Chef Himanshu Pandey: Rooted in Tradition, Rising on the Global Stage

Chef Himanshu Pandey: Rooted in Tradition, Rising on the Global Stage

By Author

Published on June 6, 2025

Few chefs strike the perfect chord between heritage and innovation in today's evolving culinary world. But Chef Himanshu Pandey does just that—effortlessly. A name that has become synonymous with refined Indian cuisine abroad, Chef Himanshu is currently leading the charge as Executive Chef at RAA NYC, where each dish he curates is not merely food—it’s an immersive cultural experience.

With a career spanning over 17 years across India, the Middle East, and the United States, Chef Himanshu is known not just for his culinary brilliance but for the stories he tells through every plate. A certified Professional Member of the Indian Culinary Forum, endorsed by the World Association of Chefs Societies, and holder of the RRCS Certificate for Culinary Excellence, his accolades speak volumes about the depth of his skill and global standing.

A Modern Take on Indian Classics

Chef Himanshu’s signature style is best described as contemporary Indian with soul. Dishes like Bajre Ki Raab, Sunhara Paneer Tikka, and the decadent Black Jalebi with Gulab Ki Kheer are more than innovative—they're deeply rooted in history, culture, and memory. His passion for pre-plated Indian cuisine has transformed traditional flavours into fine-dining masterpieces that resonate with diners from New Delhi to New York.

Beyond the kitchen, he’s played a pivotal role in building culinary teams, designing SOPs, and instilling a culture of creative discipline and compassion in every workplace he’s been part of. Honours such as India’s F&B Masters Winner, Marriott’s Unsung Hero, and Radisson’s Brand Ambassador of Culture further underscore his contributions to the industry.

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From the Hills of Uttarakhand to NYC’s Skyline

Chef Himanshu’s culinary ethos is deeply influenced by his roots in Uttarakhand—a region nestled in the Himalayas, often overlooked in mainstream Indian cuisine.

“Growing up in the hills, food wasn’t just sustenance—it was a celebration of simplicity, sustainability, and seasonality,” he says.

In every kitchen he leads, from five-star hotels to high-end NYC restaurants, he carries a piece of the hills with him. Foraging, minimal waste cooking, and honouring native ingredients are values instilled in him from a young age—values he now brings to an international stage.

A Taste of Heritage: "Jhangora Ki Kheer"

As part of his mission to share the flavours of his homeland, Chef Himanshu introduces us to Jhangora Ki Kheer, a comforting millet pudding native to Uttarakhand, often prepared during festivals and fasts.

“This dish reminds me of chilly winter mornings in the hills. It was more than dessert—it was breakfast, warmth, and love in a bowl,” he reminisces.

Recipe Snapshot:

  • Main Ingredient: Barnyard Millet (Jhangora)
  • Flavour Profile: Creamy, spiced with cardamom, garnished with saffron and dry fruits
  • Health Note: Gluten-free, rich in fibre, and naturally nourishing

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His grandmother’s wisdom remains the silent secret behind the flavour:

“She didn’t teach from books—she taught from the soul. No measurements, just instinct. No shortcuts, just care.”

From Plate to Page: A New Chapter Begins

Continuing his journey of storytelling through food, Chef Himanshu is now working on his debut culinary memoir and recipe book—a deeply personal project that weaves together his childhood memories, culinary experiments, and signature creations into one rich, flavorful narrative. Details of the book will be revealed soon, promising an immersive exploration into the life of a chef who went from the streets of India to the skyline of NYC—guided by taste, tradition, and tenacity.

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Legacy in Every Bite

In an era where chefs often chase trends, Chef Himanshu stands out for redefining Indian cuisine without losing its soul. He believes that true innovation begins with understanding one’s roots. His journey from a village in Uttarakhand to New York City is a message to chefs everywhere:

Stay rooted. Keep evolving. Let your plate do the talking.


Connect with Chef Himanshu Pandey

Instagram: @hanshu1377
LinkedIn: Chef Himanshu Pandey


LOUIS XIII India Welcomes Ankur Chawla as Brand Ambassador & Strategic Consultant

LOUIS XIII India Welcomes Ankur Chawla as Brand Ambassador & Strategic Consultant

By Hariharan U

Published on October 7, 2025

LOUIS XIII by Rémy Martin, the legendary French cognac Maison celebrated for its heritage and craftsmanship, has announced the appointment of Ankur Chawla as its Brand Ambassador and Strategic Consultant for India. This partnership marks a significant step in the brand’s journey to strengthen its presence in India’s expanding luxury alcobev market.

With more than 17 years of experience across luxury hospitality, beverages, and entrepreneurship, Ankur Chawla is widely recognised as one of India’s foremost voices in the industry. A thought leader, author, and consultant, he has worked with global names in hospitality and beverage, combining deep operational insight with a strategic approach that drives innovation and growth.

