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Executive Chef at Trident, Bandra KurlaThe Remarkable Culinary Journey of Chef Arun Mathur
Chef Arun Mathur’s professional journey is a compelling narrative of discipline, evolution, and unwavering passion for the culinary arts. From his modest beginnings as a trainee to becoming the Executive Chef at one of India’s most prestigious luxury hotels, his rise is both inspirational and exemplary.
It all began in 1997 when Arun Mathur embarked on his culinary career as a Management Trainee at The Park Hotel, New Delhi. There, he laid the foundation of his skills in a fast-paced, multi-cuisine environment. Eager to broaden his perspective, he moved on to Intercontinental Park Royal, where he gained valuable exposure to international hospitality standards and fine dining protocols.
His big leap came when he joined The Oberoi, New Delhi—a landmark in Indian luxury hospitality. Over an impressive 14-year tenure, Chef Mathur climbed the ranks with quiet determination. From Sous Chef to Head Chef of Kandahar, the property’s renowned Indian restaurant, he proved his mettle through innovation, consistency, and leadership. His stewardship of multiple outlets at the hotel helped solidify its culinary reputation globally.
Chef Mathur’s next chapter unfolded at Trident, Gurgaon, where he led three signature restaurants—Cilantro, Saffron, and Konomi—to new heights. His strategic revamp of menus and guest experiences transformed the outlets into sought-after culinary destinations, loved by corporate clientele and discerning diners alike.
Today, he helms the kitchens of Trident, Bandra Kurla (BKC), Mumbai, one of the Oberoi Group’s flagship urban hotels. As Executive Chef, he oversees operations at 022, Maya, Botticino, Trident Pastry Shop, Cou-Cou Café, and Amadeo by Oberoi at NMACC. His leadership ensures these venues deliver exceptional dining experiences, marked by creativity, precision, and flair.
Along the way, Chef Mathur has trained at Michelin-starred Trinity Clapham under Chef Adam Byatt, and briefly at The Ritz, London, gaining exposure to the highest global standards. He has cooked for global dignitaries and Indian business elites, and proudly represented Indian cuisine abroad.
What sets Chef Mathur apart is not just his technical brilliance, but his humility, team-first mindset, and vision for inclusive kitchens. His journey from trainee to Executive Chef is not merely a tale of titles—it’s a story of dedication, craftsmanship, and quiet mastery that continues to influence India’s culinary landscape.
In the ever-evolving world of fine dining and luxury hospitality, Chef Arun Mathur stands tall as a symbol of consistency, innovation, and culinary brilliance. With over two decades of distinguished experience, he is currently the Executive Chef at Trident, Bandra Kurla, Mumbai, part of the prestigious The Oberoi Hotels & Resorts. Known for his refined leadership and Michelin-level finesse, Chef Mathur has not only helmed some of India’s most iconic hotel kitchens but also represented Indian gastronomy on global platforms with distinction and pride.
Current Role: Redefining Luxury Dining in Mumbai
At Trident, Bandra Kurla (BKC)—one of Mumbai’s most prestigious business and hospitality hubs—Chef Mathur leads the culinary charge across an array of award-winning and critically acclaimed outlets. His role goes far beyond day-to-day kitchen management; he curates experiences that embody elegance, precision, and emotional connection through food.
He currently oversees:
- 022 – The hotel’s all-day dining restaurant, widely recognized for its international buffet and à la carte selections.
- Maya – A refined Indian specialty restaurant that reimagines traditional flavors with contemporary technique.
- Botticino – A sophisticated Italian fine-dining destination known for handcrafted pastas, artisanal cheeses, and curated wines.
- Trident Pastry Shop – A premium boutique offering gourmet cakes, artisanal chocolates, and patisserie delights.
- Cou-Cou All Day Café at Jio World Drive – An urbane café concept by Oberoi that merges casual chic with gourmet sensibilities.
- Amadeo by Oberoi at the Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre (NMACC) – A luxurious multi-cuisine dining venue redefining experiential dining.
Chef Mathur’s role encompasses everything from concept development and menu engineering to team mentoring, guest engagement, and large-scale banquet execution.
