Chef Anish Padgaonkar: A Culinary Maestro with Global Expertise
Executive Chef at Cinnamon Life, Colombo, Sri Lanka
LinkedIn: Chef Anish Padgaonkar
Instagram: @chef_anish_padgaonkar
Chef Anish Padgaonkar is a distinguished culinary professional with over two decades of experience in the hospitality industry. Currently serving as the Executive Chef at Cinnamon Life, a premier integrated resort located in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Chef Padgaonkar’s career reflects a blend of traditional expertise and innovative flair. His diverse career across India, China, and Sri Lanka has allowed him to seamlessly combine global culinary techniques with authentic Indian flavors, particularly focusing on regional culinary traditions from India and Pan-Asian cuisines.
With a reputation for delivering world-class dining experiences, Chef Padgaonkar is particularly known for his deep passion for regional Indian cuisine. His dedication to preserving the integrity of traditional flavors, while pushing the envelope with modern twists, has made him a sought-after leader in the kitchen. Whether in the heat of a high-profile international kitchen or mentoring new chefs, his expertise continues to influence culinary landscapes across multiple regions. His career trajectory, defined by prestigious roles at some of the world’s most luxurious properties, highlights his exceptional leadership, skill, and passion for the culinary arts.
Early Beginnings and Culinary Education
Chef Anish Padgaonkar‘s love for cooking began at an early age, inspired by a deep connection to the rich culinary heritage of India. Raised in an environment where food was more than just nourishment but a celebration of culture, he was driven to explore the art of cooking from a young age. His formal culinary education laid a strong foundation for what would become an illustrious career. Chef Padgaonkar’s training focused on both Indian and global culinary techniques, but it was his focus on regional Indian flavors and the diversity of Indian culinary traditions that set him apart.
Following his education, Chef Padgaonkar began his professional culinary career, initially working in various kitchens across India, where he learned under the mentorship of seasoned chefs. As he progressed, it became evident that his true calling lay in exploring and honoring the regional cuisines of India, which would eventually define his culinary style. His early career served as a springboard, propelling him to global prominence as a talented chef with an unwavering commitment to creating authentic dishes that reflect the rich culinary diversity of India.
Career Highlights and Global Exposure
Chef Padgaonkar’s career trajectory spans multiple prestigious hotels and resorts worldwide, where he has continually pushed the boundaries of culinary excellence. From India to China and Sri Lanka, Chef Padgaonkar has brought his unique brand of culinary artistry to the kitchens of some of the world’s most renowned properties.
Current Role: Executive Chef at Cinnamon Life, Colombo, Sri Lanka
As Executive Chef at Cinnamon Life, Chef Padgaonkar is at the helm of one of Sri Lanka’s most luxurious and integrated resorts. The role involves overseeing all aspects of the resort’s culinary operations, from menu development and kitchen management to leading the culinary team across various restaurants. At Cinnamon Life, Chef Padgaonkar draws from his extensive background in Indian and Pan-Asian cuisines, introducing innovative dishes that marry Sri Lankan flavors with traditional Indian techniques.
The culinary strategy he spearheads focuses on offering guests not just a meal but a unique dining experience that embodies both luxury and authenticity. Under his leadership, Cinnamon Life has become a destination for those seeking refined, exceptional food that transcends the ordinary. The resort’s many dining outlets reflect a diverse array of regional and international influences, with Indian and Pan-Asian cuisines taking center stage in many of the offerings.
Executive Chef at Grand Hyatt Beijing
Before moving to Sri Lanka, Chef Padgaonkar was the Executive Chef at the renowned Grand Hyatt Beijing. This prestigious role allowed him to showcase his culinary expertise on a global platform, blending Chinese and Indian culinary traditions with creative twists. Chef Padgaonkar’s time at Grand Hyatt Beijing was marked by his ability to execute diverse menus for both international guests and local diners, adapting traditional Indian flavors to suit the cosmopolitan tastes of Beijing’s food scene.
His culinary philosophy at the Grand Hyatt was grounded in authenticity, yet he embraced local ingredients and preparation methods to enhance the dining experience. At the same time, Chef Padgaonkar elevated the hotel’s restaurants to new heights by creating innovative dishes that celebrated Indian culinary heritage, such as his signature Malabari Prawn Curry and Dum Aloo Rajasthani, which became favorites among the hotel’s clientele.
