Atul Kochhar is an Indian chef, restaurateur and television personality. He is one of the most critically acclaimed chefs in Britain for his take on modern Indian cuisine, and was the second Indian chef to receive a Michelin star, awarded to Benares restaurant in London in 2007. Kochhar appears on television shows including "Masterchef Goes Large" and "Great British Menu". He is also a regular guest on BBC"s "Saturday Kitchen" and in 2010 launched his own series: "Atul"s Spice Kitchen: Malaysia".
Career of Atul Kochhar
Atul Kochhar was born on 31st August 1969 in Jamshedpur and began his cooking career at The Oberoi group of hotels in India from 1989-1994 where he gained a diploma in Hotel Management. In 1993 Kochhar graduated to the five star deluxe Oberoi hotel in New Delhi where he worked as a "Sous Chef". In 1994 he moved to the fine dining restaurant of renowned chef Bernard Kunig. The following year Kochhar extended his profile and experience, joining Marks and Spencer"s as a consultant chef advising on their Indian food range.
Restaurants of Atul Kochhar
"Benares Restaurant and Bar" (2003) - regarded as one of the world"s best Indian restaurants. Benares is known for modern Indian cuisine with a delicate use of spices to create outstanding dishes. In 2008 Kochhar opened his first restaurant in Ireland, called "Ananda" - meaning eternal joy -in the Dundrum Town Centre on the outskirts of Dublin. That year he also opened "Vatika Restaurant" located in Southampton situated on Wickham Vineyard. Vatika focuses on serving cutting edge cuisine using locally sourced and freshly prepared ingredients which gives rise to modern British food with a unique Indian twist.
Kochhar also has a restaurant on the P&O cruise ship Azura, called "Sindhu". In 2013, the "Rang Mahal" in Dubai"s JW Marriott Marquis Hotel opened. Kochhar also owns "Simply India" in The St. Regis Mauritius Resort and "Indian Essence" in Petts Wood.
Achievements of Atul Kochhar
•Atul Kochhar was the first Indian chef to be awarded a Michelin Star.
•Both Atul and Benares have been awarded a number of accolades including Atul receiving an Honorary Doctorate Degree from University of Southampton to recognize the work that he has contributed to the culinary industry.
•He has also received the Outstanding Contribution to the Curry Industry at the 2005 British Curry Awards.
•He received the TMG Cordon Bleu Award.
•Atul was invited to meet the Queen during a State visit with the President of India, along with being invited to cook for Prince Charles at St James" Palace in 2010.
Television Appearance of Atul Kochhar
•"Curry on with Atul Kochhar" on B4U (2010)
•"Kochhar"s Spice Kitchen"
•"Masterchef Goes Large Season 2"
•"BBC2"s Great British Menu"
•"Market Kitchen"
•"Saturday Kitchen series 1-3"
Bibliography of Atul Kochhar
Atul Kochhar"s recipes have appeared widely in magazines and newspapers, and he demonstrates regularly on food shows in the UK and abroad. He currently has three books published, namely;
•"Indian Essence (2004)
•"Fish, Indian Style" (2008)
•"Curries of the World" (2013)
•"Great British Menu Cookbook" (2007)
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