EXECUTIVE CHEF SANDIP PATIL WOW CREST IHCL SELEQTIONS BRAND
Chef Sandip Patil
Executive Chef at WOW Crest, Indore – IHCL SeleQtions
Specialty: Western, Indian, Garde Manger
Chef Sandip Patil is an experienced and highly respected Executive Chef with over two decades of diverse culinary expertise in the hospitality industry. Currently serving as the Executive Chef at WOW Crest, Indore, under the prestigious IHCL SeleQtions brand, Chef Patil has established himself as a leader in the culinary world, renowned for his ability to merge the flavors of Western, Indian, and Garde Manger cuisines to create exceptional dining experiences. With an illustrious career that spans various renowned global hospitality brands, Chef Patil’s contributions to the culinary world are characterized by his dedication to quality, creativity, and innovation.
Chef Patil’s culinary journey began in 2002 when he took his first step into the professional kitchen at the iconic Taj President, Mumbai, where he underwent a comprehensive apprenticeship. Since then, he has honed his skills in numerous esteemed kitchens across the globe, progressively advancing through the ranks, from Commis Chef to Executive Chef. His ability to work with a wide array of international cuisines, combined with his unwavering passion for food, has allowed him to make significant contributions to the success of many high-profile establishments.
Throughout his career, Chef Patil has showcased his proficiency in a variety of cooking styles, but he is particularly recognized for his specialization in Italian cuisine, known for its intricate techniques and emphasis on fresh, high-quality ingredients. His culinary expertise extends across multiple cuisines, including Indian, Western, and Garde Manger. His creative approach to blending Indian flavors with Western techniques has earned him a reputation as a culinary innovator, respected by peers and food enthusiasts alike.
Career Evolution and Professional Milestones
Chef Patil’s culinary career has taken him on an exciting journey across prestigious hotels and resorts, each of which has helped shape his distinctive cooking style and leadership approach. He has had the opportunity to work at some of the most renowned hospitality brands in India and abroad, learning from the best and continually raising the bar in every role he has undertaken.
Executive Chef – WOW Crest, Indore (IHCL SeleQtions)
Currently serving as the Executive Chef at WOW Crest, Indore, under the umbrella of the IHCL SeleQtions brand, Chef Patil brings his vast experience and innovative ideas to this esteemed property. At WOW Crest, he is responsible for overseeing all culinary operations, from menu planning and development to managing kitchen staff and ensuring the highest standards of food quality and presentation. Chef Patil’s leadership has been instrumental in transforming the property’s food offerings, ensuring that each dish reflects his signature style, which balances creativity with tradition.
Under his guidance, WOW Crest has flourished as a culinary destination in Indore, with guests savoring a range of exquisitely crafted dishes that showcase both local flavors and global culinary trends. Chef Patil’s approach to food sustainability, local sourcing, and eco-conscious practices has been pivotal in shaping the hotel’s dining philosophy.
Executive Sous Chef – Grand Hyatt Mumbai
Before assuming his current role, Chef Patil served as Executive Sous Chef at Grand Hyatt Mumbai, a tenure that allowed him to hone his leadership skills and manage large-scale operations at one of Mumbai’s premier luxury hotels. Having previously worked at Grand Hyatt Mumbai in various roles, including Commis Chef, Demi Chef, Chef de Partie, and Sous Chef, Chef Patil’s journey through the ranks at Hyatt demonstrated his versatility, leadership, and commitment to excellence.
During his time at Grand Hyatt Mumbai, Chef Patil played a critical role in developing and implementing menus for the hotel’s multiple restaurants, ensuring that the dining experience for each guest was consistently outstanding. His keen eye for detail, coupled with his innovative approach to creating seasonal menus, earned him significant recognition. Chef Patil’s dedication to elevating the guest dining experience, especially in high-profile events, was a cornerstone of his success at Grand Hyatt.
International Experience – Marriott Colombo, Sri Lanka
Chef Patil’s international experience includes serving as the Executive Chef at Marriott Colombo in Sri Lanka. This was a significant role in his career, where he was responsible for leading the culinary team at one of Sri Lanka’s most well-known luxury hotels. At Marriott Colombo, Chef Patil had the opportunity to work with a diverse range of culinary traditions, experimenting with global influences and crafting fusion dishes that offered guests both authentic local flavors and international cuisine.
His work at Marriott Colombo also involved managing food operations for high-profile events, banquets, and special occasions, where his ability to execute flawless, large-scale catering became one of his defining strengths. During this time, Chef Patil refined his skills in high-volume kitchen management, ensuring that the quality of food was never compromised despite the demands of large events.
Foundations at Taj President, Mumbai
Chef Patil’s culinary journey began at the Taj President, Mumbai, where he started as an apprentice. This foundational experience in one of India’s most prestigious hotels provided him with a solid grounding in the core skills of cooking, food presentation, and kitchen operations. Working in this esteemed hotel allowed him to learn under some of the best chefs in the industry and gain exposure to fine dining and luxury service standards that would shape his career for years to come.
Culinary Philosophy and Specialization
Chef Patil’s culinary philosophy is deeply rooted in his commitment to blending traditional Indian flavors with Western culinary techniques, creating a fusion that is both unique and approachable. His love for Italian cuisine is a defining characteristic of his cooking, as he continuously strives to perfect the subtle balance of flavors, textures, and aromatics that Italian food is known for.
In addition to Italian cuisine, Chef Patil is also deeply passionate about the Garde Manger section, specializing in cold food preparation, including salads, charcuterie, and sophisticated appetizers. His approach to Garde Manger is meticulous, focusing on seasonal ingredients, presentation, and the integration of global influences to keep the dishes fresh and exciting.
Chef Patil also emphasizes the importance of sustainability and local sourcing in his cooking. He advocates for the use of fresh, local produce, and works closely with farmers and suppliers to ensure that the ingredients used in his kitchen are of the highest quality, ethically sourced, and environmentally responsible. His dedication to sustainability has been a key driver in the successful evolution of the menus at the WOW Crest and Grand Hyatt, where he has implemented eco-conscious kitchen practices and embraced a farm-to-table approach.
Recognition and Media Presence
Chef Patil’s work has been recognized in various culinary publications and industry platforms for his dedication to excellence, creativity, and innovation. He has garnered praise for his ability to craft menus that blend the richness of Indian cuisine with the sophistication of Western techniques, earning him accolades throughout his career. His culinary endeavors have been featured in prominent media outlets, such as ET Hospitality World and Indian Retailer, where his work has been recognized as a benchmark for modern Indian cuisine.
As a passionate culinary professional, Chef Patil also shares his expertise with a wider audience through his Instagram profile, where he provides glimpses into his daily life in the kitchen, his culinary journey, and his creative process. His social media presence has allowed him to connect with food lovers, aspiring chefs, and industry professionals, further solidifying his reputation as a leader in the culinary world.
JOURNEY
Chef Sandip Patil is a seasoned Executive Chef whose remarkable career is marked by a relentless pursuit of culinary excellence, creative innovation, and leadership. His journey from an apprentice at Taj President, Mumbai to his current role at WOW Crest, Indore reflects a deep commitment to refining his craft and pushing the boundaries of modern cuisine. Whether leading a kitchen, developing innovative menus, or mentoring the next generation of culinary talent, Chef Patil continues to make a significant impact on the hospitality industry, inspiring others with his dedication to both his craft and his guests.
