Crafting Culinary Excellence Through Open Leadership: Interview with Executive Chef Daya Shanker Chaubey

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Published on September 1, 2023

In this edition of Chef Choice, we had the opportunity to engage in a conversation with the accomplished Executive Chef, Daya Shanker Chaubey, of Courtyard by Marriott, Chennai.

1. Share us a bit about your culinary background and your journey to becoming an executive chef.

I wasn't particularly passionate about cooking before enrolling in the Hotel Management course at PUSA, New Delhi. Initially, I had doubts about the program. However, after joining IHM PUSA and completing hands-on training at Le Meridien Hotel, New Delhi, I discovered my interest in assisting the skilled chefs. This experience convinced me that I could excel in the culinary field.

As I learned advanced cooking techniques, I gradually transitioned from a novice to a line chef. My first job was at ITC Sonar Bangla Kolkata, where I had the opportunity to be mentored by three master chefs, each specializing in a different area. Under their guidance, I received comprehensive training that laid the foundation for my culinary career. Their encouragement and teachings equipped me with the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in the kitchen.

Inspired by their mentorship, I decided to pursue a career as a chef. Now, with 18 years of experience in the industry, I am proud to hold the position of executive chef at my current establishment.

2 How do your culinary values and leadership style influence the dining experience at your establishment?

My leadership style in the kitchen is characterized by a balanced approach. I embrace an atmosphere of openness and wholeheartedly endorse the notion that all members of my kitchen team should be actively engaged and encouraged to voice their perspectives. In situations where clarity is lacking, I have traditionally facilitated discussions and convened meetings to swiftly resolve any uncertainties. This culture of transparency plays a pivotal role in maintaining our collective focus on our primary objective.

3 How do you manage and resolve a challenging situation while handling a diverse culinary team?

I'd like to discuss the amalgamation of diverse cultures. My educational journey began in Delhi, extended to Kolkata, and later led me to various hotels across India, each with distinct brands and regions. This pattern of diversity emerged consistently throughout my career.

To address this, I firmly advocate for unity amid diversity. My exposure to varied cultures and backgrounds has reinforced this belief. A pivotal moment emerged during a significant event when my diverse team faced role confusion. I swiftly organized a comprehensive meeting.

During this session, I meticulously outlined each role and its tasks, with communication being the cornerstone. Recognizing miscommunication's hindrance, I focused on aligning the team. As understanding grew, operations flowed seamlessly. Our achievement culminated in a celebratory gathering.

Our success underscored alignment's potency, even among members from diverse states and culinary backgrounds. Though challenging, we triumphed through clear communication, thorough briefings, and collective alignment, effectively achieving our goal.

4 What is your personal favorite dish to enjoy when you are not in the kitchen?

As a chef, I'm passionate about exploring diverse cuisines. While traveling, I make it a point to sample a wide range of foods. Professionally, I'm dedicated to tasting, cooking, and presenting dishes for our guests. In my personal meals, I prefer simplicity, opting for vegetables, fruits, juices, and light options.

A favorite of mine is yellow Dal Tadka with abundant fried garlic, accompanied by pan-cooked spinach and a lightly prepared paneer dish for protein. I lean towards uncomplicated and health-conscious choices. While I enjoy trying new foods while traveling, my personal preferences revolve around Dal Tadka, paneer dishes, flatbreads, and chapatis – reflecting my love for both culinary variety and wholesome eating.

5 What culinary trends do you predict will emerge in the next five years? How do you plan to incorporate or respond to them in your menu?

In the upcoming five years, a surge in health consciousness will steer dietary choices. Growing awareness about well-being is driving a shift towards vegetarian diets and calorie mindfulness. Health insights are easily accessible via mobile devices, accentuating the urgency for swift adaptation. Taking prompt action, we must introduce inventive, genuine plant-based and protein-rich alternatives.

At Marriott, we're already proactive in integrating plant-based options into our menu. Adhering to the principle of a 30% plant-based menu, this strategy is already in motion. Over the next five years, the trend toward health-centric diets and reduced meat consumption will intensify, and our approach should align accordingly.

Remaining attuned to guest expectations is paramount. Rigorous guest feedback analysis allows us to refine our offerings. Items that don't resonate can be replaced, guided by invaluable insights. Anticipating trends, I foresee the prominence of plant-based choices escalating within 2-3 years, solidifying their importance sooner than the five-year projection.

6 What advice would you give to young people aspiring to work in the star hotel industry?

I'd stress the significance of strong work ethics, dedication, and a fervent appetite for learning. The progression from kitchen novice to executive chef hinges on these attributes. The transition isn't immediate; it's a methodical process that commences with formal culinary education, forming the bedrock for entry into renowned establishments.

My advice is to embark on this journey from the outset, acknowledging the distinctive nature of the culinary domain. It necessitates grounding in fundamental kitchen dynamics. This involves a humble beginning, embracing essentials, and maintaining receptivity to wisdom from all quarters. Adhering to kitchen protocols, though stringent, lays the groundwork for lasting growth and propels your ascent to the role of executive chef.

Throughout this journey, unwavering work ethics, steadfast commitment, and an unquenchable thirst for growth are the guiding lights.

