Chef Rohit Gambhir – Culinary Director of The Oberoi, New Delhi | Global Hospitality Maestro
A Journey Etched in Excellence – Chef Rohit Gambhir
In the refined kitchens of India’s most iconic hotels and the stories told across elite hospitality journals, Chef Rohit Gambhir has etched a legacy defined by excellence, humility, and innovation. Today, he holds the prestigious role of Executive Chef at The Oberoi, New Delhi—a landmark position that reflects his unmatched contribution to the Indian and global culinary landscape. With a career spanning nearly three decades, Chef Gambhir is not just a chef but a mentor, a leader, and a visionary who has helped redefine luxury dining across borders.
His journey began with a burning curiosity for precision and flavor, which led him to pursue a Diploma in Food Production and later train at the Oberoi Centre for Learning and Development (OCLD)—an institute widely regarded as the Harvard of Indian hospitality. The training at OCLD didn’t just sharpen his culinary skills but also instilled the values of discipline, consistency, and guest-centric service that define the Oberoi ethos.
Over the years, Chef Rohit has helmed kitchens at some of the Oberoi Group’s most prominent properties, including Trident Bandra Kurla in Mumbai and the Oberoi Sahl Hasheesh in Egypt. These experiences not only broadened his technical repertoire—spanning Indian, Mediterranean, Oriental, and global cuisines—but also exposed him to the intricacies of international palates and high-stakes hospitality.
While culinary trends evolve rapidly, Chef Gambhir remains grounded in timeless principles. For him, balance in flavor, purity of ingredients, and thoughtful presentation are the core tenets of a great dish. He believes food should speak to the soul, evoke emotion, and create lasting memories.
In every plate he designs, in every team he leads, and in every kitchen he mentors, Chef Rohit Gambhir continues to exemplify a journey not just of food—but of purpose, refinement, and enduring impact.
🧒 Early Life and Background
📍 Childhood in Chandigarh
Born and raised in Chandigarh, one of India’s most well-planned and culturally rich cities, Rohit Gambhir was a curious, observant child with an inherent interest in detail. He attended Saint John’s High School, known for its academic rigor and discipline, which helped shape his strong foundational values. Although the culinary world wasn’t his first dream, the seeds were planted early. Family meals, festivals, and an environment where food played a central role instilled in him a quiet fascination.
🛤️ Early Exposure to Hospitality
Like many Indian students with a scientific bent, Rohit initially considered engineering. But his heart gravitated toward something more dynamic and creative—the culinary arts. Inspired by the elegance and precision of hospitality professionals, he chose to dive into the world of food and hotel management, a decision that would define his life’s path.
🎓 Education and Professional Training
🧾 Diploma in Food Production (1993–1996)
Chef Gambhir enrolled in a Diploma in Food Production program, which covered extensive ground in culinary theory, cooking techniques, hygiene protocols, and food costing. His commitment to learning and meticulous attention to detail made him stand out among his peers.
🏛️ The Oberoi Centre for Learning and Development (OCLD)
Chef Rohit’s defining leap into the elite hospitality league began when he was selected to train at the Oberoi Centre for Learning and Development (OCLD). The OCLD is one of Asia’s most prestigious hospitality institutes, known for grooming the future leaders of the Oberoi Group.
There, under the mentorship of top chefs and hospitality professionals, Rohit honed not only his technical skills but also his managerial acumen. His training included everything from advanced culinary practices to managing large kitchen brigades, cost controls, food presentation aesthetics, and guest engagement.
🌍 Professional Career Journey
🔹 First Steps with The Oberoi Group
Rohit’s professional journey commenced in the kitchens of The Oberoi Group, where he initially took up roles as a commis and junior chef in some of the group’s renowned properties. Every station he manned—from garde manger to hot kitchen—was a new classroom.
🔹 International Exposure – The Oberoi Sahl Hasheesh, Egypt
One of the most pivotal phases of his career came when he was appointed to The Oberoi Sahl Hasheesh, a luxury beach resort on the Red Sea coast of Egypt. There, he had the opportunity to cater to an international clientele and manage multicultural culinary teams.
He experimented with Mediterranean, Egyptian, European, and Oriental cuisines—expanding his repertoire and building a global palate. The experience also taught him the value of culinary diplomacy—adapting flavors to diverse palates while preserving authenticity.
🔹 Leadership at Trident Bandra Kurla, Mumbai
Rohit Gambhir returned to India and took up a significant leadership position at Trident Bandra Kurla in Mumbai—one of the busiest business hotels in the country. As the Executive Chef, he managed high-volume kitchens, banquets, and multiple fine-dining restaurants. Under his direction, the hotel’s culinary reputation soared, receiving praise for both innovation and consistency.
His tenure here saw him managing grand corporate events, high-profile weddings, and crafting VIP menus for diplomats and celebrities.
🔹 Current Role – Executive Chef, The Oberoi, New Delhi
Today, Chef Rohit Gambhir serves as the Executive Chef of The Oberoi, New Delhi—a landmark in Indian luxury hospitality. As the culinary captain of this flagship hotel, he oversees all food operations, including fine-dining restaurants, in-room dining, banquets, and executive lounges.
The Oberoi, New Delhi has been home to iconic restaurants like Baoshuan (Chinese rooftop restaurant), Omya (modern Indian), and 360° (international all-day dining). Chef Rohit plays a vital role in curating the menus, managing guest experience, and maintaining world-class food safety and hygiene standards.
