Mohd Zaid Shaikh: Corporate Executive Chef & Culinary Innovator
Mohd Zaid Shaikh is a highly accomplished Corporate Executive Chef with over a decade of diverse experience in the culinary industry. Known for his exceptional culinary creativity and leadership skills, Zaid has built an impressive career marked by his work with some of India’s most prestigious culinary establishments. His expertise spans across modern Indian and Goan cuisine, innovative menu design, kitchen management, and staff training, making him a prominent figure in the global food industry.
Early Career and Culinary Foundations
Zaid’s culinary journey began in 2010 when he joined Degustibus Hospitality as a Commi Chef at Indigo. His passion for the culinary arts and dedication to excellence were immediately evident. During his tenure at Indigo, he specialized in Patisserie and honed his skills in the art of dessert-making. This foundation allowed him to grow within the industry, gaining valuable experience and learning from the best in the business.
Over the years, Zaid worked at several prestigious establishments, including the renowned Trident Hotel and The Bombay Canteen. His roles ranged from pastry chef to the position of Demi Chef de Partie (DCDP) in the pastry kitchen. These experiences refined his technical skills and helped him develop a deep understanding of food operations, management, and customer satisfaction.
Key Milestones and Leadership Roles
Zaid’s career truly blossomed when he transitioned to the role of Executive Chef. He played a pivotal role in the establishment of several successful ventures, both locally and internationally. At Rustic Haus, he was promoted from Executive Sous Chef to Executive Chef, where he was responsible for menu planning, recipe development, staff training, and maintaining food quality standards. His leadership and commitment to excellence earned him recognition, including being featured in an interview with Fever 104FM for the Restaurant Choice Awards.
As an Executive Chef and Corporate Chef, Zaid successfully led projects in multiple locations, including Saudi Arabia, where he opened two Italian pizza outlets in Riyadh and Dammam under the brand 8 Portions. His expertise extended to consultancy roles for high-profile restaurants like Oven Magick Bakery and Vinsan World, where he helped launch new menus, optimize food quality, and implement effective training programs for staff.
Restaurant Consulting and International Projects
Zaid’s skills as a consultant have earned him the opportunity to work with several leading brands and restaurant chains. Notable projects include consulting for East End Deli in Chembur, Mumbai, where he developed a comprehensive recipe book, staff training programs, and cost analysis for menu implementation. His consulting career also took him to Vinsan World and City Shack Mejwani, where he worked on market research, menu development, and the overall operational setup of the restaurants.
His international consulting expertise was further demonstrated in Riyadh and Dammam, Saudi Arabia, where Zaid helped establish the 8 Portions outlets. Additionally, he was instrumental in setting up Cafe H, a health-focused restaurant in Goa, India, and worked as the Consulting Executive Chef for a new fine-dining restaurant in Panjim, Goa.
Awards and Recognitions
Zaid’s work has been recognized by numerous culinary platforms and prestigious awards. His restaurant Rustic Haus was awarded two significant titles by Times Food & Nightlife: Best Modern Goan Cuisine and Best Premium Dining in Goa (2024). In addition, his innovative approach to modern Indian and Goan cuisine has earned him a feature in The Best Ever Food Review Show, as well as a coveted spot as the only chef from India on Gronda App, a Michelin star chefs’ cooking platform.
Zaid’s dedication to culinary excellence was recognized by Gronda App with the prestigious Best Chef Award for the months of January and April 2025, solidifying his reputation as one of the leading chefs in the country.
Commitment to Training and Education
As a mentor and educator, Zaid is deeply committed to developing future culinary talent. He regularly conducts workshops and training sessions, focusing on both traditional culinary techniques and modern innovations. His workshops include topics such as fruit and vegetable carving, chocolate making, and cake garnishing, through which he passes on his knowledge and skills to budding chefs.
Zaid’s passion for teaching extends to his work with students at hotel management colleges, where he has conducted fruit and vegetable carving sessions, as well as chocolate-making workshops. These educational contributions ensure that his expertise is shared with the next generation of culinary professionals.
Corporate Executive Chef: Shaping Culinary Experiences
Zaid’s current role as a Corporate Executive Chef reflects his ongoing commitment to shaping and influencing the culinary industry. He oversees the operations of Modern Contemporary Indian Fine Dine Restaurants in Goa, where he is responsible for the complete design and execution of the restaurant’s culinary vision. From architectural and kitchen design to recipe development, staff training, and social media promotion, Zaid is hands-on in every aspect of the restaurant’s operation.
