Chef Mahendra Khairiya – Visionary Culinary Leader, MasterChef Judge & Founder of Culinary Mantra |MasterChef Judge & Founder of Culinary Mantra | Icon of Indian |From Executive Chef at 23 to India’s Top Culinary Consultant |Golden Chef Award Winner & WACS Ambassador of Indian Cuisine
The Flavor of Destiny: From Delhi Roots to Global Kitchens
In the vibrant lanes of Delhi NCR, where spices fill the air and tradition dances with innovation, a young Mahendra Khairiya was unknowingly shaping a future steeped in culinary excellence. Born into a humble family that revered discipline and education, Mahendra grew up amidst the rich tapestry of Indian culture. While most children were still figuring out their dreams, Mahendra was already captivated by the artistry of food. Watching his family cook instilled in him a deep appreciation for the transformative power of flavors—the way food could comfort, heal, and unite.
Mahendra was never content with simply enjoying good food. He wanted to understand it—to master it. With an inquisitive mind and a determined spirit, he set out on a journey that would redefine culinary ambition in India. His academic foundation began at the prestigious Delhi University, where he completed his graduation, grounding himself in structure, discipline, and intellectual growth. But his heart belonged to the hospitality industry.
Driven by purpose, he enrolled at the Culinary Institute of Hotel & Tourism Management, Dehradun (UK), India, a decision that would become the launchpad of a revolutionary career. There, Mahendra immersed himself in the science and soul of gastronomy, learning the techniques, theories, and ethics that would later define his approach as a chef, mentor, and entrepreneur.
His meteoric rise was nothing short of extraordinary. At just 23 years old, Mahendra shattered industry norms by becoming one of the youngest Executive Chefs in India—an accomplishment that foreshadowed a legacy-in-the-making. His early promotion wasn’t luck; it was the culmination of tireless nights, bold decisions, and a palate that could discern magic in even the simplest ingredients.
MasterChef of India: From Backstage to the Spotlight
Chef Mahendra’s rise from elite kitchens to national television was both organic and inevitable. With his unwavering command of culinary arts and his flair for mentoring young talent, he became a natural fit for India’s most iconic food show: MasterChef India. He joined as a Judge on Seasons 1, 2, and 3, and also lent his expertise to Junior MasterChef India, touching millions of lives through the screen.
His presence on television wasn’t just about fame—it was about impact. On MasterChef, Chef Mahendra brought clarity, empathy, and high standards to the judging panel. He empowered home cooks and aspiring professionals with constructive feedback, nuanced insights, and the rare ability to recognize raw talent and elevate it. His authenticity resonated with the nation, making him a beloved figure in India’s culinary renaissance.
Through MasterChef, he helped bridge the gap between professional kitchens and Indian homes, inspiring a generation of young chefs to dream beyond boundaries. His mentorship, both on and off the screen, remains one of his greatest legacies.
Culinary Mantra: Where Passion Meets Purpose
While many would rest on television fame, Chef Mahendra sought a deeper calling. In 2012, he founded Culinary Mantra – A Complete Hospitality Solution, a global culinary consultancy that became the embodiment of his vision. With a sharp understanding of culinary operations and business strategy, Chef Mahendra turned Culinary Mantra into a transformative force for hotels, restaurants, and culinary entrepreneurs.
The company offers a comprehensive range of services including kitchen design, menu engineering, brand conceptualization, staff training, F&B operational audits, and end-to-end restaurant consulting. Under his leadership, Culinary Mantra has helped revamp failing ventures, launch successful startups, and elevate the standard of hospitality operations across India and beyond.
What makes Culinary Mantra unique is its founder’s relentless attention to detail. Whether consulting for a five-star resort or a boutique café, Chef Mahendra treats every project as a blank canvas—a chance to create, elevate, and innovate.
Two Decades of Excellence: The Five-Star Trailblazer
Throughout his 20+ year career, Chef Mahendra Khairiya has worked with India’s most prestigious hotel chains, each stint adding layers to his expertise and influence. His portfolio includes:
- Marriott Group of Hotels
- Hyatt Hotels
- Taj Group of Hotels
- Jaypee Group
- Sarovar Hotels
From luxury banquets and fine-dining establishments to high-pressure catering operations, Chef Mahendra mastered the art of leading large culinary teams, often managing 100+ staff members while maintaining culinary precision. His ability to blend operational efficiency with creative innovation made him a respected name not only in kitchens but in boardrooms.
He has played critical roles in pre-openings, concept launches, menu design, and corporate trainings, becoming a trusted name in Indian hospitality for his integrity, skill, and results-driven leadership.