🥂 Culinary Philosophy and Signature Style
🧂 Balance in Flavor
Chef Rohit strongly believes that flavor must be balanced—not overwhelmed. His cooking leans on natural flavor profiling, using fresh herbs, house-made stocks, and minimal additives. Whether it’s a slow-cooked lamb shank or a delicate risotto, the key is harmony.
🥃 Pairing Food with Fine Spirits
In an interview with Spirits & Rituals, Chef Gambhir highlighted his passion for pairing food with beverages. He described a unique pairing of a blueberry ricotta tart with single malt whisky—showcasing his refined understanding of flavor chemistry.
🌍 Global Techniques with Indian Soul
Having cooked in both Egypt and India, Chef Rohit fuses global techniques with Indian traditions. His modern Indian dishes maintain authenticity while benefiting from international plating aesthetics and temperature precision.
🔐 Food Safety and Hygiene Leadership
During the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond, Chef Rohit emerged as a strong advocate for food safety, hygiene protocols, and staff training. He emphasized sanitization standards, contactless dining options, and kitchen reengineering to protect both guests and staff. His initiatives were lauded by industry professionals and reflected in The Oberoi’s unwavering commitment to luxury with safety.
📸 Media Features and Recognition
📰 Zee Apna – “Inspiring Desi of the Day”
In 2024, Zee Apna recognized Chef Rohit Gambhir as an “Inspiring Desi of the Day,” a prestigious nod celebrating Indian professionals making a global impact. His journey from Chandigarh to international kitchens made him a role model for aspiring chefs.
🥃 Spirits & Rituals Magazine
His interview in Spirits & Rituals magazine focused on food pairings and culinary creativity. His dessert-whisky pairing article gained viral attention, praised for its elegance and thoughtfulness.
🖥️ Social Media and Public Engagement
Chef Rohit actively engages with food lovers and professionals through:
- Instagram (@chefrohitgambhir) – where he shares behind-the-scenes moments, gourmet presentations, and kitchen leadership tips.
- X (Twitter) – where he offers insights into food safety, culinary leadership, and sustainable dining.
- LinkedIn – where his professional achievements, event updates, and Oberoi journey are regularly documented.
📚 Mentorship and Team Building
As a senior chef in The Oberoi Group, Chef Rohit Gambhir is responsible for mentoring dozens of young chefs through OCLD and in-hotel training programs. He believes that a great kitchen is built on trust, discipline, and mentorship. Many of his former trainees now serve as executive chefs and culinary leaders in major hotels globally.
🏆 Honors and Accolades
- Best Culinary Leadership – Oberoi Group (Multiple Years)
- Special Recognition for Global Excellence – Trident Mumbai
- Chef of the Year Nominee – Oberoi Annual Excellence Awards
- Featured in hospitality journals like Hospemag, Hotelier India, and The Hindu Business Line.
🗣️ Quotes from Chef Rohit Gambhir
“A great dish doesn’t shout; it whispers elegance.”
“Every plate must tell a story—the ingredients are its language, and the chef is the narrator.”
“Discipline is the hidden ingredient in every successful kitchen.”
👨👩👦 Personal Life
Chef Rohit lives in the Delhi-Gurgaon region with his family. Despite his busy schedule, he believes in balancing professional ambition with personal wellness. He practices yoga, enjoys Indian classical music, and loves reading about ancient culinary traditions.
🌱 Impact on Indian Hospitality
Chef Rohit Gambhir has elevated Indian luxury dining to global standards. By blending Indian roots with world-class techniques, he’s crafted an identity that’s both proudly Indian and globally competitive. His leadership has inspired a generation of culinary professionals who now follow in his footsteps—committed to quality, creativity, and care.
🛡️ Legacy and Vision Ahead
As a custodian of The Oberoi legacy, Chef Rohit Gambhir isn’t just serving food—he is nurturing a culture of excellence. He envisions a future where Indian hotels lead the global culinary narrative, where sustainability meets sophistication, and where every guest meal becomes an unforgettable story.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Rohit Gambhir |
| Current Role | Executive Chef, The Oberoi New Delhi |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Education | Diploma in Food Production, OCLD |
| Specialties | Indian, Mediterranean, Global Gourmet |
| Experience | 25–30 years |
| Social Media | @chefrohitgambhir (Instagram), @rohitgambhir512 (X) |
A Culinary Torchbearer – Chef Rohit Gambhir
Chef Rohit Gambhir is not merely an executive chef—he is a torchbearer for the evolution of fine dining in India. With nearly three decades of experience, his influence extends far beyond the boundaries of his kitchen. He represents a generation of culinary leaders who have elevated Indian hospitality to global benchmarks, blending traditional sensibilities with international finesse.
At the helm of The Oberoi, New Delhi, Chef Gambhir leads with quiet authority and an unwavering commitment to excellence. Each dish he curates is more than a recipe—it’s a story of culture, innovation, and emotion. He believes that food should reflect not only flavor but also the soul of its creator. His signature approach of combining balance, elegance, and authenticity has won the admiration of peers, guests, and young culinary aspirants alike.
A passionate mentor, he invests deeply in nurturing the next generation of chefs through rigorous training, hands-on guidance, and real-time leadership. For Chef Gambhir, hospitality is not just a profession—it’s a lifelong pursuit of passion, service, and purpose. His legacy is being built not just through awards and accolades, but through the values he instills in every kitchen he leads and every chef he inspires.