His work as a Corporate Chef involves overseeing multiple restaurant branches, creating seasonal menus, and ensuring consistent quality and customer satisfaction across all locations. Zaid’s ability to create distinct, flavorful dishes while maintaining high standards of service has made him a valuable asset to every restaurant he has been involved with.
Conclusion: A Culinary Legacy
Mohd Zaid Shaikh’s career is a testament to his dedication, passion, and exceptional culinary skills. From humble beginnings as a Commi Chef to becoming a Corporate Executive Chef and award-winning culinary innovator, Zaid has made a lasting impact on the global food scene. His diverse experience, leadership, and commitment to excellence continue to shape the future of modern Indian and Goan cuisine, leaving behind a legacy that will inspire generations of chefs to come.
Follow Mohd Zaid Shaikh on Social Media:
INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/zaidi666?igsh=MW5rdGV4MHp3d24xbg%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: Mohd Zaid Shaikh – Join the community and stay updated with his latest projects and restaurant openings.
- Twitter: @zaidshaikhchef – Follow for real-time updates, thoughts on the culinary world, and more.
- LinkedIn: @ Zaid Shaikh – Connect professionally for collaborations, consulting opportunities, and more.
Gronda:@https://chefzaidshaikh.gronda.com/
youtube: https://youtube.com/@zaidi666?si=MpCrArQMlMel6M5Y
He’s one of the best chef .. the passion & energy he puts in his work was fabulous
I do appreciate his hard work ..
love the way he did fullfil his late mother’s wish 😇
You’re welcome! I’m glad you liked the biography of chef zaid and the team’s work. If you have any more questions or need more information about chefs or anything else, feel free to ask!
I still remember little Zaid as a toddler, sitting beside his mother in the kitchen, carefully helping her cut onions with those tiny hands. Even back then, there was something special about his curiosity and love for cooking. His mother would often smile and say, “He’s going to be a great chef one day.” And how right she was.
Zaid grew up with a strong goal and unwavering determination. Through hard work, focus, and an unshakable belief in his dream, he turned his mother’s words into a beautiful reality. Today, as I watch him climb the ladder of success, earning recognition as a skilled and creative chef, my heart fills with pride. I only wish his beloved mother were here to witness the man and the master he has become.
What sets Zaid apart is not just his technique, but his incredible creativity in the kitchen. He has a gift for blending traditional flavors with modern twists, crafting dishes that not only taste divine but tell a story. His plating is artful, his flavors bold yet balanced, and his presentations are always imaginative. Whether it’s reimagining Goan classics with global ingredients or creating entirely new culinary experiences, Zaid brings passion and innovation to every plate.
My boy, I wish you endless success and fulfillment in the years to come. Keep creating, keep dreaming, and keep making us proud.
You’re welcome! I’m glad you liked the biography of chef zaid and the team’s work. If you have any more questions or need more information about chefs or anything else, feel free to ask!
Zaid bhai superb chef but wonderful human being
You’re welcome! I’m glad you liked the biography of chef zaid and the team’s work. If you have any more questions or need more information about chefs or anything else, feel free to ask!
You’re welcome! I’m glad you liked the biography of chef zaid and the team’s work. If you have any more questions or need more information about chefs or anything else, feel free to ask!
Zaid is the best chef. Cooking is not only his work but his passion. The way he presents the plates is awesome. It was his mother’s dream to see him as Chef and he fulfilled it. Proud of him a lotttttt and wishing him more success
“Zaid bro… your creativity in the kitchen is unmatched! Every dish you create is a masterpiece — innovative, flavorful, and beautifully presented. Keep raising the bar, Chef!”
Your dedication, creativity, and relentless drive in the kitchen are truly inspiring. You don’t just cook you create experiences, memories, and moments of pure joy through your food. Watching you do what you love and excel at it is something special. Keep chasing excellence, You have been my idol Zaid bhai 🫂 . The world deserves to taste what you bring to the table. 🫶🏻
Chef Zaid cooks up magic with each dish. A true artist with great love and passion for his work. Keep chasing your dreams and creating smiles with your food 🙂
Congratulations on your achievement Zaid bhai 🥳. Way more to go ahead 🙌🏻💪🏻.