The Foundation of Excellence
Chef Mathur’s culinary journey began in 1997 as a Management Trainee at The Park Hotel, New Delhi. He soon moved to Intercontinental Park Royal, where he further honed his kitchen craft and understanding of large hotel operations.
The true foundation of his culinary philosophy was shaped during his tenure at The Oberoi, New Delhi—one of India’s most celebrated luxury hotels. Over 14 transformative years, he progressed through the ranks, holding several vital positions including Sous Chef and Head Chef of Kandahar, the hotel’s legendary Indian specialty restaurant.
During this time, he gained experience across the hotel’s core food outlets and played a pivotal role in shaping its legacy of culinary distinction. Notably, he was instrumental during the closure and relaunch of The Oberoi, New Delhi, overseeing the seamless reestablishment of its food and beverage excellence.
Leadership at Trident, Gurgaon
Before his current assignment in Mumbai, Chef Mathur held the reins at Trident, Gurgaon, where his leadership significantly elevated the hotel’s culinary reputation. He successfully revitalized several in-house restaurants, each with its own identity and loyal following:
- Cilantro – Known for global culinary offerings and an interactive kitchen
- Saffron – A rich and authentic North Indian dining experience
- Konomi – Specializing in refined Pan-Asian and Japanese cuisine
Under his leadership, these venues became top culinary destinations in the Delhi NCR region, loved equally by corporate clientele and epicurean guests.
Global Culinary Exposure & Michelin Training
Chef Arun Mathur’s skills have been sharpened by meaningful international experiences. In May–June 2017, he trained at Trinity Clapham—a Michelin-starred restaurant in London under the guidance of the celebrated Chef Adam Byatt. This training sharpened his ability to blend haute cuisine techniques with Indian flavors.
He also completed a brief but impactful stint under Chef John Williams at The Ritz, London, absorbing the essence of British fine dining, precision, and presentation.
In addition, Chef Mathur has collaborated with multiple Michelin-starred chefs during global culinary promotions and hotel residencies while representing The Oberoi Hotels & Resorts.
Cooking for Icons: A Trusted Name for the Elite
Chef Arun Mathur has curated bespoke culinary experiences for some of the world’s most recognized personalities. He was part of the core culinary team responsible for Ms. Isha Ambani’s wedding in Udaipur, one of India’s most opulent wedding celebrations.
He has also cooked for:
- Mr. Warren Buffett
- Mr. Lakshmi Mittal
- Mr. Bill and Melinda Gates
And led culinary operations for high-profile clientele and teams including:
- Audi Bayern Munich Football Team
- McLaren Formula One Team
- Families of India’s top industrialists:
- Mr. Sunil Bharti Mittal (Airtel)
- Mr. Nidhipati Singhania
- Mr. Dhoot (Videocon)
- Mr. Singhal (Bhushan Steel)
- Mr. Chaudhry (HCL Technologies)
These experiences reflect his consistent ability to deliver excellence in high-pressure, high-profile environments.
Honors & International Representation
Chef Mathur’s accolades and global culinary initiatives include:
- CEO Award Nominee (2016) – Recognized by The Oberoi Group for his exceptional contributions to culinary operations.
- Presidential Delegation (2013) – Represented India as part of the official entourage accompanying President Shri Pranab Mukherjee during a state visit to Mauritius, showcasing Indian culinary heritage.
- Croatia Culinary Promotions (2020) – At Sheraton Zagreb and The Park Split, supported by the Ministry of External Affairs, India.
- Singapore Showcase (2022) – Led a premium Indian food promotion at Mandarin Oriental, Singapore, earning accolades from international diners and critics.
Awards, Honors & Recognitions of Chef Arun Mathur
CEO Award Nomination – The Oberoi Group (2016)
One of the most prestigious internal accolades within The Oberoi Hotels & Resorts, the CEO Award recognizes exemplary leadership, innovation, and operational excellence across the organization.
Chef Arun Mathur was nominated in 2016 for this high-level distinction, reflecting his consistent contributions to culinary excellence, team mentorship, and successful management of high-volume, high-stakes operations at The Oberoi.
