Chef Jomon Kuriakose – BBC Indian Chef, Culinary Mentor, and Charity Icon |Director of Culinary, The Tiffin Box | Modern Indian Cuisine Leader |From Spice Trails of South India to Five-Star Kitchens in London |Mentee of Vivek Singh | Leader in Indian Gastronomy
From Spice-Laden Kerala to Culinary Calling: The Formative Years of Chef Jomon Kuriakose
Chef Jomon Kuriakose early life, Kerala chef journey, Indian culinary roots, SIHA Mangalore, hospitality education India
BBC Chef Appearances, Charity Work, Modern Indian Cuisine
Chef Jomon Kuriakose biography, modern Indian cuisine, TopChefsBiography.org, BBC Indian chefs, British Malayali charity, Culinary Hero, Vivek Singh mentee
Long before he became a recognized culinary name in the UK and UAE, Chef Jomon Kuriakose’s journey began in the verdant heart of Kerala, India’s southern coastal state known for its spice plantations, coconut groves, and rich culinary traditions. Born and raised in a modest yet culturally vibrant home, Jomon was enveloped by the soulful rhythm of South Indian kitchens. His earliest memories revolve around the clinking of brass pots, the aroma of curry leaves tempering in coconut oil, and the warmth of meals shared around the family table.
In Kerala, food is more than nourishment—it is a way of life. Jomon’s upbringing in this culinary haven deeply influenced his worldview and values. Watching his mother and grandmother transform humble ingredients into comforting feasts instilled in him a quiet reverence for traditional cooking. Whether it was the meticulous grinding of spices on a stone slab or the artful way meals were served on banana leaves, Jomon grew up internalizing the emotional and spiritual aspects of food.
Even as a young boy, he felt a magnetic pull toward the kitchen. What others saw as routine household chores, he viewed as opportunities to learn, absorb, and eventually lead. His natural curiosity evolved into a genuine passion—a passion strong enough to challenge societal expectations and conventional career choices. While many of his peers aspired toward engineering or business, Jomon chose a different path, one where flavor and fire shaped futures.
Determined to master the science and art behind the food he loved, Jomon enrolled at the Sarosh Institute of Hotel Administration (SIHA) in Mangalore, affiliated with Mangalore University. It was here that his culinary spark was sharpened into professional discipline. SIHA provided not just classroom theory but real-world, hands-on exposure in professional kitchens, hospitality operations, and food service management. The rigorous training laid a solid foundation and gave him the confidence to dream big.
Jomon emerged from the program not only with a degree in hotel management but with a clear vision—to take the soul of Kerala’s cuisine and elevate it on a global stage. And with that, the first chapter of his extraordinary culinary journey was complete—but his mission was just beginning.
From Indian Kitchens to Global Dreams: The Dubai Chapter
Chef Jomon’s first steps into the professional culinary world began with Speciality Restaurants Pvt. Ltd. at Sigree, where he worked as a Chef de Partie. His creativity and dedication didn’t go unnoticed, landing him a pivotal opportunity with the Taj Group of Hotels—first in Mangalore, then in Dubai.
At Taj, he refined his techniques in high-volume kitchen environments while learning the art of five-star service and presentation. His move to Dubai was a turning point, exposing him to diverse cuisines, international kitchen standards, and a fusion-forward culinary approach that would later define his style.
🇬🇧 A New Frontier: Bombay Palace & Entry into the UK Culinary Scene
With his sights set on the West, Jomon relocated to London and joined Bombay Palace, one of the capital’s renowned fine-dining Indian restaurants. This experience introduced him to a demanding but rewarding new audience and sharpened his skills in upscale Anglo-Indian gastronomy.
It was here that Jomon learned to harmonize the authenticity of Indian cuisine with the expectations of Western fine dining—perfecting everything from menu engineering to precision plating.
A Pupil of the Greats: Cinnamon Kitchen & Chef Vivek Singh
In 2012, Chef Jomon joined the award-winning Cinnamon Kitchen, led by iconic Indian chef Vivek Singh. What began as a Senior Chef de Partie role soon evolved into a deeper mentorship. Under Singh’s guidance, Jomon explored new-age Indian gastronomy—melding molecular techniques with traditional flavors and bold presentation.
Within a few years, he earned a promotion to Sous Chef, managing kitchen brigades and orchestrating large-scale services with calm expertise. More than just skills, he gained a mentor in Chef Vivek—one of India’s finest culinary exports.
Ascending to Chef de Cuisine: Baluchi at The LaLiT London
In 2017, Chef Jomon made headlines as he took on the role of Chef de Cuisine at Baluchi, the signature restaurant at The LaLiT London, a luxury property near Tower Bridge. There, he introduced bold reinterpretations of regional Indian dishes with elegant European finesse.
By 2022, his talent and leadership earned him the coveted position of Executive Chef—making him one of the youngest chefs to lead a five-star UK property. His modern Indian creations began attracting not just critics, but a loyal clientele that craved storytelling on every plate.