Training the Torchbearers: A Mentor for the Culinary Generation
Chef Mahendra’s most profound impact lies in mentorship. A born teacher and motivator, he has spent the last two decades nurturing talent across India. Believing that true leadership is about creating leaders, not followers, he has personally trained and guided hundreds of chefs, many of whom now head kitchens in India and abroad.
He conducts corporate training programs for hospitality groups, covering essential areas such as food safety, global cuisines, kitchen management, soft skills, and plating aesthetics. His workshops—delivered at leading hospitality institutions and events—are known for blending discipline with inspiration.
Through his association with the Indian Culinary Forum, Chef Mahendra regularly organizes and participates in seminars, competitions, and culinary masterclasses, ensuring that young chefs receive the exposure, support, and recognition they deserve.
A Global Voice: Representing India at WACS
As a proud and active member of the World Association of Chefs Societies (WACS), Chef Mahendra represents Indian culinary professionals on a global platform. His participation in WACS events and roundtables has helped shape international conversations around culinary innovation, professional ethics, sustainability, and chef education.
He is a vocal advocate for cross-cultural culinary exchange, often encouraging Indian chefs to explore international techniques while preserving their regional roots. His role with WACS has positioned him as both a global ambassador for Indian cuisine and a progressive thinker in international hospitality.
Cooking with Soul: A Philosophy Beyond Recipes
Chef Mahendra doesn’t just cook—he creates experiences. Inspired by icons like Wolfgang Puck, he believes that food is the language of emotion. Each dish, for him, is a story—a memory—a journey waiting to be lived on the palate.
His food philosophy centers around:
- Emotionally resonant cooking
- Modern techniques rooted in tradition
- Sustainable sourcing
- Cultural respect and fusion innovation
Whether he’s reinventing a classical Indian dish with global finesse or elevating street food into fine dining, his plates are always guided by soul, story, and simplicity.
Empowering the Culinary Future: Inclusion, Innovation, and Inspiration
Chef Mahendra is also deeply committed to inclusion in the culinary world. He actively promotes opportunities for female chefs, regional cooks, and marginalized culinary voices, believing that the future of food must be diverse, equitable, and empowering.
He’s passionate about building scholarship programs, culinary incubation centers, and chef mentorship platforms—initiatives that he plans to scale through Culinary Mantra in the coming years.
Legacy in Progress: A Chef’s Journey from Plate to Platform
With over two decades of groundbreaking work, Chef Mahendra Khairiya stands tall not only as a chef but as a catalyst of transformation in the Indian culinary space. His work continues to shape restaurants, influence culinary education, and inspire chefs across the globe.
From judging MasterChef India, leading Culinary Mantra, consulting for world-class hotels, and empowering India’s youth, his journey is a model of passion, precision, and perseverance. And yet, for Chef Mahendra, the journey is far from over.
As he often says:
“The recipe is just the beginning. It’s the heart you put into it that makes it unforgettable.”
Accolades and Honors: Recognizing a Lifetime of Culinary Excellence
Chef Mahendra Khairiya’s career has been marked by exceptional achievements, leadership, and innovation. Over the years, he has received multiple national and international awards that celebrate his contributions to hospitality, mentorship, and culinary artistry. Each recognition is a testament to his relentless passion, dedication, and excellence in elevating the chef’s profession across India and beyond.
Major Awards & Achievements
- Golden Chef Award – India’s Hospitality Icons
Awarded for outstanding leadership, innovation, and service in the Indian hospitality sector. - King Chef Award – All India Chef Federation
Honored for exceptional culinary excellence and contribution to Indian gastronomy. - MasterChef Honorary Recognition – STAR India TV
Received for his role as Celebrity Judge across three seasons of MasterChef India and Junior MasterChef India. - Culinary Mentor of the Year – Indian Culinary Forum
Acknowledged for his unwavering commitment to mentoring young chefs through seminars, workshops, and live training sessions. - Best Culinary Consultant – Hospitality India Awards
Awarded for leading Culinary Mantra to success as one of the top hospitality consulting firms in India. - WACS Recognition – World Association of Chefs’ Societies (India Chapter)
For representing Indian chefs and promoting global culinary exchange. - Global Culinary Influencer – ChefConnect India
Honored for promoting Indian cuisine on a global platform and integrating innovation with tradition. - Guest of Honor – Various Hospitality Colleges & Institutions
Regularly invited as chief guest, keynote speaker, or jury member for culinary competitions and academic events.