In his new role, Ankur will be responsible for enhancing the LOUIS XIII brand experience in India through exclusive events, curated tastings, and immersive storytelling sessions. He will also develop long-term strategies to strengthen LOUIS XIII’s positioning in the Indian market and collaborate with key partners, luxury brands, and influencers to expand the brand’s footprint across hospitality, lifestyle, and connoisseurship platforms.

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Speaking about his appointment, Ankur Chawla said, “LOUIS XIII is not just a cognac, it is a legacy spanning a century — a symbol of artistry, heritage, and luxury. Representing and advising such a brand in India is not only an honour but also an opportunity to create memorable experiences for a discerning audience that is rapidly embracing ultra-luxury. I look forward to deepening the connection between LOUIS XIII and India’s luxury consumers.”

LOUIS XIII’s decision to appoint a dedicated brand ambassador for India reflects its long-term vision for the market, where luxury consumption and appreciation for fine craftsmanship are growing at a remarkable pace.

With Ankur Chawla leading its local representation, LOUIS XIII aims to bring the Maison’s timeless spirit, craftsmanship, and storytelling closer to India’s new generation of connoisseurs.


Chef Avinash Gupta Appointed as Head Bakery and Pastry Chef at SEED & BLOOM, Abu Dhabi

Chef Avinash Gupta Appointed as Head Bakery and Pastry Chef at SEED & BLOOM, Abu Dhabi

By Hariharan U

Published on October 7, 2025

SEED & BLOOM has announced the appointment of Chef Avinash Gupta as the Head Bakery and Pastry Chef, marking an exciting new chapter for the brand’s expanding presence in Abu Dhabi.

With more than a decade of experience spanning the UAE, USA, and India, Chef Gupta is widely recognized for his creativity, precision, and modern approach to the art of patisserie. In his new role, he will oversee SEED & BLOOM’s bakery and pastry division, focusing on menu innovation, kitchen operations, and team development to deliver exceptional guest experiences.

As part of his responsibilities, Chef Gupta will lead pre-opening operations, design seasonal and signature collections, and maintain strict HACCP and food safety compliance. His leadership approach combines sustainability with craftsmanship, introducing initiatives like eco-conscious kitchen practices and interactive baking workshops to engage both guests and teams.

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Before joining SEED & BLOOM, Chef Gupta served as Head Pastry Chef at Prodigy Hospitality Group, Dubai, where he curated contemporary entremets, viennoiseries, and artisanal chocolates tailored to local preferences. His work also involved optimizing kitchen setups, managing costs, and ensuring adherence to Dubai Municipality’s Food Watch standards.

Earlier, he was associated with Fabbri, New Delhi, where he led product innovation in bakery, confectionery, and gelato, conducted product testing, and trained teams in food safety and quality control.

Chef Gupta’s professional journey also includes key roles with Mayfair Hotels & Resorts (India), The Walt Disney Company (USA), Le Méridien (New Delhi), Vivanta by Taj (Srinagar), and Rambagh Palace, Taj Hotels (Jaipur). Across these prestigious establishments, he honed his technical mastery and creative edge, consistently elevating pastry production and menu design.

Expressing his excitement, Chef Avinash Gupta said, “I’m thrilled to join SEED & BLOOM and contribute to a brand that values innovation, artistry, and sustainability. My goal is to craft pastry experiences that beautifully balance tradition and modernity, delighting guests while promoting responsible culinary practices.”

His appointment reflects SEED & BLOOM’s vision of redefining the pastry and bakery landscape in the UAE through innovation, global expertise, and mindful gastronomy.


Marriott Names Prerna Singh as Marketing Manager for Jaipur Properties

Marriott Names Prerna Singh as Marketing Manager for Jaipur Properties

By Author

Published on October 7, 2025

Marriott Hotels has announced the appointment of Prerna Singh as the new Marketing and Communications Manager for its two Jaipur properties, the 374-key Jaipur Marriott Hotel and the 76-key Fairfield by Marriott Jaipur.

With over five years of experience in marketing and communications, Prerna brings a strong background in hospitality branding and public relations. Before joining Marriott, she held roles at ITC Rajputana and Holiday Inn Jaipur City Centre, where she contributed to brand visibility and strategic promotions.

Prerna began her professional journey as a Public Relations Executive with JECRC University, and later earned her MBA in Marketing from the Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies (NMIMS), Maharashtra.

In her new role, she will oversee marketing strategy, brand communications, digital presence, and public relations for both Jaipur Marriott Hotel and Fairfield by Marriott Jaipur. Her focus will be on strengthening the brand’s engagement, positioning, and market outreach across Rajasthan’s competitive hospitality landscape.

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