🔗 Explore Baluchi – The LaLiT London
Culinary Director at The Tiffin Box – UK & UAE
Today, Chef Jomon holds the prestigious position of Director of Culinary at The Tiffin Box, an international restaurant group celebrating homestyle Indian food with modern flair. With branches in both the UK and UAE, the brand is rooted in nostalgia, yet elevated with inventive plating and global techniques.
Jomon oversees menu development, concept innovation, and chef mentorship—continuing his mission to make Kerala’s soulful flavors a worldwide sensation.
📸 Follow The Tiffin Box on Instagram
The Face of Indian Cuisine on UK Television
Charismatic and eloquent, Chef Jomon soon found a platform in the UK media. He’s appeared on major BBC culinary programs including Celebrity MasterChef, where his calm presence and bold flavors captivated viewers across the country.
His appearances have helped demystify Indian food for British audiences while positioning him as one of the most relatable Indian chef personalities on TV today.
🎬 More on BBC Celebrity MasterChef
Culinary with a Cause – Charity Work
In 2019, Jomon teamed up with the British Malayali Charity Foundation to raise funds for struggling nursing students in India. Skydiving from 13,000 feet, he turned a bold personal challenge into a charitable triumph—earning him the News Person of the Year honor.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, he was on the frontline of the Covid Support Appeal, distributing aid to families in need across South India. His heart for service is as strong as his talent in the kitchen.
💖 British Malayali Charity Foundation
International Speaker – Voice of Indian Cuisine
In 2023, Chef Jomon took the global stage as a guest speaker at World Food Istanbul, a leading international food expo. Representing modern Indian cuisine, he spoke on sustainability, innovation, and cultural preservation—earning praise from peers and critics alike.
He continues to use his voice to advocate for Indian food as a refined, diverse, and future-forward cuisine.
World Food Istanbul – Official Site
Awards & Recognition
Chef Jomon Kuriakose’s dedication has earned him accolades across the culinary and social landscape:
- 🏅 Career Excellence Award – 2024
- 🧑🏫 Guest Speaker – World Food Istanbul – 2023
- 🧑🍳 Youngest Executive Chef – The LaLiT London – 2022
- 🛡️ Best Food Safety Leader – 2022
- 🥇 National Chef of the Year Semi-Finalist – 2021
- ⭐ Culinary Hero – 2021 – Craft Guild of Chefs
- 🌍 Top 100 Most Influential UK Malayalis
- 📰 News Person of the Year – 2019 – British Malayali
🏅 Craft Guild of Chefs – Culinary Heroes
🌱 Legacy in Motion
Chef Jomon Kuriakose stands as a powerful symbol of how Indian cuisine can transcend borders while staying rooted in heritage. From humble kitchens in Kerala to five-star hotels in London, he has never lost sight of the values that define great cooking: passion, purpose, and people.
His journey continues to inspire a generation of chefs, hospitality professionals, and food lovers—proving that with heart and hustle, the world is your kitchen.
🌐 Explore more inspiring profiles on TopChefsBiography.org
Chef Jomon Kuriakose: From Kerala’s Kitchens to Global Culinary Leadership
Chef Jomon Kuriakose journey, Indian chef in UK, BBC celebrity chef, Kerala chef success story, TopChefsBiography.org
Chef Jomon Kuriakose’s remarkable culinary journey began in the heart of Kerala, where food was an everyday celebration of tradition, love, and flavor. Raised in a household steeped in South Indian culinary heritage, Jomon found inspiration early on in the spices, stews, and soulful dishes that defined his childhood. What started as curiosity soon transformed into an unshakable passion for cooking.
To formalize his dreams, Jomon pursued a degree in Hotel Management at the prestigious Sarosh Institute of Hotel Administration (SIHA) under Mangalore University. Armed with professional training and traditional values, he stepped into the hospitality world with confidence and drive.
His early career began in India with Sigree under Speciality Restaurants Pvt. Ltd., followed by key roles in the Taj Group of Hotels, including an international stint in Dubai. These experiences helped him master classic Indian cuisine while exploring modern techniques and international flavor palettes.
Jomon’s ambition took him to London, where he rose through the ranks at iconic Indian establishments like Bombay Palace and Cinnamon Kitchen, working under celebrity chef Vivek Singh. By 2017, he was appointed Chef de Cuisine at Baluchi, The LaLiT London, and later promoted to Executive Chef, becoming one of the youngest chefs to lead a five-star kitchen in the UK.
Now the Director of Culinary at The Tiffin Box (UK & UAE), Chef Jomon combines culinary leadership with community impact—appearing on BBC shows, mentoring young chefs, and leading charity efforts. His journey reflects not just professional excellence, but a heartfelt mission to make Indian cuisine a respected global force.
Chef Jomon’s legacy continues to inspire, blending innovation, authenticity, and humanitarian spirit across every plate and platform.