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Published on April 2, 2024
In this exclusive interview, we delve into Chef Shin's diverse culinary background, exploring the influences that have shaped his approach to cooking and his vision for Yazu.
1. Chef Vadim Shin, your culinary journey has been notably diverse, encompassing various cuisines and cultures. Could you kindly share how these rich and varied experiences have influenced and shaped your approach to cooking at Yazu?
Joining Indus Hospitality and taking on Yazu as a brand was a fortunate decision for me, timed perfectly. As a Brand Chef with extensive Pan Asian experience, aligning with a brand sharing the same direction and vision as my own was crucial in making this choice. Establishing a connection and synergy with one's superiors, particularly those who possess a shared understanding of flavors and vision, is paramount for any chef. In this regard, I consider myself fortunate to have Mr. Ranbir Nagpal, the CEO of the company, who not only brought me on board but also entrusted me with unwavering support. Drawing from my fifteen years of experience working in India, I've been able to grasp the nuances of local preferences and palate, which has proven invaluable in my role.
2. Yazu prides itself on blending tradition with modernity in its dishes. Can you share an example of a dish where you've successfully achieved this balance?
Yazu boasts a diverse array of dishes worthy of highlighting. Our Sushi and Dimsum offerings consistently garner praise and recognition, setting a high standard for excellence. Additionally, our signature dishes, including the esteemed Black Cod Miso, delectable Avocado Tartare, and tantalizing Japanese Carpaccio, stand out as exquisite culinary creations. Not to be overlooked, our "mains" category features items that standout such as our immensely popular Donburi, which continues to break sales records.
3. As a chef, you've emphasized the importance of incorporating locally beloved ingredients into your dishes. How do you strike a balance between honouring tradition and embracing new culinary challenges?
Selecting the right ingredients is an ongoing challenge for every chef, especially when introducing a cuisine that is not native to the region. We prioritize sourcing essential elements such as main basic sauces, seafood, meats, and certain fruits and vegetables from Japan/Thailand or other countries integral to the cuisine's authenticity. Meanwhile, we meticulously select other ingredients from local vendors. Our aim is to strike a balance, striving to achieve flavors that are as close to tradition and as authentic as possible.
4. You've worked in various kitchens across different countries. Could you share a particularly memorable experience or mentor who influenced your culinary career?
My journey has been a bit rocky. For a long time, I wasn't sure if I wanted to keep working in this industry. Between 2000 and 2008, I didn't have a clear idea of what I wanted to do, so I ended up wasting eight years. During that time, I was just going through life without any real passion or direction. Because of this, I don't have many experiences that particularly standout, since most of my learning was on my own.
But there's one memory that really sticks out to me: watching "Iron Chef Japan" on TV and being really impressed by Chef Masaharu Morimoto. That moment got me excited and made me think about whether I wanted to be a chef for the rest of my life. And now, I'm fully committed to my work, knowing without a doubt that this is where I belong.
5. With the rise of Asian pop culture influencing various aspects of society, including food, how do you see Yazu staying relevant and innovative in this dynamic landscape?
At Yazu, we prioritize maintaining consistency in both food quality and service, recognizing the fierce competition in our industry. However, we also understand the importance of adapting to a dynamic landscape at a measured pace. We believe in avoiding frequent changes to our menu to prevent confusion among our guests, many of whom are regular patrons drawn to Yazu for its familiar offerings. Rest assured, as long as I serve as Brand Chef at Yazu, I am committed to utilizing all my capabilities to enhance the Yazu experience for our guests.
6. Collaboration and teamwork are crucial in a restaurant setting. How do you foster a positive and collaborative environment among your staff at Yazu?
In today's world, the younger generation is notably different. There's a lack of stability and patience, which presents significant challenges. Many individuals are seeking attention constantly. However, in my approach, I strive to maintain regular communication with my team, finding a balance between being too close and too distant. While fostering close relationships isn't my primary focus, I prioritize maintaining professionalism to establish boundaries and promote understanding. This approach allows for a mix of seriousness and casualness in interactions.
