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

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

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

image

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.


Novotel Hyderabad Airport Appoints Jitendra Singh as Director of Food & Beverage

Novotel Hyderabad Airport Appoints Jitendra Singh as Director of Food & Beverage

By Hariharan U

Published on August 5, 2026

Novotel Hyderabad Airport has announced the appointment of Jitendra Singh as Director of Food & Beverage, strengthening its leadership team as the hotel continues to enhance its culinary offerings and destination dining experiences.

In his new role, Singh will oversee the hotel’s food and beverage operations across its signature restaurants, bar, in-room dining, and banqueting services. His focus will include elevating guest experiences, introducing innovative culinary concepts, improving commercial performance, and developing high-performing teams.

With over 18 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Jitendra Singh brings extensive expertise in food and beverage operations, revenue optimisation, guest experience enhancement, and business growth initiatives. He has held leadership positions with renowned hospitality brands including Marriott International, The Corinthians Resort & Club, Golden Tulip, and Holiday Inn.

Prior to joining Novotel Hyderabad Airport, Singh served as Assistant Director of Food & Beverage at Renaissance Ahmedabad, where he managed multi-outlet operations, large-scale banqueting, and revenue-driven F&B strategies. Throughout his career, he has contributed to operational excellence, successful pre-openings, and strengthening guest satisfaction across hospitality properties.

Commenting on the appointment, Sukhbir Singh, General Manager, Novotel Hyderabad Airport, said that Jitendra’s experience across high-volume and multi-outlet F&B operations makes him a valuable addition to the leadership team. He added that Singh’s expertise will support the hotel’s efforts to strengthen culinary offerings and create memorable dining experiences.

Speaking about his new role, Jitendra Singh said he looks forward to building on Novotel Hyderabad Airport’s strong food and beverage foundation by introducing fresh culinary perspectives, thoughtfully curated menus, and innovative concepts that combine creativity, quality, and warm hospitality.

With signature dining venues including Food Exchange, Gourmet Bar, and its popular Sunday brunch experiences, Novotel Hyderabad Airport continues to focus on creating engaging culinary offerings through seasonal menus, curated concepts, and innovative beverage programmes for both hotel guests and Hyderabad’s food enthusiasts.

About Novotel

Novotel Hotels, Suites & Resorts offers high-quality hotels designed as comfortable and energising spaces where guests can achieve balance while travelling for work, leisure, or a combination of both. The brand operates over 590 locations across more than 60 countries and is part of Accor, a leading hospitality group with over 5,700 properties worldwide. Novotel is also part of ALL – Accor Live Limitless, Accor’s lifestyle loyalty programme.


Renaissance Bengaluru Race Course Hotel Elevates Stephen George as Director of Operations

Renaissance Bengaluru Race Course Hotel Elevates Stephen George as Director of Operations

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on August 5, 2026

Renaissance Bengaluru Race Course Hotel has announced the elevation of Stephen George as its Director of Operations, further strengthening the hotel's leadership team. With more than 20 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Stephen takes on the new role after serving as Director of Food & Beverage, where he made significant contributions to the hotel's operational performance, guest satisfaction and business growth.

In his new position, Stephen will work closely with the General Manager to oversee day-to-day hotel operations, enhance business performance, improve guest experiences and ensure operational excellence across all departments while maintaining Marriott and Renaissance brand standards.

Since joining the hotel in 2024, Stephen has played an important role in driving the growth of the food and beverage business, managing large-scale events, supporting the hotel's renovation journey and building a strong, high-performing team culture.

Before joining Renaissance Bengaluru Race Course Hotel, he held leadership roles with leading hospitality brands including Hyatt, Club Mahindra, Al Raha Beach Hotel Abu Dhabi and Park Hyatt Goa, bringing extensive operational expertise to his new position.

Speaking on his elevation, Stephen George, Director of Operations, Renaissance Bengaluru Race Course Hotel, said:

"It is a privilege to take on this role at a hotel that has been an important part of my professional journey. I look forward to working with our teams to build on our strong foundation, drive operational excellence and create memorable guest experiences while supporting the hotel's continued growth."

Welcoming him to his new role, Sita Lekshmi, General Manager, Renaissance Bengaluru Race Course Hotel, said:

"Stephen has consistently demonstrated strong operational leadership, a collaborative approach and a deep understanding of our business. His elevation reflects the confidence we have in his ability to lead the hotel into its next phase of growth while continuing to deliver exceptional experiences for our guests."

With this leadership elevation, Renaissance Bengaluru Race Course Hotel continues to invest in developing internal talent while reinforcing its focus on operational excellence and delivering exceptional guest experiences.


OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI Appoints Abnash Kumar as General Manager

OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI Appoints Abnash Kumar as General Manager

By Hariharan U

Published on August 4, 2026

THE OZEN COLLECTION has announced the appointment of Abnash Kumar as General Manager of OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI, reinforcing its leadership team as the ultra-luxury Maldivian resort enters a new phase of operational refinement, guest experience enhancement, and sustainable growth.

With more than 20 years of international hospitality experience, Kumar brings extensive expertise in luxury hotel operations, strategic planning, project management, business development, and sustainability. His career spans prestigious hospitality destinations across the United States, South Africa, India, and the Maldives, where he has successfully led operations at renowned luxury properties.

image

Known for his people-centric leadership style and commitment to operational excellence, Kumar has built a reputation for elevating guest experiences through service innovation, strong team culture, and sustainable hospitality practices. During his previous leadership assignments in the Maldives, he spearheaded award-winning initiatives recognised globally for their innovation and environmentally responsible design.

Commenting on the appointment, Ashwin Handa, Chief Operating Officer of Atmosphere Core, said Kumar's extensive international experience and passion for guest satisfaction, people development, and operational excellence align closely with THE OZEN COLLECTION's philosophy of Refined Elegance. He expressed confidence that Kumar's leadership would further elevate the personalised luxury experiences offered at OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI.

Sharing his thoughts on joining the resort, Kumar said it is a privilege to lead OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI at an exciting stage of its journey. He noted that the brand's commitment to authentic and sustainable luxury strongly resonates with his own values and expressed his enthusiasm for working alongside the team to enhance guest experiences while continuing to build a culture of excellence.

As General Manager, Kumar will oversee all aspects of the resort's operations, with a focus on strengthening service standards, nurturing talent, enhancing operational efficiency, and advancing sustainability initiatives. His appointment comes as THE OZEN COLLECTION continues its international expansion strategy while deepening its commitment to regenerative tourism across its portfolio.

Kumar holds a Bachelor of Science in Hotel Management from Mumbai and a Diploma from Rizvi College of Hotel Management. His appointment reflects THE OZEN COLLECTION's continued investment in experienced leadership as it strengthens its position in the global luxury hospitality sector.

Stay up-to-date with the latest Hospitality news and trends in the Hospitality industry!

Subscribe to Hospitality news e-magazine for free and never miss an issue.

By clicking subscribe for free you agree to the Terms & Conditions and acknowledge our Privacy Policy.

Advertise With Us

We have various options to advertise with us including Events, Advertorials, Banners, Mailers, etc.