Mastering the Art of Flavor: Chef Rajesh Kumar Sharma’s Culinary Legacy

Mastering the Art of Flavor: Chef Rajesh Kumar Sharma’s Culinary Legacy

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on August 12, 2025

Master Chef Rajesh Kumar Sharma stands as a beacon of excellence in the culinary world, celebrated for his remarkable ability to reinvent traditional recipes with a modern twist. Known affectionately as the Kebab King, Chef Rajesh's journey is deeply rooted in heritage, passion, and an unwavering commitment to preserving India’s rich gastronomic legacy.

Born into a family where cooking was more than just a profession, Rajesh inherited the flame from his father, Shri Panna Lal Sharma, a legendary chef who served iconic Indian leaders including Mrs. Indira Gandhi, Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee, and Shri Gyani Jail Singh. Inspired by this prestigious lineage, Chef Rajesh set out to make his own mark in the culinary world.

Professionally trained at the prestigious Imperial Hotel, he refined his skills in a wide spectrum of international cuisines. His career, now spanning over three decades, has taken him across the globe, from UAE and South Korea to Japan and Hong Kong, and across India’s major cities,  building a repertoire that bridges tradition and innovation.

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A proud Gold Medalist Indian Chef, Chef Rajesh is admired for his bold recipe transformations and his ability to turn every dish into an experience. His culinary creations have consistently captured attention, earning him features in leading Indian and international publications like The Telegraph, Khaleej Times, and Skyzine Magazine. His expertise has also graced television screens on platforms such as DD Metro, Zee News, and KBS 1 TV in South Korea.

Beyond traditional media, Chef Rajesh has carved a niche for himself in the digital space. His YouTube presence serves as a culinary classroom for aspiring chefs and food lovers, where his authentic recipes and kitchen tips continue to inspire a growing audience.

Currently, Chef Rajesh works as an independent consultant, offering comprehensive guidance in launching new hotels and restaurants. From curating bespoke menus to training kitchen staff, his consultancy ensures excellence at every stage. Driven by a passion for nurturing young talent, he dedicates his time to mentoring upcoming chefs, shaping the next generation of culinary leaders.

Chef Rajesh’s work beyond Indian borders has become a cultural bridge, showcasing the rich tapestry of Indian cuisine to audiences worldwide. Whether it’s traditional tandoori fare or modern fusion concepts, his creations celebrate the essence of India in every bite.

Adding another feather to his culinary crown, Chef Rajesh Kumar Sharma’s excellence shines through in his unique dishes. One of the most celebrated being his Korean Skewered Mushrooms, a recipe that fuses international flair with Indian ingenuity.

This delicacy is a perfect example of how Chef Rajesh blends technique and taste, elevating simple ingredients into a gourmet experience.

 Ingredients:

  • 8 fresh Songi mushrooms

  • 1 lb lean beef, lamb, or goat (as preferred)

  • 8 tbsp soy sauce

  • 4 tbsp sugar

  • 2 tbsp chopped medium green onion

  • 4 cloves garlic, finely chopped

  • 2 tbsp sesame salt

  • ½ tbsp black pepper

 How to Make:

  1. Cook the mushrooms by boiling them in water.

  2. Slice both the mushrooms and meat lengthwise into 1/8" thick strips.

  3. Marinate them together in all the remaining ingredients for at least 2 hours.

  4. Thread the marinated pieces alternately on skewers.

  5. Broil until perfectly cooked and aromatic.

This simple yet refined dish reflects Chef Rajesh’s philosophy, using honest ingredients, smart technique, and deep tradition to craft global experiences.

With a deep-rooted mission to promote Indian flavors on a global stage, Chef Rajesh Kumar Sharma continues to transform kitchens, palates, and lives, one dish at a time.

For collaborations or inquiries, reach out to Chef Rajesh at chefrajeshkumar1969@gmail.com.


GAIA Launches ‘Fun-Hari Table’ Menu for Navratri Celebrations

GAIA Launches ‘Fun-Hari Table’ Menu for Navratri Celebrations

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on September 21, 2025

This Navratri, GAIA, Global Vegetarian Restaurant in Bengaluru is inviting guests to celebrate the season with a playful twist through its Fun-Hari Table. The specially curated menu turns traditional fasting staples into globally inspired gourmet creations, offering a festive dining experience that is both indulgent and mindful.

At GAIA, Navratri is seen not just as a time of fasting, but as a celebration of flavour, togetherness, and conscious dining. Each dish has been thoughtfully designed to highlight seasonal produce, wholesome grains, and clean cooking techniques, giving guests a chance to feast without compromise.

