La Marvella's Culinary Edge: Chef Rajendran Discusses Diverse Cuisines and Teamwork

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Published on December 8, 2023

Executive Chef Vignesh Rajendran of La Marvella, Bengaluru, boasts over two decades in the culinary world, leading 28 chefs and 10 kitchen assistants. He specializes in multi-cuisine menus, excelling in dishes ranging from South Indian dosas to Continental cuisines. Known for his high standards in recipes, presentation, and portion control, Chef Rajendran ensures exceptional dining experiences. His career, starting as a Commis at Hotel Savera, Chennai, includes roles at One&Only Reethi Rah, Atlantis Resorts, and as Executive Sous Chef at The Chancery Group. His commitment to culinary excellence is evident in his collaborations with international chefs and in crafting diverse, memorable cuisines.

In an exclusive interview with Hospitality News, Executive Chef Vignesh Rajendran from La Marvella, Bangalore, shared his insights on various aspects of the culinary experience at the hotel. Discussing La Marvella's diverse food offerings and his personal experience with various cuisines, Chef Rajendran stated:

"At La Marvella, our culinary offerings extend beyond traditional boundaries, encompassing a diverse array of cuisines that seamlessly blend the traditional with the contemporary. While we take pride in presenting authentic and time-honored dishes, our commitment to innovation is evident in our exploration of contemporary culinary expressions. Within the rich history of South Indian cuisine, we explore the distinctive flavors of Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka, Bangalore, and Andhra Pradesh. Each regional cuisine is meticulously crafted to showcase its unique culinary heritage, offering our guests a culinary journey through the southern part of India. In addition to our exploration of South Indian delights, we bring the essence of North Indian cuisine to our tables with the artful preparation of tandoor dishes. Renowned for its roots in traditional North Indian cooking, our tandoor section stands out as a pinnacle of fine dining within our hotel. The meticulous preparation and presentation of tandoori dishes have earned them not only a place on our menu but also the heartfelt appreciation of our discerning guests. My culinary journey at La Marvella began with a specialization in South Indian cooking, focusing on the intricacies and flavors unique to the region. Over the years, I have expanded my expertise to include contemporary South Indian cuisine, adding a modern twist to the traditional fare. This journey has endowed me with a wealth of experience in curating diverse and delectable menus that come as naturally as savoring a fine meal. In essence, our culinary repertoire at La Marvella is a reflection of our passion for offering a harmonious blend of tradition and innovation, where each dish tells a story of culinary craftsmanship and dedication to creating an exceptional dining experience."

When asked about fostering teamwork among his culinary staff for a smooth and efficient kitchen operation, Chef Rajendran elaborated:

"Conveying the nuances of our culinary philosophy to the chefs under my guidance is a significant responsibility. It's imperative for them to not only understand the 'what' and 'how' of their tasks but also the 'why.' Stepping into a restaurant signifies entering a unique atmosphere, distinct from the bustling kitchen. To bridge this gap, we provide one-on-one training, urging our kitchen team to experience dining in the restaurant themselves. As chefs, it's crucial for them to grasp the guest's perspective. Dining in the restaurant offers insights into guest expectations, a key element in our service. This immersive training ensures that the kitchen staff becomes an integral part of the overall dining experience. Mere verbal instructions like reducing spice levels won't suffice. We emphasize that the kitchen staff needs to comprehend the commitment made by the service team regarding spice levels, ingredients, and other specific preferences. To facilitate this understanding, we implement cross-training, ensuring that both kitchen and service staff are well-versed in each other's domains. Motivation plays a pivotal role in driving this collaborative approach, inspiring our team to embrace a holistic understanding of the entire culinary process."

This conversation with Chef Rajendran offered a fascinating look into the meticulous culinary operations and the teamwork ethos at La Marvella. For a more in-depth exploration of these insights, viewers can watch the complete interview on the Hospitality News YouTube channel.

The full details of this engaging discussion are also available in the December issue of Hospitality News, accessible through our website.


The Sommeliers Association of India Is Crafting a New Narrative for Indian Wine

The Sommeliers Association of India Is Crafting a New Narrative for Indian Wine

Nishang Narayan

Published on June 2, 2025

The Sommeliers Association of India (SAI) isn’t just another wine club—it’s a movement. Founded in 2024 by Amrita Singh and world-renowned sommelier Mattia Antonio Cianca, SAI is India’s first national sommelier association aligned with the Association de la Sommellerie Internationale (ASI).

Their mission? To elevate Indian wine education, represent India at global sommelier contests, and create pathways for young professionals to thrive in the global hospitality space.

