Chef Vinod Kumar Saini – Master Chef of Indian Cuisine | Global Culinary Artist & Mentor Master of Indian Gastronomy | Leela Palace Chef & Lufthansa Consultant Indian Culinary Legend | 32 Years of Excellence Across Continents Master Chef of Indian Cuisine | Global Culinary Craftsman & Educator
An Icon of Authentic Indian Gastronomy
Chef Vinod Kumar Saini is a towering figure in the world of Indian cuisine—a master of his craft with a remarkable culinary journey that spans over 32 years. His name is etched in the annals of Indian gastronomy not just for the mastery he brings to the kitchen, but for the passion, precision, and purpose that guide every dish he creates. From the refined kitchens of The Oberoi, New Delhi, where he began his culinary training in 1989, to his celebrated tenure as Master Chef – Indian at The Leela Palace, New Delhi, Chef Saini’s legacy is built on excellence, consistency, and innovation.
Throughout his illustrious career, Chef Saini has been the heartbeat of several prestigious kitchens across India and Canada, playing pivotal roles in launching, stabilizing, and elevating culinary operations. At The Leela Palace, he led the renowned Indian fine-dining restaurant Jamavar, where he created exquisite menus that honored traditional flavors while appealing to modern palates. His leadership extended beyond the kitchen—he acted as Executive Chef during crucial periods, mentored junior chefs, introduced sustainability practices, and conducted over 200 live Indian cookery classes for international guests.
Chef Saini’s work reflects a seamless blend of regional authenticity and global finesse. His expertise goes beyond restaurants: he served as Consultant Chef for Lufthansa Airlines, crafting exclusive First and Business Class menus for flights between India and Germany, and conducting international training for airline culinary teams in Frankfurt, Bangalore, Mumbai, and Chennai. His ability to translate India’s rich culinary heritage into elegant, world-class dining experiences has made him a sought-after name in luxury hospitality.
What truly distinguishes Chef Saini is his deep respect for heritage, combined with a creative drive to innovate within the boundaries of tradition. Whether on television shows, at food festivals, or in top-tier restaurants, he stands as a symbol of what modern Indian gastronomy can be—bold, rooted, refined, and globally resonant. His cuisine tells stories of India’s culinary history while embracing the future with open arms.
Chef Vinod Kumar Saini is not merely a chef; he is a culinary visionary, educator, and cultural ambassador, representing Indian cuisine with honor on the global stage.
Professional Experience: A Career Crafted with Passion
🔹 Master Chef – Indian | The Leela Palace, New Delhi
📅 January 2011 – January 2022
At the luxurious Leela Palace, Chef Saini led the Indian kitchen to new heights—merging royal Indian traditions with innovative presentation styles. He was the culinary backbone of Jamavar, the hotel’s award-winning Indian specialty restaurant, and handled not just restaurant operations but also banquets, VVIP services, and international food festivals. His responsibilities included:
- Designing fusion and classical Indian menus
- Managing food costs, staff training, and guest engagement
- Conducting over 200 Indian cooking classes for global guests
- Acting as Executive Chef from 2020–2022 and during absences
Chef Saini’s tenure contributed to the restaurant receiving top ratings from hygiene audits (FSSAI, Bureau Veritas) and glowing feedback from dignitaries and celebrities.
✈️ Consultant Chef | Lufthansa Airlines
📅 January 2015 – January 2021
Chef Saini designed menus for First and Business Class passengers flying between India and Germany, customizing meals that combined luxury with regional Indian flavors. He conducted:
- International training programs in Frankfurt and Bangalore
- Menu development for LSG Sky Chefs (Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai)
- Food tastings and presentations tailored to both German and Indian palates
👨🍳 Executive Sous Chef | Kainoosh, New Delhi
📅 March 2010 – December 2010
Handpicked by celebrity chef Marut Sikka, Chef Saini helped launch Kainoosh, a contemporary Indian restaurant celebrated for its innovation. He:
- Maintained exceptional quality and kitchen discipline
- Conducted food demos for the media
- Oversaw bar snacks and restaurant operations
🇨🇦 Sous Chef | Canadian Inn, Manitoba & Jaipur Bistro, Ottawa
📅 2005 – 2009
During his time in Canada, Chef Saini expanded the reach of Indian fine dining in Ottawa, Toronto, and Brandon. Working with lean teams, he was responsible for:
- Daily operations, kitchen leadership, and quality control
- Maintaining authenticity while adapting dishes to Western preferences
- Ensuring hygiene and cost control standards were met
🍽️ Sous Chef | Private Catering (Delhi NCR)
📅 2006 – 2008
Chef Saini independently ran exclusive catering for high-end private gatherings across Delhi and NCR, offering tailor-made menus in both Indian and Western cuisines.
