Chef Prem Singh Rathore: Guardian of Rajputana Culinary Heritage, (REGIONAL CHEF) UDAIPUR UDAYVILAS /Author of Rawali Rasoi
Chef Prem Singh Rathore is a distinguished culinary artist whose name has become synonymous with the authentic flavors of Rajasthani cuisine. With a mission rooted deeply in cultural preservation, he has spent years dedicating himself to reviving and showcasing the regal culinary heritage of Rajputana, one traditional recipe at a time. As the visionary founder of Rawali Rasoi, Chef Rathore has not only reintroduced forgotten regional dishes to a global audience but has also become a cultural ambassador for Rajasthan’s food legacy.
Born with an innate passion for food and tradition, Chef Rathore grew up immersed in the sights, sounds, and smells of Rajasthani kitchens. Inspired by the traditional recipes passed down through generations, he sought to understand their cultural significance and perfect their preparation. Over time, what began as a personal pursuit evolved into a larger mission: to bring the royal and rustic flavors of Rajasthan to every household, both in India and abroad.
Through Rawali Rasoi, Chef Rathore has built more than just a brand—it is a living archive of authentic Rajasthani recipes, cooking techniques, and food stories. His deep knowledge of regional ingredients, spices, and preparation methods allows him to present each dish with unmatched authenticity and precision. From everyday staples like Bajre ki Roti and Ker Sangri to royal delicacies such as Laal Maas and Safed Maas, his recipes transport audiences into the heart of Rajasthan’s culinary traditions.
Culinary Journey & Expertise
Chef Prem Singh Rathore’s culinary journey is a rich tapestry woven with tradition, expertise, and a profound sense of cultural responsibility. His deep-rooted passion for Rajasthani cuisine was nurtured from childhood, growing up in an environment where cooking was not just a daily ritual but a celebration of life, legacy, and lineage. The flavors, aromas, and stories that surrounded him from an early age would become the foundation of a lifelong mission—to honor, protect, and share the authentic taste of Rajasthan.
Drawing inspiration from age-old family recipes, Chef Rathore developed a deep appreciation for the art of traditional cooking. These recipes, often preserved through oral traditions, were much more than culinary instructions—they were pieces of cultural history. Chef Rathore understood early on that these culinary treasures needed to be protected and passed on, especially in an era where modern food trends often overshadow regional heritage.
As he matured professionally, Chef Rathore’s desire to refine his skills and elevate his culinary knowledge led him to some of India’s most prestigious hospitality institutions. His tenure at the renowned Oberoi Hotels & Resorts allowed him to gain formal training and exposure to world-class kitchens. There, he learned the value of precision, discipline, and consistency—qualities that enhanced his traditional base with contemporary technique and international standards of excellence.
What makes Chef Rathore stand apart is his ability to fuse traditional knowledge with professional finesse. He doesn’t merely recreate old dishes; he revives them with care, paying attention to authenticity, technique, and the original spirit of the cuisine. His use of indigenous ingredients, traditional spice blends, and age-old cooking methods ensures that every dish he prepares is an experience in itself—faithful to its roots and vibrant in flavor.
His expertise spans a wide repertoire of iconic Rajasthani dishes, many of which are complex in preparation and steeped in cultural symbolism. His Dal Baati Churma captures the essence of Rajasthani hospitality and sustenance; his Ker Sangri, a dry desert bean delicacy, showcases the region’s culinary resilience and innovation in using native produce. And his take on Ghevar, a festive sweet made with intricate latticework and delicate syrup infusion, reflects the finesse and celebration that define Rajasthani festivities.
Author of Rawali Rasoi
In 2022, Chef Prem Singh Rathore achieved a major milestone in his mission to preserve and promote Rajasthani culinary heritage with the release of his monumental cookbook, “Rawali Rasoi: Rajasthan Cuisine by Prem Singh Rathore.” Published by Blue Rose Publishers, this 652-page epic is more than just a cookbook—it is a cultural archive, a culinary journey, and a heartfelt tribute to the royal and rustic flavors of Rajasthan.