Inside the Article: The SAI Vision That’s Changing the Game

  • Why the absence of an Indian representative at the 2023 ASI Best Sommelier of the World contest led to the birth of SAI.
  • How international certifications like the ASI Diploma (now introduced in India) are setting new benchmarks for excellence.
  • The powerful impact of being affiliated with global platforms like JancisRobinson.com, GuildSomm, and ASI.

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  • Why pairing wine with Indian cuisine isn’t just possible—it’s revolutionary. Think regional curries, spice blends, and global wines in harmony.
  • How SAI membership is opening up access to mentorships, global internships, and exclusive wine training events across India.
  • What the future holds—positioning India as a major player in wine education, tourism, and fine-dining excellence on the global map.

The full article on SAI is out now in our June 2025 edition of Hospitality News!
Discover how this non-profit is shaking up India’s wine scene, nurturing sommelier talent, and making wine a celebration of both taste and tradition.


Shivam & Riddhi Bhagat: 200 Years of Bhagat Halwai, Served Fresh

Shivam & Riddhi Bhagat: 200 Years of Bhagat Halwai, Served Fresh

Nishang Narayan

Published on June 2, 2025

As Bhagat Halwai completes over 200 years of legacy, the iconic Agra-based sweet brand is finding its modern voice through two young, passionate leaders: Shivam Bhagat, Director, and Riddhi Bhagat, Strategic Director.

Stepping into the family business at just 19, Shivam has remained rooted in tradition while redefining how mithai connects with a new generation. Meanwhile, Riddhi brings her hospitality background and entrepreneurial drive into play—crafting mindful, wholesome offerings like “Binge on Baked,” a health-forward brand under the Bhagat Halwai umbrella. Together, they’re proving that legacy doesn’t have to mean outdated—it can mean dependable and dynamic.

Inside the Interview: How They’re Reimagining Mithai for Today’s India

In this heartwarming and forward-looking interview, Shivam and Riddhi share:

  • How a 1795 legacy brand stays fresh through seasonal specials, premium ingredients, and a blend of nostalgia and novelty.
  • Why health-conscious consumers are now at the center of product innovation—from sugar-free mithai to organic ingredients and locally sourced produce.
  • The big festive game plan—including how Bhagat Halwai scales operations, curates gifting options, and delivers joy at scale.
  • How Bhagat Halwai builds lifelong relationships, turning everyday customers into loyal patrons through flavour, service, and trust.
  • The role of creativity and strategy in taking heritage brands beyond sweets—into savouries, multi-cuisine offerings, and modern snacking.

The full interview with Shivam & Riddhi Bhagat is now out in our June 2025 issue of Hospitality News!

Don’t miss this inspiring story of two next-gen leaders keeping tradition alive—while boldly stepping into the future of food.

Read the full feature now at: https://hospitalitynews.in/e-magzines  


Flavours with Purpose: Chef Peter’s Pan-Asian Journey

Flavours with Purpose: Chef Peter’s Pan-Asian Journey

Chef Te Yuan Peter Tseng

Published on June 2, 2025

In this exclusive feature for Hospitalitynews, we had the pleasure of sitting down with Chef Te Yuan Peter Tseng, the visionary Culinary Director of Pricol Gourmet Pvt. Ltd., and the creative force behind the vibrant flavours at Soy Soi. Known to many as Chef Peter, he brings a deep sense of purpose and artistry to his cuisine, which reflects across every plate at Soy Soi and Little Soi.

In this engaging conversation, Chef Peter walks us through his culinary philosophy—one rooted in simplicity, tradition, and balance. His defining dish, Hainan Chicken Rice, reflects his belief that a humble plate, when done right, can speak volumes. As he puts it, a dish may appear minimal, but if it strikes harmony in taste and technique, it represents something much deeper.

Chef Peter also shares what makes Soy Soi stand apart in the competitive world of Pan-Asian dining. With a bold departure from the expected, the restaurant curates lesser-known regional street foods from across Southeast Asia, blending authenticity with innovation. It’s not just about flavour—it’s an experience woven together with ambience and hospitality.

The conversation dives deeper into his creative process, career-defining moments across cities like Chennai, Dubai, and Bangkok, and his vision for where Pan-Asian cuisine is headed in India. His take on “freestyle Asian” dining presents a promising outlook for evolving palates in the country.

What stands out is his thoughtful approach to leadership—where kitchen culture, mentorship, and staff well-being are prioritised as key ingredients to success.

This inspiring conversation with Chef Peter is more than a feature—it’s a masterclass in culinary creativity and team building.

To explore the full interview, grab your June Edition of Hospitalitynews or read it on our website today.