Executive Sous Chef at Grand Hyatt Mumbai
Chef Padgaonkar’s journey with Hyatt continued in Mumbai, where he served as the Executive Sous Chef at Grand Hyatt Mumbai, one of the most prestigious hotels in India. His time there marked a pivotal moment in his career, as he played a key role in developing and leading the culinary operations at one of the city’s finest luxury properties. Here, Chef Padgaonkar refined his leadership style, working across different restaurant outlets and events, shaping the culinary identity of the hotel while focusing on regional Indian flavors and Pan-Asian dishes.
Chef de Cuisine at The Oberoi, New Delhi
Chef Padgaonkar’s professional journey also includes his role as Chef de Cuisine at The Oberoi, New Delhi, one of India’s most iconic luxury hotels. At The Oberoi, Chef Padgaonkar embraced the opportunity to curate and elevate Indian cuisine at the highest level, creating menus that combined classic Indian flavors with contemporary presentations. His work at The Oberoi remains a hallmark of his culinary style—innovative, meticulous, and grounded in the cultural authenticity of Indian food traditions.
Sous Chef at Taj Hotels
Chef Padgaonkar’s earlier years in the industry began with Taj Hotels, where he worked as a Sous Chef. This position provided him with the foundation for his leadership and skill development, giving him the opportunity to master the art of preparing and presenting some of the finest dishes from across India. His time at Taj Hotels was crucial in refining his approach to fine dining and Indian cuisine, laying the groundwork for his future success as a top-tier Executive Chef.
Culinary Philosophy and Focus on Authenticity
Chef Padgaonkar’s culinary philosophy is deeply rooted in the belief that authenticity is the key to creating exceptional dining experiences. His approach to cooking centers on using the best seasonal ingredients while honoring traditional methods of preparation, ensuring that each dish captures the true essence of its origins. He is particularly passionate about regional Indian cuisine, which he believes offers a rich tapestry of flavors and techniques to explore.
One of Chef Padgaonkar’s signature dishes, Malabari Prawn Curry, is an embodiment of his culinary philosophy. This dish, inspired by the coastal Malabar region of India, showcases his commitment to using fresh, local ingredients while ensuring that the dish maintains the integrity of its roots. Similarly, his Dum Aloo Rajasthani represents the rich, aromatic flavors of Rajasthan, yet Chef Padgaonkar’s innovative approach introduces subtle modern techniques, allowing the dish to resonate with both traditional and contemporary tastes.
At the same time, Chef Padgaonkar is constantly experimenting with global culinary techniques, bringing a fresh perspective to traditional Indian dishes. His ability to combine the old and the new, the traditional and the modern, is what has earned him respect in the culinary world.
Global Exposure and Influences
Chef Padgaonkar’s extensive international experience has significantly shaped his approach to cooking. Having worked in countries like China, India, and Sri Lanka, he has had the opportunity to integrate diverse culinary techniques and flavors into his work. This exposure to different cooking styles has enabled him to blend Indian culinary traditions with global influences, creating unique and innovative dishes that appeal to a wide range of palates.
His time in China and Sri Lanka has given him the opportunity to experiment with local ingredients and adapt traditional Indian flavors to fit different regional preferences. Chef Padgaonkar’s ability to fuse Indian and Pan-Asian cuisines with such finesse has made him a standout figure in the culinary world.
Commitment to Sustainability
Chef Padgaonkar is also deeply committed to sustainability in the kitchen. He believes that chefs have a responsibility to minimize food waste and make sustainable choices in the kitchen. At Cinnamon Life, Chef Padgaonkar has led various initiatives aimed at reducing food waste and encouraging the use of local, sustainable ingredients. This commitment to sustainability is reflected in his approach to sourcing ingredients, as he always strives to use the best local produce while respecting the environment.
Visual Portfolio and Media Appearances
For a glimpse into Chef Padgaonkar’s culinary creations and his professional journey, you can explore his Instagram profile. His social media presence showcases his passion for food, from behind-the-scenes kitchen shots to beautifully plated dishes. Additionally, Chef Padgaonkar has been featured in various media outlets, including The Times of India and Telegraph India, where his work has been recognized for its creativity and authenticity.
JOURNEY
Chef Anish Padgaonkar has built a remarkable career that spans continents and brings together the best of Indian and Pan-Asian cuisines. His ability to blend traditional flavors with modern techniques has set him apart as one of the top chefs in the luxury hospitality sector. As the Executive Chef at Cinnamon Life, Chef Padgaonkar continues to shape the future of dining in Sri Lanka, offering guests unforgettable experiences that celebrate both the diversity and richness of global flavors.
Through his dedication to authenticity, creativity, and sustainability, Chef Padgaonkar remains a powerful influence in the world of culinary arts, and his career is a testament to the profound impact that food and cooking can have in connecting cultures and enriching lives.