Presidential Culinary Delegate – Visit to Mauritius (2013)
In 2013, Chef Arun Mathur was chosen to be part of the official Indian delegation accompanying President Shri Pranab Mukherjee during his state visit to Mauritius.
This rare and prestigious opportunity involved representing India’s rich culinary heritage at international diplomatic events, further highlighting Chef Mathur’s skill, cultural knowledge, and ability to present Indian cuisine at the highest level of diplomacy.
International Culinary Promotions – Official Representation of India
Chef Arun has led several global culinary promotions representing both The Oberoi Group and India, earning him international acclaim and diplomatic recognition. Key highlights include:
a) Croatia Culinary Promotion (2020)
- Venues: Sheraton Zagreb and The Park Split
- Supported by: Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India
- Role: Represented Indian cuisine in Eastern Europe through curated fine-dining events and cultural collaborations.
b) Singapore Culinary Showcase (August 2022)
- Venue: Mandarin Oriental, Singapore
- Focus: Elevated Indian flavors showcased to an international fine-dining audience.
- Impact: Strengthened India’s culinary reputation in Southeast Asia.
Note: While Chef Arun Mathur’s awards are selectively documented, the scale of dignitaries he has served (e.g., Warren Buffett, Bill & Melinda Gates, Isha Ambani wedding, McLaren F1, etc.) and the elite culinary events he’s led stand as indirect validations of his credibility, skill, and recognition within global hospitality.
A Vision for Inclusive and Equitable Kitchens
Chef Mathur is not only a culinary leader but also a progressive advocate for diversity in hospitality. He envisions a future where professional kitchens reflect the society they serve.
His key commitments include:
- Doubling the representation of women chefs in commercial kitchens
- Promoting the inclusion of differently-abled individuals, especially in stewarding and support departments
He believes inclusivity in hospitality isn’t just an ethical responsibility—it’s essential for building vibrant, resilient teams that can evolve with the times.
A Legacy of Discipline, Excellence, and Heart
Chef Arun Mathur’s journey is a masterclass in what it means to be a contemporary chef-leader: deeply rooted in tradition, globally informed, operationally sharp, and socially aware. From mastering classical Indian cuisine to curating international promotions and mentoring young chefs, his career stands as an embodiment of craft, character, and care.
As he continues to steer culinary innovation within The Oberoi Hotels and Resorts, Chef Mathur’s legacy continues to inspire the future of Indian hospitality—one perfectly plated dish at a time.
Journey of Chef Arun Mathur – From New Delhi to Global Kitchens
Chef Arun Mathur’s journey in the culinary world is a story of perseverance, evolution, and refined mastery. What began in 1997 as a humble start at The Park Hotel, New Delhi, soon unfolded into a distinguished career that would influence luxury dining across India.
After gaining early experience at Intercontinental Park Royal, Chef Mathur joined the iconic The Oberoi, New Delhi, where his culinary vision began to take shape. Over 14 impactful years, he rose through the ranks—first as Sous Chef, then as Head Chef of Kandahar, the hotel’s legendary Indian restaurant. His role eventually expanded to oversee all major food outlets, playing a critical part in the property’s historic closure and seamless reopening.
His leadership qualities found a new home at Trident, Gurgaon, where he led the hotel’s signature restaurants—Cilantro, Saffron, and Konomi—to culinary acclaim. His approach focused on quality, guest satisfaction, and consistent innovation, which soon became his hallmark.
Today, as Executive Chef at Trident, BKC, Mumbai, Chef Mathur leads some of the city’s most iconic venues including 022, Maya, Botticino, and the award-winning Amadeo by Oberoi at NMACC. His ability to blend global trends with Indian authenticity has earned him widespread respect across the industry.
With international training at Michelin-starred Trinity Clapham under Chef Adam Byatt, and at The Ritz London, Chef Mathur brings world-class technique to every plate. He has represented India abroad, cooked for business tycoons and global dignitaries, and mentored countless young chefs.
Chef Arun Mathur’s journey is not just a rise through ranks—it’s a testament to passion, purpose, and precision, earning him a place among the most respected culinary leaders in India’s hospitality landscape.