Simultaneously, I keep my team engaged by consistently providing opportunities for learning and growth. Recognizing and appreciating their efforts within the team ensures that everyone feels valued and motivated. Moreover, it's crucial to create an environment where team members feel protected and supported. By sharing my experiences with them, I aim to better understand their perspectives and connect with them on a deeper level.
Another fundamental aspect of my approach is to help develop the personalities of my team members, enabling them to clarify their visions for the future. I often emphasize the importance of this, encouraging them to reflect on their aspirations and goals.
7. Outside of the kitchen, do you have any hobbies or interests that inspire or influence your cooking style?
Cooking is an art as we all know. There are certain things that inspire & motivate me to curate my food the way I do. I absolutely love music. I play the piano & guitar in my spare time and my preferred genre of music is more calm, jazz, soft pop etc. basically anything that's extremely soulful & peaceful. I think it's a part of my personality as well. Listening to such music makes me feel at home. I think that's the reason that all my recipes/creations are extremely simple & traditional and not gimmicky.
My style of cooking is certainly established from my personal interests outside of work. If I'm in a situation where I'm feeling erratic, I listen to my playlist and it instantly calms me down & helps me compose myself.
This Interview is Published Exclusively in hospitalitynews.in.
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Published on July 1, 2026
Luxury hospitality continues to evolve, and the most successful destinations are those that seamlessly blend innovation with authenticity. In the latest edition of Hospitality News, we bring you an exclusive conversation with Anand Nair, General Manager of InterContinental Chennai Mahabalipuram Resort, who shares the vision, leadership, and guest-centric philosophy that have shaped one of the region's most distinguished luxury resorts.
Since taking over the leadership of the property, Anand Nair has guided the resort through a remarkable transformation, redefining luxury while preserving the cultural heritage and coastal charm of Mahabalipuram. In this engaging feature, he offers valuable insights into how thoughtful innovation, personalised hospitality, and meaningful guest experiences continue to elevate the resort's reputation.
The conversation explores the inspiration behind the property's comprehensive reimagination, highlighting how refreshed accommodations, redesigned public spaces, enhanced dining venues, and curated recreational experiences have created a destination that resonates with today's discerning travellers. Readers will also gain a deeper understanding of how every aspect of the guest journey has been carefully designed to deliver memorable moments through personalised service and exceptional hospitality.
Anand Nair further discusses the resort's diverse offerings, from grand celebrations at the Vaibhava Ballroom and picturesque Beach Lawns to its distinctive culinary destinations, each delivering unique experiences for guests. He also shares how the resort celebrates Mahabalipuram's rich cultural and coastal identity while complementing Chennai's growing stature as a leading business and leisure destination.
Another compelling aspect of the discussion focuses on the future of hospitality, where authenticity, sustainability, wellness, and innovation are becoming increasingly important. Anand Nair also reflects on his personal philosophy of hospitality, explaining why making every guest feel genuinely valued remains the foundation of exceptional service.
This exclusive feature offers hospitality professionals, industry leaders, and travel enthusiasts an opportunity to discover the vision behind a resort that continues to redefine luxury through meaningful experiences and heartfelt service.
It was a truly insightful conversation with Anand Nair, whose perspectives highlight the evolving future of luxury hospitality and guest experiences. To read the complete interview and explore every valuable insight shared during this engaging discussion, visit the Hospitality News July Magazine on our website or grab your physical copy of the magazine.
Every successful hotel has a story, and behind every remarkable guest experience is a leader who understands that hospitality is built on people, passion, and purpose. In the latest edition of Hospitality News, we had the privilege of featuring Vinod Kumar, General Manager of Hyatt Regency Thrissur, in an insightful conversation that explores the principles driving one of Kerala's leading luxury hospitality destinations.
