The Culinary Queen

In an interaction with Entrepreneur Restaurateur, she talks about running a multi-brand venture, founding LSL Capital along with her father, and trends that are shaping the dining business these days

- BY NUSRA

Hospitality has always been part of my DNA, given that my family founded The Leela Palaces, Hotels & Resorts," said restaurateur Samyukta Nair, who has created Michelin Star concepts like Jamavar in London, Dubai, and others.

Rather than stepping into the hotel space directly, Samyukta was drawn to creating something of her own—something that allowed her to bring together culture, design, and cuisine in a more intimate and meaningful format. The inspiration came from a desire to build on her heritage but reshape it in a way that felt relevant to her generation.

"My time in London as a student introduced me to the city’s dynamic dining scene, and I realized there was space for a refined, globally relevant take on Indian cuisine. That was the genesis of Jamavar London—bridging roots and reinvention," she added.

Samyukta considers her father, Dinesh Nair, as her biggest mentor. His uncompromising eye for cuisine, quality, and service shaped the way Samyukta thinks about hospitality at large. “Among peers, I admire restaurateurs who are risk-takers and community builders—those who are blending tradition with innovation and elevating the Indian dining narrative globally,” she added.

CREATING PERSONAL DINING EXPERIENCES