🏨 Chef | The Oberoi, New Delhi
📅 March 1991 – August 2005
Chef Saini’s culinary journey began at The Oberoi, where he trained and worked across multiple outlets, gaining foundational excellence in:
- Indian fine dining at Kandahar (Chef de Partie)
- Continental cuisine at Belvedere Club (Demi Chef)
- All-day dining at The Palms, banquets, and in-room dining services
He gained a deep understanding of luxury guest service, technical cooking skills, and large-scale kitchen operations.
Academic Qualifications & Apprenticeship
- Bachelor of Arts in Industrial Relations and Personnel Management
University of Delhi, India - Full-time Apprenticeship in Food Production
The Oberoi Hotel, New Delhi (1989–1993)
Certified by the National Council for Vocational Training, Govt. of India
Honors, Certifications & Media Presence
🏆 Awards & Recognitions
- Best North Indian Chef – Food and Nightlife Magazine (by Rupali Dean)
- Best North Indian Food in Delhi NCR – MouthShut.com Survey
- Employee of the Month – The Oberoi Hotel (May 1996)
- Area Champion – Oberoi Hotels (October 1998, September 2001, February 2003)
📺 Television Appearances
- Featured on NDTV Good Times, Zee Business, and NDTV India
- Appeared with MasterChef Australia team during India visit
- YouTube presence with cooking videos and training clips
🎓 Certifications
- Foundation Certificate in Food Hygiene (HACCP) – The Royal Institute of Public Health
- Exposure Training – The Oberoi Mumbai
- Winners & Finalists in Multiple National-Level Culinary Competitions
International Events & Culinary Festivals
- Indian Culinary Festival, Lausanne (Switzerland) – Beau Rivage Palace, May 2012
- Conducted Indian food showcases across Europe and Canada
- Regularly invited for embassy dinners, airline menus, and fine-dining promotions
Culinary Philosophy & Strengths
Chef Saini’s culinary philosophy revolves around preserving Indian authenticity while embracing modern presentation and fusion concepts. His core strengths include:
- Expert knowledge of regional Indian cuisine
- Ability to merge heritage with haute cuisine
- Maintaining cost-efficiency without compromising quality
- Strong leadership in kitchen organization and team development
- Hands-on training, mentoring, and international culinary pedagogy
He believes in letting flavor lead the way, ensuring that every dish tells a story rooted in Indian tradition but refined with global techniques.
A Legacy in the Making
Chef Vinod Kumar Saini’s culinary odyssey is a testament to dedication, artistry, and relentless pursuit of excellence. With an impressive career spanning over 32 years, he has crafted a legacy rooted in authenticity while embracing the evolution of Indian cuisine. His journey has been one of discipline, vision, and adaptability—qualities that have helped him thrive in elite kitchens across India, Canada, and international airspace, reaching thousands through both plate and performance.
From commanding the kitchen of Jamavar at The Leela Palace, New Delhi, to crafting curated in-flight menus for Lufthansa Airlines, Chef Saini has consistently proven his ability to adapt tradition to contemporary dining contexts without losing cultural essence. His ability to transition seamlessly between high-volume banquets, intimate VIP dinners, and luxury fine-dining settings underscores his exceptional culinary range. Whether leading a bustling kitchen brigade or conducting a cooking class for global connoisseurs, he approaches every task with the same humility and passion that first brought him into the profession.
Beyond the stove, Chef Saini has also become a respected mentor, consultant, and media personality. His appearances on culinary television shows, training workshops for hospitality professionals, and international culinary festivals have allowed him to share his expertise with a wider audience—positioning him as a torchbearer of modern Indian cuisine.
In an industry that constantly evolves, Chef Saini has remained grounded in his values: respect for ingredients, authenticity in flavors, and commitment to culinary excellence. He has not just witnessed the transformation of Indian gastronomy—he has been an integral part of it.
Today, he continues to inspire the next generation of chefs and diners alike, not only through his food but through his unwavering commitment to elevating Indian cuisine on the global stage. His legacy is not complete—it is still being written, one dish at a time.