With years of experience across diverse hotel markets, Vinod Kumar shares how resilience, trust, and empowering teams have shaped his leadership philosophy. Throughout the conversation, he offers valuable perspectives on what it takes to create memorable guest experiences in an increasingly competitive hospitality landscape.
The interview goes beyond leadership to uncover how Hyatt Regency Thrissur continues to distinguish itself through personalized service, authentic Kerala experiences, culinary excellence, and an unwavering commitment to exceeding guest expectations. Readers will also discover his views on the growing opportunities for premium hotels in tier-2 cities, the rising demand for destination weddings, and why cultural destinations like Thrissur are becoming increasingly attractive to both leisure and business travellers.
One of the most engaging parts of the discussion revolves around balancing technology with genuine human connection. Vinod Kumar explains how innovation should complement, not replace the warmth and personalized interactions that define exceptional hospitality. He also addresses the industry's evolving challenges, including changing guest expectations, talent retention, sustainability, operational efficiency, and the importance of continuous innovation.
The conversation further highlights what makes Hyatt Regency Thrissur a preferred venue for grand destination weddings, showcasing its expansive event spaces, personalized celebrations, curated culinary experiences, and dedicated planning expertise that transform every occasion into an unforgettable celebration.
This exclusive feature offers hospitality professionals, industry leaders, aspiring hoteliers, and travel enthusiasts an opportunity to gain meaningful insights from a seasoned leader who continues to shape guest experiences with vision and excellence.
It was truly a pleasure speaking with Vinod Kumar and learning about the strategies, values, and experiences that continue to strengthen Hyatt Regency Thrissur's position in the hospitality industry. To read the complete interview and explore every insight shared during this engaging conversation, visit the Hospitality News July Magazine on our website or grab your physical copy of the magazine.
As India's hospitality sector enters a new phase of growth, success is increasingly being driven by visionary leadership, strategic investments, and a long-term approach to asset creation. In the latest edition of Hospitality News, we feature an exclusive conversation with Rayan Aranha, Vice President of Brigade Hotel Ventures Limited (BHVL), who shares valuable insights into the evolving dynamics of India's branded hospitality landscape and the company's vision for sustainable growth.
With an impressive career spanning renowned hospitality brands and extensive expertise in operations, financial planning, and hotel asset management, Rayan Aranha offers readers a comprehensive perspective on how the industry is transforming beyond traditional hotel operations. Throughout the conversation, he reflects on his leadership journey, highlighting how the transition from managing hotels to building a scalable hospitality platform has shaped his strategic outlook.
The interview explores the importance of organisational culture in creating consistent guest experiences while empowering teams across diverse hotel portfolios. Rayan also explains how BHVL differentiates itself through a disciplined owner-led approach, strong partnerships with leading global hospitality brands, and a clear focus on long-term asset value rather than short-term expansion.
Readers will also discover his views on the growing role of technology in enhancing guest experiences, improving operational efficiency, and enabling more personalised hospitality. Equally compelling is his discussion on the financial metrics that drive decision-making, including revenue optimisation, profitability, operational discipline, and sustainable performance across the company's expanding portfolio.
The conversation further examines the increasing convergence between real estate and hospitality, revealing how integrated developments are creating new opportunities for the sector. Rayan also shares BHVL's roadmap for future expansion, outlining the company's plans to strengthen its presence across South India while exploring emerging Tier-II markets through a disciplined mix of greenfield and brownfield developments.
This exclusive feature offers hospitality professionals, investors, hotel owners, and business leaders an opportunity to gain valuable insights into the strategic thinking behind one of India's leading hospitality asset owners and developers.
It was a truly enriching conversation with Rayan Aranha, whose perspectives provide a deeper understanding of the evolving hospitality landscape and the future of asset-led growth in India. To read the complete interview and explore every insight shared during this engaging discussion, visit the Hospitality News July Magazine on our website or grab your physical copy of the magazine.
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