Dr. Chef Saurabh Sharma: Bridging Culinary Heritage and Modern Innovation/Co-founder of Master Chef Rajasthan/culinary consultant and brand ambassador/Amul, Catch Spices, Rufil Milk, Gustora Pasta, Fortune Oil, and Cornitos./Best Chef of Rajasthan by CMO Asia,/Global Achiever Men of the Year in 2022/Hospitality Excellence Award (2017), Emerging Chef of Rajasthan (2019)
“success knows no boundaries when one is driven by passion and empowered by discipline.”
Dr. Chef Saurabh Sharma stands as a beacon of Indian gastronomy, with a career that harmoniously blends culinary mastery, academic excellence, and cultural preservation. With over 17 years of experience, he has carved a unique identity in the world of cuisine—not only as a chef but as an educator, researcher, humanitarian, and a proud ambassador of India’s rich and diverse culinary traditions.
At the heart of Dr. Sharma’s culinary philosophy lies a deep reverence for the cultural and gastronomic legacy of his home state, Rajasthan. His commitment to reviving forgotten recipes and promoting the region’s traditional dishes has positioned him as a leading authority on Rajasthani cuisine. His work is not merely confined to the kitchen—it is academic, strategic, and visionary. This is most notably exemplified by his doctoral research titled “Culinary Heritage of Rajasthan and its Impact on Rajasthan Tourism & Economy, Sustainability Issues, Challenges, and Implications.” This scholarly work showcases his endeavor to connect food with broader issues of tourism development, economic sustainability, and cultural conservation.
Born in the historic town of Ladnun in Nagaur, Rajasthan, Dr. Sharma’s upbringing played a formative role in shaping his values. Raised with strong cultural roots and a work ethic grounded in discipline and perseverance, he embraced his passion for food early in life. His journey from a small town to global recognition is a testament to his relentless dedication and pursuit of excellence.
Professionally, Dr. Sharma is a certified culinary instructor accredited by the prestigious American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute (USA). His approach to Rajasthani cuisine emphasizes not only authenticity but also health-conscious techniques, a rare blend in traditional regional cooking. As a mentor and corporate trainer, he has guided thousands of budding chefs and professionals, working with leading organizations including Adani Group and Akshaya Patra Foundation.
A prolific author and researcher, Dr. Sharma has published several academic papers in reputed journals and has authored three culinary books. His intellectual contributions to the food industry are further bolstered by five copyrights and four patents, awarded by the Government of India—a remarkable achievement that underscores his innovation and thought leadership.
Dr. Sharma’s excellence has not gone unrecognized. His accolades include entries in the India Book of Records for creating the largest and heaviest lasagna, and the Limca Book of Records for preparing the most varieties of Basundi. He has been honored with the Hospitality Excellence Award (2017), Emerging Chef of Rajasthan (2019), Global Achiever Men of the Year (2021), and the Best Chef of Rajasthan (2022) by CMO Asia. He also holds the title of Ambassador of Taste for three consecutive years (2022–2024), receiving a gold medal for his contributions to the global culinary community.
In the public eye, Dr. Sharma is a familiar face on national and regional media platforms, including ZEE TV, FOODXP, Doordarshan, and IBA News. His popular cooking show Rajasthani Rasoi is a tribute to the cuisine he so passionately champions. Additionally, he has appeared alongside celebrity chef Ranveer Brar in the Doordarshan series Flavours of Shri Anna, promoting millet-based recipes under the FSSAI-led millet mission.
As an entrepreneur, Dr. Sharma co-founded Master Chef Rajasthan, a pioneering culinary competition that nurtures emerging talent and encourages innovation in the food industry. His role as a regional jury member for MasterChef India further highlights his stature in the culinary world.
Above all, Dr. Chef Saurabh Sharma is a visionary whose work transcends culinary artistry. He sees food as a powerful medium to drive cultural dialogue, economic growth, and sustainable living. Through his research, public engagement, and tireless mentorship, he continues to shape the future of Indian gastronomy—honoring the past while inspiring the next generation.
Early Life & Philosophy
Born in the culturally rich town of Ladnun, located in the Nagaur district of Rajasthan, Dr. Chef Saurabh Sharma’s early life was steeped in simplicity, tradition, and strong moral values. Coming from humble beginnings, he was raised in an environment that emphasized the importance of integrity, discipline, and hard work—principles that would later become the cornerstone of his professional journey.
Growing up in a modest household, Dr. Sharma was deeply influenced by the flavors and aromas of traditional Rajasthani cooking that surrounded his daily life. From an early age, he observed how food brought people together—how it was not just nourishment but also a way of expressing culture, hospitality, and emotion. These early experiences sparked a fascination with the culinary arts, gradually transforming into a profound calling.
Despite limited resources, Dr. Sharma remained undeterred in his aspirations. His thirst for knowledge and commitment to excellence pushed him to pursue education and training in the culinary field with unmatched determination. It was during these formative years that he developed a guiding belief:
success knows no boundaries when one is driven by passion and empowered by discipline.
