"Balance, precision, and love make simple food gourmet!"

Award-winning celebrity Chef Rakesh Sethi, Corporate Executive Chef for Radisson Hotel Group, South Asia, shares insights into his professional journey, as well as advice for budding chefs.

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National award-winning celebrity chef, Chef Rakesh Sethi is one of the first chefs on Indian television. Currently, Corporate Executive Chef for Radisson Hotel Group, South Asia, Chef Sethi has also been a food show host for many popular cooking shows which contributed to him becoming one of India's top celebrity chefs whose culinary skills have made him a household name across the Indian subcontinent and abroad.

Chef Sethi has had the rare distinction of working for erstwhile Hon'ble President of India, R Venkataraman as a Senior Cook for a short period on deputation in the President's Estate. He has also cooked for two more Presidents of India - Ram Nath Kovind and Droupadi Murmu, apart from some other prominent personalities, politicians, bureaucrats, and players of Indian cricket team.

What inspired you to become a chef, and how has your journey evolved over the years?

Cooking has always been an integral part of my life. Growing up, I was inspired by the joy and togetherness food brought to my family. This passion ignited my curiosity about the culinary arts.

My elder brother Vijay Sethi always encouraged me to pursue my passion into a profession and helped me enrol for a professional course in cooking. Over the years, my journey has evolved from mastering traditional Indian cuisines to embracing global culinary trends. From working in some of the finest kitchens in India to becoming a mentor and innovator in the hospitality industry, it has been a rewarding experience of learning, experimenting, and sharing.

How did your education at The Institute of Hotel Management, New Delhi, shape your approach to culinary arts and hospitality?