Additional Honors & Certifications
- FSSAI Hygiene and Safety Ambassador
- Certified Trainer for Hospitality Leadership
- Featured in “Top 50 Influential Chefs in India” by Culinary Digest
- Panel Judge at India International Hospitality Expo (IHE)
These recognitions not only underscore his personal success but also symbolize his lifelong mission to uplift Indian culinary standards and inspire the next generation of chefs.
Culinary Mantra – A Complete Hospitality Solution by Chef Mahendra Khairiya
Empowering Culinary Brands with Strategy, Passion, and Precision
Founded by Chef Mahendra Khairiya, one of India’s most recognized culinary minds and a celebrated MasterChef India judge, Culinary Mantra is a global hospitality and foodservice consultancy offering end-to-end solutions for F&B businesses across India and abroad. Built on over two decades of real-world culinary experience, Culinary Mantra was born out of a vision to transform the hospitality landscape through innovation, operational excellence, and strategic culinary development.
Headquartered in Delhi NCR, Culinary Mantra provides turnkey solutions tailored to the specific needs of hotels, restaurants, cafés, catering ventures, food startups, and educational institutions. The consultancy specializes in restaurant concept development, menu engineering, kitchen planning and design, hiring and training culinary teams, cost optimization, and revenue strategy formulation. Whether launching a new property or revamping an existing one, Culinary Mantra delivers industry expertise with measurable results.
What sets Culinary Mantra apart is Chef Khairiya’s personal involvement in each project. With a deep understanding of both back-end operations and front-of-house dynamics, the consultancy offers a 360-degree approach to building culinary brands that thrive. Chef Mahendra and his team also conduct corporate training programs, staff workshops, and culinary audits to maintain international standards in hygiene, quality, and guest experience.
Culinary Mantra has successfully partnered with top hospitality brands, boutique hotels, and luxury restaurants across India, Middle East, and Southeast Asia. The firm is also working on building culinary incubation hubs to support budding entrepreneurs and promote regional Indian cuisines globally.
In a rapidly evolving industry, Culinary Mantra stands as a beacon of transformation—where culinary vision meets business acumen, and every flavor tells a success story.
Culinary Mantra – Chef Mahendra Khairiya’s Visionary Culinary Consultancy
Crafting Success Stories for Restaurants, Hotels & Culinary Brands Worldwide
Founded by Chef Mahendra Khairiya, a celebrated MasterChef India judge and veteran Executive Chef, Culinary Mantra – A Complete Hospitality Solution is a premium culinary consultancy that has redefined how food businesses are conceptualized, launched, and scaled in India and internationally. With over 20 years of real-world hospitality experience, Chef Khairiya established Culinary Mantra to bridge the gap between culinary artistry and business success.
Culinary Mantra offers end-to-end consulting solutions—from kitchen setup and menu design to operational management, team training, marketing strategy, and revenue optimization. The firm takes pride in combining creative innovation with cost-effective execution to help brands thrive in competitive markets.
Flagship Projects and Collaborations by Culinary Mantra
Chef Mahendra and his team have executed a wide array of projects under Culinary Mantra, across India and abroad:
- Concept & Launch – Spice & Story, New Delhi
Full-scale development of an Indian fine-dining restaurant, including brand identity, menu curation, chef recruitment, and launch operations. - Kitchen Design & Menu Engineering – Lavish Greens Banquets, Faridabad
Complete design of a large-capacity banquet kitchen, wedding catering menu, and cost-optimized production systems. - Hospitality Consulting – Royal Retreat Resort & Spa, Udaipur
F&B concept design for luxury dining and poolside café, plus staff training in service excellence and hygiene. - Operational Turnaround – Urban Tandoor, Dubai
Revamp of a struggling Indian restaurant in the UAE through new plating aesthetics, staff reorientation, and fusion menu development. - Training & SOP Setup – Fortune Avenue Hotel, Ludhiana
Onsite chef training, SOP documentation, buffet design, and customer satisfaction enhancement. - Restaurant Launch – Zaika Junction, Singapore
Overseas project focused on authentic Indian street food presentation in a QSR format with global appeal. - Culinary Academy Collaboration – SKIET Hospitality Institute, Kurukshetra
Partnered to design modern curriculum modules, conduct workshops, and provide industry interface training.
Culinary Mantra has also provided services to boutique resorts, multi-cuisine cafés, farm-to-fork concepts, ghost kitchens, and pan-Asian fusion brands. Under Chef Khairiya’s direction, the firm ensures that each client receives customized, hands-on consulting, rooted in real-world culinary knowledge and backed by data-driven decision-making.
