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


Vineet Kumar Mishra Appointed General Manager at Novotel Guwahati GS Road

Vineet Kumar Mishra Appointed General Manager at Novotel Guwahati GS Road

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on October 31, 2025

Novotel Guwahati GS Road has announced the appointment of Vineet Kumar Mishra as its new General Manager. With a remarkable career spanning over 19 years, Mishra brings extensive leadership experience from renowned hospitality brands such as Hilton, Radisson, Accor, and Lemon Tree Hotels.

Throughout his professional journey, he has successfully led diverse teams, driven operational excellence, and introduced guest-centric initiatives that reflect his deep passion for hospitality and service innovation. His strategic mindset and people-first approach have consistently contributed to enhanced guest satisfaction and sustainable business growth.

Sharing his excitement about the new role, Vineet Kumar Mishra said,

“As I step into this exciting new role, I look forward to continuing my journey with Accor and leading an incredible team, fostering a culture of excellence, and delivering memorable experiences for every guest at Novotel Guwahati GS Road.”

With Mishra’s appointment, Novotel Guwahati GS Road aims to strengthen its leadership team and reinforce its commitment to offering exceptional service and enriching guest experiences in the region.


Satish Semwal Appointed as General Manager of Fortune Park Haridwar

Satish Semwal Appointed as General Manager of Fortune Park Haridwar

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on October 31, 2025

Fortune Hotels, a member of the ITC Hotels Group, has announced the appointment of Satish Semwal as the General Manager of Fortune Park Haridwar.

A seasoned hotelier with over 18 years of experience, Semwal brings a proven track record in hotel operations, brand management, and service excellence. In his new role, he will lead the hotel’s operations with a focus on enhancing guest experiences and further strengthening the brand’s presence in the region.

Throughout his distinguished career, Semwal has held leadership positions across reputed hospitality brands including Lemon Tree Hotels, Sarovar Portico, Amatra Dunsvirk Court Mussoorie, Holiday Inn Katra, and Hilton Worldwide India.

Before joining Fortune Park Haridwar, he served as General Manager at Sarovar Portico Panipat, where he successfully improved operational performance and reinforced the hotel’s market position.

Known for his strong operational insight, people-first leadership style, and dedication to service quality, Satish Semwal is poised to play a key role in driving growth and excellence at Fortune Park Haridwar.


Hyatt Centric MG Road Bangalore Appoints Michael Bikash Gomes as New Human Resources Manager

Hyatt Centric MG Road Bangalore Appoints Michael Bikash Gomes as New Human Resources Manager

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on October 30, 2025

Hyatt Centric MG Road Bangalore has announced the appointment of Michael Bikash Gomes as its new Human Resources Manager. In this role, Michael will oversee the complete HR lifecycle at the property, including recruitment, onboarding, performance management, training and development, employee relations, and labor law compliance.

Michael brings with him over nine years of experience in the hospitality sector, having previously served at Hyatt Place Hampi, where he successfully led HR operations and implemented the Hyatt People Philosophy with great success. His expertise in employee engagement, HR policy development, and compliance management is expected to further strengthen Hyatt Centric MG Road Bangalore’s human resources function and enrich the overall employee experience.

Expressing his enthusiasm, Michael Bikash Gomes said,

“Being back with the Hyatt Centric MG Road family makes me very happy! The warm welcome and support from everyone have warmed my heart. I'm thrilled to be back on such a vibrant team and am looking forward to developing, learning, and making memories with the Centric Circuit team. Cheers to a wonderful adventure!”

With Michael’s appointment, Hyatt Centric MG Road Bangalore continues to uphold its commitment to fostering a supportive and inclusive workplace culture, aligned with Hyatt’s core values of care, development, and well-being.

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