Flames of Tradition: Chef Vinod Kumar’s Mastery Over Tandoor

Flames of Tradition: Chef Vinod Kumar’s Mastery Over Tandoor and Timeless Taste

By Author

Published on June 20, 2025

In an age when molecular gastronomy dazzles and precision-driven plating steals the limelight, Chef Vinod Kumar stands rooted like a flame—steady, fierce, and quietly illuminating a legacy of flavor. Revered for his soulful connection with the tandoor, Chef Vinod has become a name synonymous with tradition, mastery, and the kind of cooking that doesn’t just please the palate but stirs the soul.

With a culinary journey that began in 1984, Chef Vinod’s path was shaped under the guidance of his late mentor, Chef Madan Lal Jaiswal, who imparted not just skills but a philosophy: “In the tandoor, you don’t just cook—you listen. Every crackle tells a story.” From his early days at Nirula’s in New Delhi to helming award-winning kitchens like ChaanDi at the Hilton Jaipur, and currently being a key figure in the Fine Indian Dining Group, Chef Vinod’s rise has been marked by excellence, authenticity, and accolades including multiple Times Food Awards for “Best Indian Restaurant.”

Internationally, his culinary prowess has represented India at prestigious events from Paris to Tokyo to Trinidad, yet he continues to draw inspiration from the fire-kissed ovens of home. The tandoor, for him, isn’t merely a cooking tool—it’s a storyteller, a vessel of memory, and a crucible of transformation. Whether it’s the gentle charring of Seekh Kebabs or the bold flavor of Smoked Lamb Chops, every dish that passes through his tandoor carries both heritage and innovation.

Among his signature dishes is the majestic Raan-e-Sikandar, a showpiece that embodies his culinary ethos—simple ingredients treated with respect, technique rooted in legacy, and flavors allowed to speak without interference. A baby lamb leg is marinated overnight in yogurt, rum, ginger, garlic, and warm spices before being slow-roasted and finished in a clay oven, then served with mint chutney, lemon wedges, and naan. It’s not merely a recipe—it’s a ritual.

Raan-e-Sikandar by Chef Vinod Kumar

Ingredients

Baby lamb leg – 1
Salt – to taste
Red chili powder – 20 g
Ginger-garlic paste – 30 g
Shahi jeera (black cumin) – 5 g
Malt vinegar – 100 ml
Rum – 60 ml
Bay leaves – 1
Cinnamon stick – 1
Coriander roots – 3 to 4
Yogurt – 200 g

Method

Clean and pat dry the lamb leg. Prick all over with a fork or make shallow cuts.
Rub with salt and malt vinegar. Let sit for 30 minutes.
Mix ginger-garlic paste, chili powder, salt, and rum into a thick paste.
Coat the lamb well with the paste. Cover and marinate in the fridge overnight (at least 8 hours).
Preheat the oven to 250–300°C.
Place the lamb in a tray and cover with silver foil.
Roast for 2.5 to 3 hours, basting occasionally with its juices.
Cool the lamb slightly, then roast it in a clay oven pot for 15 to 20 minutes.
Rest the meat, then slice and serve hot with mint chutney, sliced onion, lemon wedge, and naan.

Chef Vinod believes in restraint over excess, soul over spectacle. He seasons his tandoor with mustard oil and charcoal, not for show, but to deepen flavor. He warns against over-marinating meats, stressing that a 6–8 hour soak is perfect for tender texture and vivid taste. His techniques—like finishing dishes with dhungar, a touch of burning charcoal and ghee—don’t just add flavor; they honor generations of culinary wisdom.

“Every time I open the tandoor lid,” he says, “I open a door to my roots.” And for those lucky enough to taste his food, that door opens wide into a world of warmth, heritage, and unforgettable flavor.

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.

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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.