Chef Balkrishan has joined Saffron Indian Bistro in Virginia Beach, USA, as Executive Chef, bringing 18 years of Indian culinary experience and extensive international culinary experience across the United States, Canada, Bermuda, India, and cruise operations.

A specialist in Indian curry, Hyderabadi biryani, North Indian cuisine, and modern Indian fusion, Chef Balkrishan will oversee the restaurant’s kitchen operations, menu development, food quality, and culinary team. His responsibilities will include developing seasonal menus and chef specials, maintaining consistency in preparation and presentation, managing inventory and food costs, and ensuring food safety and sanitation standards.

His culinary foundation was further strengthened through professional training at Taj Umaid Bhawan Palace in Jodhpur, Rajasthan, where he gained exposure to luxury hospitality standards, traditional Indian culinary practices, kitchen discipline, and professional food preparation techniques. The training contributed to his understanding of fine-hospitality operations and the importance of consistency, presentation, and service standards in a luxury environment.

Chef Balkrishan has expertise in preparations including Butter Chicken, Jalfrezi, Dal Makhani, Rogan Josh, Dum Ka Murgh, Lamb Chop Awadhi and Hyderabadi Dum Ki Biryani, Uttrakhandi cuisine, along with seafood and contemporary Indian dishes. His experience also includes traditional tandoor techniques, spice blending, modern plating and high-volume kitchen operations.

“My focus at Saffron Indian Bistro will be to present Indian cuisine with authenticity while maintaining consistency, quality and contemporary presentation. My training and experience in different hospitality environments have helped me understand the importance of both traditional culinary techniques and modern kitchen standards. I look forward to working with the culinary team to develop dishes that respect traditional flavours while responding to the expectations of today’s diners,” said Chef Balkrishan.

His international career includes Saffron Indian Cuisine/Saffron Indian Cafe in Durham and Cary, North Carolina; Fishhook in Victoria, British Columbia; Coral Beach and Tennis Club in Bermuda; Thomas United Company Limited (Four Star Pizza) in Bermuda; Carnival Cruise Lines; and The Lalit Bangalore.

His professional development also includes training at Taj Umaid Bhawan Palace, Jodhpur, adding luxury-hospitality exposure to his broader culinary background. At Saffron Indian Bistro, Chef Balkrishan will lead daily kitchen operations, menu innovation, staff development and quality control. His responsibilities will also include purchasing and vendor coordination, inventory management, kitchen scheduling, culinary training and compliance with U.S. food safety standards.

Chef Balkrishan received the Master Chef Award in 2024 from the Royal Bengal Master Chef Organization and the Master Chef Award from India Star World Record in 2025. He also authored “TYOHAR COOKBOOK,” published in Dehradun in 2019, documenting Indian culinary traditions and recipes. His combination of international experience, luxury-hospitality training and knowledge of Indian regional cuisine now forms the foundation of his new role at Saffron Indian Bistro in Virginia Beach.