This philosophy has remained at the core of his life and career. Whether as a chef, educator, or researcher, Dr. Sharma’s journey reflects an unwavering dedication to continuous learning, cultural preservation, and professional integrity. He does not view food merely as a profession but as a platform for transformation—of individuals, communities, and even economies.
Today, his humble beginnings are a source of pride and inspiration, reminding him and others that greatness is not defined by where one starts, but by the persistence and purpose with which one moves forward.
Awards & Recognitions
Dr. Chef Saurabh Sharma’s extraordinary contributions to the culinary world have earned him widespread acclaim and numerous prestigious accolades, reflecting both his culinary talent and cultural advocacy.
He holds a place in the India Book of Records for preparing the largest and heaviest lasagna, and in the Limca Book of Records for creating the most varieties of Basundi, showcasing his innovation and technical excellence. In recognition of his contributions to hospitality and regional cuisine, he received the Hospitality Excellence Award in 2017 and was named the Emerging Chef of Rajasthan in 2019.
In 2021, Dr. Sharma was honored as a Global Achiever Men of the Year, and in 2022, he was bestowed the title of Best Chef of Rajasthan by CMO Asia, affirming his leadership in the culinary industry. His consistent excellence has also earned him the prestigious title of Ambassador of Taste for three consecutive years (2022–2024), accompanied by a Gold Medal for global culinary influence.
Dr. Sharma served as a regional jury member for MasterChef India, and featured alongside Chef Ranveer Brar in the national TV show Flavours of Shri Anna on Doordarshan, further cementing his reputation as a culinary visionary and cultural ambassador.
Media & Brand Presence
Dr. Chef Saurabh Sharma is not only a celebrated culinary expert but also a prominent media personality whose work has reached millions across India. His charismatic presence and deep knowledge of Indian cuisine have made him a favorite on both television and digital platforms.
He has appeared on several esteemed national and regional television channels, including ZEE TV, ETV, FOODXP, Doordarshan, and IBA News, where he has shared his culinary philosophy, demonstrated traditional recipes, and promoted healthy, heritage-based cooking.
One of his most well-known media contributions is his popular cooking show, “Rajasthani Rasoi,” where he brings the authentic flavors of Rajasthan to the screen. Through this platform, he educates audiences about regional ingredients, forgotten dishes, and sustainable cooking practices, making him a household name among food enthusiasts.
In addition to his media presence, Dr. Sharma has collaborated with a wide range of renowned food brands as a culinary consultant and brand ambassador. His partnerships include industry leaders such as Amul, Catch Spices, Rufil Milk, Gustora Pasta, Fortune Oil, and Cornitos. These collaborations highlight his credibility, influence, and commitment to promoting quality and authenticity in the food and beverage industry.
Entrepreneurship & Leadership
Dr. Chef Saurabh Sharma exemplifies visionary leadership through his commitment to nurturing the next generation of culinary professionals. As the Co-founder of Master Chef Rajasthan, he has established a dynamic platform that celebrates and cultivates emerging talent across the state.
Master Chef Rajasthan is more than just a competition—it is a movement that empowers aspiring chefs by providing them with mentorship, exposure, and real-world experience. Under Dr. Sharma’s guidance, the initiative has grown into a respected culinary event that attracts participation from hospitality institutions, culinary schools, and independent chefs alike.
Through this platform, Dr. Sharma fosters creativity, innovation, and cultural pride in young culinary minds. His leadership continues to inspire excellence and encourage professional growth in the food industry, especially within Rajasthan. His entrepreneurial drive has not only created new opportunities but also strengthened the culinary ecosystem by building bridges between tradition and modern technique.
JOURNEY
Dr. Chef Saurabh Sharma’s journey is a remarkable testament to passion, perseverance, and purpose. Born in Ladnun, a culturally vibrant town in Rajasthan, his path began with modest roots but lofty dreams. Inspired by the rich culinary traditions of his homeland, he pursued his calling in the culinary arts with relentless dedication. Over the years, this passion evolved into a mission: to preserve India’s culinary heritage while seamlessly integrating it into modern gastronomy.
With over 17 years of experience, Dr. Sharma’s journey has spanned kitchens, classrooms, research labs, and global stages. As a chef, he has revived lost recipes and showcased the richness of Rajasthani cuisine. As an educator and mentor, he has shaped hundreds of young culinary professionals, nurturing talent across India and beyond. His academic work—particularly his doctoral research on the culinary heritage of Rajasthan—highlights his scholarly commitment to cultural preservation and sustainable food practices.
His rise to national and international acclaim has not been fueled by fame, but by a deeper vision—to create a meaningful impact through food. Through mentorship, innovation, research, and public engagement, Dr. Sharma continues to inspire a new generation of chefs and food enthusiasts.
Today, his journey is not just a personal story of success, but a blueprint for how culinary arts can drive social transformation, educational empowerment, and cultural pride. His work continues to leave an indelible mark on the world of gastronomy, making him a true ambassador of India’s culinary legacy.