute to a growing culture of culinary exploration across India.

As for what lies ahead? Pop-ups, potential expansion, and newer ways to surprise guests yet always with a clear intent to stay true to Nksha’s essence.

 It was a pleasure to explore the mind behind Nksha in this enriching conversation. Dive into the complete interview in the July edition of Hospitalitynews magazine, available on our website and in print.