Shaping Colombo’s Luxury Hospitality Landscape: A Conversation with Andreas Streiber

Andreas Streiber

Published on March 1, 2026

In an exclusive interaction with Hospitality News, seasoned hospitality leader Andreas Streiber offered a thoughtful and compelling perspective on leadership, guest experience, and the evolving role of luxury hotels in dynamic city destinations. As the General Manager of Shangri-La Colombo, Andreas brings with him over 25 years of global experience with the Shangri-La Group, shaping his people-first philosophy and deeply rooted approach to service excellence.

Drawing from a career that spans multiple international markets, Andreas reflected on how global exposure has influenced his leadership style. He emphasised adaptability, cultural sensitivity, and empathy as critical elements in managing diverse teams and meeting the expectations of an increasingly global guest profile. According to him, understanding cultural nuances and fostering inclusive team environments are essential to delivering meaningful and authentic hospitality experiences.

Speaking about Shangri-La Colombo, Andreas described the property as more than just a luxury urban hotel. As a landmark development and the first new luxury hotel to open in Colombo in over three decades, it represents confidence in the city’s future as a global destination. He highlighted the hotel’s unique balance of contemporary elegance and Sri Lankan heritage, positioning it as a social and cultural hub for both international travellers and local communities.

Operational excellence remains a cornerstone of his leadership. Andreas shared insights into the importance of strong training programmes, quality control, and the strategic use of guest feedback to ensure consistency across service and performance. He also underlined the role of accountability and teamwork in delivering seamless guest experiences in a large luxury environment.

Food and beverage, he noted, plays a powerful role in shaping a hotel’s identity. By blending authentic local flavours with global culinary influences, the hotel aims to create dining experiences that are both culturally rich and emotionally engaging.

Looking ahead, Andreas outlined his vision for Shangri-La Colombo, one centred on deeper guest engagement, an inclusive and empowered team culture, and long-term leadership in sustainable luxury hospitality.

This insightful exchange offered a rare glimpse into the mindset of a leader shaping one of Colombo’s most iconic hospitality destinations. It was truly a great conversation, and we invite you to explore the complete interview in the Hospitality News March magazine, available on our website and in the physical print edition.

Shreya Malpani on Building the Future of Experiential Entertainment

Shreya Malpani

Published on March 1, 2026

As India’s leisure and entertainment industry enters a more experience-driven era, leadership clarity and operational precision are becoming defining factors of success. In an exclusive conversation with Hospitality News, Shreya Malpani, Director at the Malpani Group, shared powerful insights into how immersive destinations are being built for the modern Indian consumer.

Representing a new generation within the Group’s legacy, she is closely involved with brands such as ImagicaaWorld and Dave & Buster’s in India. Her vision signals a shift from traditional arcade-led formats to integrated, design-forward ecosystems where food, technology, and play converge seamlessly.

At the heart of her leadership philosophy lies clarity of vision and uncompromising experience standards. She emphasised that while multiple formats may operate under one umbrella, alignment in guest experience principles is non-negotiable. For her, strategy cannot remain disconnected from operations. Brand storytelling, team culture and on-ground delivery must move in sync to ensure experience integrity at scale.

Marketing, she explained, must evoke emotion before promoting offers. Campaigns are built around how guests should feel, ensuring that the promise communicated externally is consistently delivered internally. Emotional recall, according to her, is the true measure of brand strength in entertainment.

Reflecting on launching Dave & Buster’s in India, she highlighted a critical learning: global formats must be contextualised. Indian consumers are aspirational yet discerning, requiring a fine balance between international benchmarks and local cultural relevance. Authenticity and operational discipline, she noted, are essential to sustaining credibility.

On balancing creativity with operational excellence, she advocates “disciplined creativity”- encouraging bold ideas within structured systems that protect brand standards. Innovation, when supported by process, becomes sustainable.

Looking ahead, she sees integrated, multi-format destinations, personalization, immersive technology, and community-driven programming shaping the future of leisure in India.

It was a great conversation we had with her, one that reflects ambition, structure, and a clear direction for experiential growth. To explore the complete interaction, read the full feature in the HospitalityNews March Magazine on our website and secure your physical copy for an in-depth industry perspective.

People, Purpose, and Culinary Leadership

Chef V. Bharathan

Published on February 1, 2026

In an exclusive featured interaction with Hospitality News, Executive Chef V. Bharathan offers rare insights into the values and discipline that have shaped his remarkable journey in hospitality. From beginning his career at the very entry level of Food & Beverage service to leading complex culinary operations at Bengaluru Airport’s Terminal 1, his story reflects resilience, consistency, and purpose-led leadership.

Now serving as Executive Chef at Avolta India, Chef Bharathan speaks candidly about the formative years that taught him patience, humility, and endurance, and the mentors who shaped his belief that leadership must be firm on standards yet humane in practice. He also reflects on balancing authenticity and innovation while cooking for fast-moving, diverse traveller audiences, ensuring comfort without compromising culinary identity.

The conversation further explores his pioneering work in fireless and knifeless kitchen systems, developed to enhance safety, efficiency, and team confidence in high-volume airport environments. Equally compelling are his thoughts on inclusive employment, where dignity, trust, and opportunity emerge as the true pillars of hospitality.

This thoughtful exchange goes beyond food, revealing a leader driven by character, discipline, and conscience. It is a meaningful conversation that captures the evolving essence of culinary leadership in India today.

Readers can explore the complete interview in the Hospitality News February Magazine, available on our website and in the physical print edition.