Executive Chef Gauri Shankar: From Chef’s Whites to Global Talent Acquisition Leader in London/ Founder And Director of LITTLE KITCHEN HELP
LITTLE KITCHEN HELP HOSPITALITY RECRUITMENT AGENCY UK/EUROPE/AFRICA/MIDDLE EAST/AND NOW IN U.S.A. g.shankar@littlekitchenhelp.com
Gauri Shankar’s journey is a remarkable blend of culinary mastery and entrepreneurial vision. Starting his career in the kitchen, Shankar honed his skills in some of the most reputable culinary establishments. His expertise and dedication saw him rise through the ranks, With a strong foundation in Indian and British cuisine, he developed a deep understanding of the operational and creative demands of the hospitality industry.
Recognizing a growing gap between culinary talent and high-end hospitality opportunities, Gauri transitioned from the kitchen to talent acquisition. In 2020, he founded Little Kitchen Help Ltd, a hospitality recruitment agency based in London. The agency specializes in connecting skilled chefs and hospitality professionals—particularly from India and South Asia—with premium establishments in the UK, including Michelin-starred restaurants.
Gauri’s dual experience as a chef and recruiter gives him a unique edge. He understands both the aspirations of culinary professionals and the high standards required by employers. Today, he stands as a bridge between global talent and London’s elite hospitality scene, helping shape the future of international culinary careers.
In August 2020, Gauri Shankar founded Little Kitchen Help Ltd, a hospitality recruitment agency based in Harrow, Greater London
In August 2020, Gauri Shankar founded Little Kitchen Help Ltd, a hospitality recruitment agency based in Harrow, Greater London. With a vision to bridge the gap between talented culinary professionals and top-tier hospitality employers, he serves as the sole director and strategic lead of the company. Drawing from his extensive experience as a chef, Gauri understands the industry’s demands and tailors recruitment solutions that meet the needs of both clients and candidates. The agency specializes in placing skilled chefs, kitchen staff, and hospitality managers in renowned establishments across the UK and beyond, fostering global culinary career growth.
Chef Gauri Shankar: From Culinary Excellence to Global Talent Bridge in Hospitality
Chef Gauri Shankar stands as a shining example of versatility, ambition, and evolution in the global hospitality landscape. A distinguished culinary professional turned hospitality entrepreneur, Shankar has made significant contributions both in the kitchen and beyond. His journey from donning chef’s whites in prestigious London establishments to launching a hospitality recruitment agency demonstrates not only professional resilience but also an in-depth understanding of the evolving global food industry.
Early Career and Passion for Culinary Arts
Though specific details about his early life remain relatively private, it’s evident that Gauri Shankar’s passion for food, cooking, and kitchen culture began early in his professional journey. From the outset, he showed a deep curiosity for flavors, techniques, and the structure of professional kitchens. Like many in the culinary world, his rise was rooted in discipline, attention to detail, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. These values formed the bedrock for a career that would span continents and sectors.
A Strategic Shift: From Chef to Hospitality Recruiter
After years of hands-on experience in London’s kitchens, Gauri Shankar recognized a broader need in the hospitality industry—the gap between skilled culinary professionals and global opportunities. Many talented chefs, especially from South Asia, struggled to navigate international recruitment, legal processes, and placement into the right roles. Understanding both sides of the equation—what restaurants needed and what chefs hoped for—he identified an opportunity to make a meaningful difference.
In August 2020, he founded Little Kitchen Help Ltd, a hospitality recruitment agency based in Harrow, Greater London. The company focuses on connecting top-tier culinary talent with hotels, restaurants, and cafes in the UK and other markets. Little Kitchen Help specializes in placements for chefs, kitchen staff, and hospitality managers, with a focus on quality vetting, visa support, and career development.
Mission and Vision
Gauri Shankar’s vision with Little Kitchen Help Ltd is rooted in empowerment and global connectivity. He believes that a chef’s talent should not be confined by geography or paperwork. His agency assists candidates with interview preparation, visa documentation, and smooth integration into their new workplace environments. At the same time, he partners with employers to ensure that candidates meet their exacting standards in terms of culinary skill, hygiene, discipline, and adaptability.
The company has gained a reputation for integrity and reliability. Shankar’s personal background as a chef gives him credibility and trust among candidates, while employers benefit from his understanding of kitchen dynamics and workflow. His network includes Michelin-starred restaurants and luxury hospitality brands, many of which rely on his agency for chef recruitment.
Recent Recruitment Initiatives
One of Gauri’s recent LinkedIn campaigns involved the recruitment of 12–15 chefs specializing in Indian cuisine for a Michelin-starred restaurant in London. He emphasized the preference for chefs trained in world-class properties such as The Oberoi Group or ITC Hotels, showcasing his focus on premium talent sourcing.
By bridging the gap between Indian talent and British demand, Shankar is not only transforming lives but also contributing to the internationalization of Indian cuisine. His work ensures that chefs from smaller towns and backgrounds can find a platform to showcase their skills on a global stage—something that traditional hotel schools or agencies often fall short on.
Industry Recognition and Online Presence
Chef Gauri Shankar maintains a professional presence on platforms like LinkedIn, where he regularly posts updates on job openings, visa requirements, and culinary industry insights. His posts attract engagement from both aspiring chefs and industry professionals, reflecting his growing influence as a thought leader in global culinary recruitment.
He also shares snapshots of his culinary journey, personal interests, and mentorship stories via Instagram, where he connects more informally with chefs and food lovers.
A Dual Legacy in Food and Careers
Chef Gauri Shankar’s career is a testament to adaptability, leadership, and a genuine desire to uplift others. From the heat of the kitchen to the strategic world of recruitment, he has remained committed to excellence and community.
His work not only shapes menus but also shapes futures—connecting thousands of culinary professionals to opportunities they may have never imagined. Whether he is plating a fine dish in a luxury hotel or helping a young chef secure their first UK work visa, Gauri Shankar continues to leave an indelible mark on the global hospitality industry.
As London and the broader culinary world evolve, professionals like Gauri Shankar are essential bridges between talent and opportunity, heritage and innovation, ambition and achievement.
Online Presence
- LinkedIn: Gauri Shankar maintains a professional profile on LinkedIn, where he shares updates related to culinary opportunities and industry insights. LinkedIn
- Instagram: He also shares glimpses of his culinary creations and experiences on Instagram under the handle @gauri1663.Instagram
E mail: g.shankar@littlekitchenhelp.com