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The menu brings a refreshing take on festive classics. Highlights include Pumpkin & Coconut Soup topped with saffron and rajgira granola, Beetroot Carpaccio with kuttu crisps and avocado yoghurt, Lotus Stem Chips with smoky tomato chutney, and Sweet Potato Vada Chaat layered with mint chutney and curd espuma. Heartier dishes such as Flourless Potato Gnocchi in basil pesto and cashew cream, and Paneer Tomato Curry paired with Singara Roti, bridge festive nostalgia with modern flair.

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Desserts at GAIA echo the spirit of mindful indulgence, from Apple & Date Crumble with water chestnut topping to Sabudana & Lotus Seed Kheer and a delicate Kesar Shrikhand finished with flaked almonds and mulberries.

Every plate is designed as a balance of nutrition, flavour, and visual delight, making GAIA’s Fun-Hari Table a unique way to celebrate Navratri.

Fact Sheet:

  • Where: GAIA – Global Vegetarian Restaurant, Outer Ring Road, KR Layout, JP Nagar Phase 6, Bengaluru

  • When: From 20th September onwards

Whether shared with family or enjoyed as a soulful solo meal, GAIA’s Navratri menu offers a celebration where festive tradition meets global flavour and indulgence meets intention.


Nando’s Opens Its First Casa in Pune at Phoenix Marketcity

Nando’s Opens Its First Casa in Pune at Phoenix Marketcity

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on September 21, 2025

Nando’s, the internationally celebrated South African brand known for its flame-grilled PERi-PERi chicken, has made its much-anticipated entry into Pune with the launch of its first Casa at Phoenix Marketcity Mall in Viman Nagar.

The brand, fondly calling its restaurants “Casa” (meaning home in Portuguese), is bringing its fiery flavors to a city that has a deep love for food and bold taste experiences. After winning hearts in Delhi, Bengaluru, Chennai, Punjab, Hyderabad, and Mumbai, Pune now joins the list of cities enjoying the iconic Nando’s touch.

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“Pune is a city rich in culture, creativity and a serious love for food,” said Sameer Bhasin, CEO, Nando’s India. “We’ve felt the excitement from Punekars, who have been visiting us in other cities in India and other countries for a long time, and now we’re ready to serve the bold, unforgettable flavors they’ve been waiting for. We’re proud to bring our PERi-PERi experience to Pune and Phoenix Marketcity is the perfect place to begin.”

What sets Nando’s apart is its fresh approach to food. All its bastings, marinades, and sauces are made using real ingredients with no artificial flavors or colorants. The chicken is always flame-grilled for that unique taste, and diners can choose their spice level, from mild to Extra Hot, depending on how much heat they can handle.

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Beyond the food, each Nando’s Casa is designed to immerse guests in the heart and soul of Southern Africa. Bold colors, handcrafted art, and Afro-Luso beats create a lively atmosphere that reflects the brand’s roots while offering a warm and welcoming space for diners.

With Pune added to its footprint, Nando’s now serves its signature flame-grilled chicken across seven major Indian cities, continuing its journey of spreading the love for PERi-PERi flavors.


Bombay Brasserie Opens Flagship Delhi NCR Outpost at CyberHub, Gurugram

Bombay Brasserie Opens Flagship Delhi NCR Outpost at CyberHub, Gurugram

By Hariharan U

Published on September 20, 2025

Bombay Brasserie, the all-day Indian Bar & Eatery, has officially opened its flagship Delhi NCR outpost at DLF CyberHub, Gurugram. After making a mark in Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, Guwahati, and Kolkata, the brand now brings its much-loved mix of food, drinks, and design to the capital region.

Celebrating the vibrant spirit of India with every bite and sip, the restaurant promises to be more than just a dining destination. “Bombay Brasserie is about much more than dining. It’s about discovering India’s regions, ingredients, and stories, whether through a dish that reminds you of childhood or a cocktail that brings back a city. This flagship marks an exciting new chapter for us in Delhi NCR, one where design, food, and storytelling come together in unexpected ways,” said Shikha Nath, Culinary Director at Bombay Brasserie.

At Bombay Brasserie, the menu is a culinary map of India. From foraged hill herbs and forgotten spice blends to street-side staples and heirloom recipes, every dish is retold with a modern twist. The bar, equally inventive, offers drinks inspired by India’s rich history and traditions each cocktail beginning with a story rooted in a snack, a spice, or a memory.

The spatial design of the new outpost adds another dimension to the experience. Blending the bustling energy of a French brasserie with contemporary interpretations of Indian art and artistry, the CyberHub restaurant has been envisioned as a living gallery of modern India bold, layered, and rich with stories.

With its flagship Delhi NCR debut, Bombay Brasserie continues its journey of blending food, design, and storytelling, creating a space that celebrates India in all its flavors and forms.

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