What makes Rawali Rasoi truly exceptional is its comprehensive approach. It is not merely a collection of recipes, but a meticulously curated guide to the traditional, regional, and often forgotten dishes of Rajasthan. Chef Rathore spent years researching, testing, and perfecting the recipes included in the book—many of which had never been formally documented before. These dishes reflect not only the geography and climate of Rajasthan but also its history, community practices, and deeply ingrained food customs.
From the iconic Laal Maas and Dal Baati Churma to lesser-known gems like Saakar ki Roti, Taramera ro Saag, and Dunghar Pudina Chaas, each recipe is detailed with step-by-step instructions, ensuring accessibility for both seasoned chefs and home cooks. Alongside these recipes, the book provides cultural insights, historical references, and cooking anecdotes, giving readers a profound and holistic understanding of each dish’s origin and significance.
In documenting these time-honored recipes, Chef Prem Singh Rathore has cemented his place not only as a culinary expert but also as a cultural historian, ensuring that future generations will continue to experience, appreciate, and celebrate the richness of Rajasthani cuisine.
Legacy & Vision
Chef Prem Singh Rathore is more than a culinary expert—he is a cultural custodian whose work aims to safeguard and celebrate the essence of Rajasthani cuisine. His mission goes far beyond preparing traditional dishes; it is rooted in a deep commitment to reviving and sustaining the culinary heritage of Rajasthan for future generations.
Through his platform, Rawali Rasoi, and his monumental cookbook, Chef Rathore has meticulously documented hundreds of regional recipes—many of which risked being forgotten. He not only preserves these culinary treasures but also educates a wider audience about their cultural and historical significance. His work offers a bridge between the past and the present, ensuring that traditional cooking methods and ingredients remain relevant in today’s modern kitchens.
Chef Rathore’s digital outreach plays a crucial role in this vision. By leveraging platforms like YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook, he engages directly with food enthusiasts across the globe, making Rajasthani cuisine accessible and inspiring to all.
His journey stands as a powerful testament to the enduring appeal of regional Indian food and the vital role it plays in preserving identity, history, and culture. Chef Rathore continues to inspire a movement that values tradition, authenticity, and the soul of Indian gastronomy.
JOURNEY
Chef Prem Singh Rathore is not only a culinary expert but also a passionate guardian of Rajasthan’s rich gastronomic legacy. His vision extends far beyond the art of cooking—it is rooted in a deep commitment to preserving, reviving, and sharing the timeless traditions of Rajasthani cuisine with the world. At a time when modern food trends often overshadow regional identities, Chef Rathore has chosen to walk the path of heritage, ensuring that the flavors of Rajasthan continue to be celebrated and understood in their authentic form.
His mission is multi-dimensional. Through platforms like Rawali Rasoi, he has documented hundreds of traditional recipes—many of which were at risk of disappearing due to lack of written records or generational transfer. These recipes, steeped in history and culture, are not just culinary instructions; they are reflections of community, environment, and heritage. By preserving them, Chef Rathore is preserving a part of Rajasthan’s soul.
In addition to culinary preservation, he is deeply invested in educating aspiring chefs, guiding them in understanding not only the techniques but also the stories and values embedded in regional cooking. He regularly shares his expertise through workshops, cookbooks, and online tutorials, fostering awareness and pride in Indian food heritage.
Media Presence & Online Platforms
Chef Rathore actively shares his culinary knowledge through various social media platforms under the brand Rawali Rasoi. His engaging content includes cooking demonstrations, recipe tutorials, and cultural insights, making traditional Rajasthani cuisine accessible to a global audience.
- Facebook: Rawali Rasoi
- Instagram: @ranbankarawalirasoi
- YouTube: Rawali Rasoi Channel
Through these platforms, Chef Rathore showcases a variety of dishes, such as Taramera ro Saag, Saakar ki Roti, and Dunghar Pudina Chaas, emphasizing the importance of preserving traditional cooking methods and flavors.m.facebook.com+2facebook.com+2facebook.com+2