Chef Himanshu’s Debut Book

Serving Stories: Chef Himanshu’s Debut Book Blends Memory, Flavour, and Ambition

By Author

Published on August 14, 2025

For most chefs, a career is measured in menus, restaurants, and accolades. For Chef Himanshu Pandey, it is measured in memories, miles, and moments that shaped him—from the quiet rhythm of his village kitchen in Uttarakhand to the bustling, high-pressure dining scene of the United States.

Now, in his debut book, The Heat & The Hustle — A Chef’s Path from India to the USA, he opens the doors to that journey, inviting readers into a world where ambition meets authenticity, and tradition meets reinvention.

A Story Served with Sincerity

This autobiography book is more than a professional biography. It’s a candid, heartfelt account of what it takes to transform childhood dreams into an international career. Chef Himanshu writes of the early lessons learned beside his mother’s hearth, the discipline of working in Indian and Middle Eastern kitchens, and the cultural adjustments of cooking for an American audience—all without losing the soul of the food he grew up with.

Every page carries his belief that food is not just nourishment—it is identity, heritage, and a bridge between worlds.

Where Recipes Become Remembrance

While the book is peppered with recipes, they aren’t simply culinary instructions—they are living stories. Each dish reflects a chapter of his life, whether it’s Bajre Ki Raab recalling winter in the hills, or Black Jalebi with Gulab Ki Kheer showcasing how Indian tradition can find elegance on a global fine-dining plate.

“Flavours can travel, but they carry their roots with them,” he writes—a sentiment that runs like a steady flame throughout the book.

For Chefs, Dreamers, and Doers

The Heat & The Hustle resonates far beyond the hospitality industry. It is a story for:

Chefs, who will find lessons in leadership, creativity, and perseverance.
Immigrants, who will recognise the challenges and triumphs of starting anew.
Food lovers, who crave the stories behind the flavours.
Dreamers, who need proof that passion and persistence can take them anywhere.

Chef Himanshu’s writing style mirrors his cooking—uncomplicated, generous, and deeply personal.

A New Chapter for an Accomplished Chef

Currently the Executive Chef at The Imperia by Dhaba in New Jersey, Chef Himanshu has spent over 17 years building a career across India, the Middle East, and the USA. His work has earned him multiple honours, but this book marks a new kind of achievement—a way to inspire others not through a plated dish, but through the written word.

The Heat & The Hustle is more than an autobiography—it is a reminder that behind every chef’s jacket is a story worth telling

The Heat & The Hustle — A Chef’s Path from India to the USA
Now available on Amazon India: Click here to purchase

Holiday Inn New Delhi Mayur Vihar Noida Appoints Himanshu Sahni as Director of Catering Sales

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on September 25, 2025

Holiday Inn New Delhi Mayur Vihar Noida has announced the appointment of Himanshu Sahni as Director of Catering Sales. With more than 14 years of experience in luxury hospitality, Himanshu brings proven expertise in MICE sales and client relationship management.

His professional journey includes leadership roles at Roseate Hotels & Resorts, The Suryaa New Delhi, and Eros Hotel Nehru Place, where he consistently delivered strong sales performance and built long-term client partnerships.

In his new role, Himanshu will lead the MICE vertical at Holiday Inn New Delhi Mayur Vihar Noida, focusing on driving group business, maximizing banquet and event revenues, and strengthening the hotel’s position in the competitive MICE market.

A graduate in Hotel Management from IILM College, Gurgaon, Himanshu is currently pursuing his MBA from IMT Ghaziabad, further enhancing his leadership and strategic acumen. Outside work, he enjoys fitness, snooker, yoga, and reading.

Speaking on the appointment, N. Vinaayak, Director of Sales & Marketing, said, “We are delighted to have Himanshu as part of our team. His passion, expertise, and leadership will be instrumental in driving Catering Sales to new heights.”

Anurag Rai, General Manager, added, “Himanshu’s appointment marks an exciting chapter as we strengthen our MICE offerings. His strategic approach and guest-centric mindset align perfectly with our vision of delivering exceptional experiences.”

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Chef Kailash Singh Joins BarNaan Brookfield as Sous Chef

By Hariharan U

Published on September 23, 2025

BarNaan Brookfield, a dynamic destination for authentic and modern Indian dining, has appointed Chef Kailash Singh as its new Sous Chef. With international experience and a deep-rooted passion for Indian cuisine, Chef Kailash is set to bring creativity, precision, and contemporary flair to the restaurant’s culinary offerings.

Most recently, he served as Chef de Partie at ROOH San Francisco, refining his expertise in progressive Indian cuisine. His international journey also includes creating Indian-inspired menus in Warsaw, Poland, and specializing in tandoor-based dishes at Namak by Chef Kunal Kapoor, Dusit Thani Abu Dhabi.

Chef Kailash’s earlier career spans prestigious Indian and Middle Eastern dining destinations, including Oven Hot Bakery & Sweets L.L.C Abu Dhabi, Masala Library by Jiggs Kalra, Café Out of the Box (Khan Market), Trinity Residency (Gurgaon), and Mojo Blu (Cyber Green). He has also contributed to several pre-opening projects, focusing on kitchen setup, menu development, and team training.

Speaking about his new role, Chef Kailash Singh said, “Joining BarNaan Brookfield is a significant milestone in my career. I am excited to contribute to the restaurant’s vision and look forward to creating new dishes that celebrate Indian flavors with a modern twist.”

With Chef Kailash on board, BarNaan Brookfield continues to position itself as a premier destination for Indian fine dining in the US, offering guests memorable experiences that blend authenticity, innovation, and world-class hospitality.