Atul Kochhar
Atul Kochhar | |
|---|---|
| Born | Jamshedpur, India |
| Occupation(s) | Chef, television personality, author |
| Years active | 1989–present |
| Known for | First Indian chef to receive a Michelin star; owner of multiple restaurants including Benares and Kanishka |
| Notable work | Curry Everyday, Simple Indian, Fish, Indian Style, Curries of the World, 30 Minute Curries |
Atul Kochhar is a chef of Indian origin who is based in the United Kingdom and recognized as a television figure. He was among the pioneering Indian chefs to be awarded a Michelin star, which he received in London in 2001 while working at Tamarind. Subsequently, he established his own dining venue, Benares, where he secured a second Michelin star in 2007. Over time, Kochhar has introduced multiple restaurants including Kanishka in London, Masalchi located in Wembley Park, as well as Sindhu, Vaasu, Riwaz, and Hawkyns situated in Buckinghamshire, along with Indian Essence in Petts Wood, Kent.
Frequently featured on television programs, Kochhar has also written several cookbooks such as Curry Everyday, Simple Indian, Fish, Indian Style, Curries of the World, and 30 Minute Curries.
Early life
Originating from Jamshedpur, India, Kochhar launched his culinary journey with The Oberoi Group between 1989 and 1994 after completing a diploma in Hotel Management at The Institute of Hotel Management Chennai. By June 1993, he progressed to the five-star Oberoi Hotel in New Delhi, taking on the role of sous chef where he managed a kitchen team of 18 members. In January 1994, he began working under chef Bernard Kunig. At 31 years old in January 2001, Kochhar became the first Indian chef to be honored with a Michelin star.
Restaurants
In 2018, Kochhar was removed from his position at London's Benares following his posting of anti-Islamic messages targeting actress Priyanka Chopra. This incident also led to the termination of his contract with the JW Marriott Marquis Hotel in Dubai.
Kochhar embarked on a new chapter in March 2019 by opening Kanishka on London's Maddox Street.
Media
Kochhar has made appearances on BBC2's show Million Pound Menu. He formerly hosted Curry On with Atul Kochhar on the B4U network and was the presenter of Kochhar's Spice Kitchen in Malaysia. His television portfolio includes participation in Masterchef Goes Large (season two), competing on BBC2's Great British Menu to design a menu celebrating the Queen's 80th birthday, as well as features on Market Kitchen and Saturday Kitchen during its first three series.
Publications
- Fish, Indian Style (2008), Absolute,
- Atul's Curries of the World (2013), Absolute,
- Benares: Michelin Starred Cooking (2015), Absolute,
- Simple Indian (2016), Quadrille,
- 30 Minute Curries (2017), Absolute Press,
- Curry Everyday (2022), Absolute Press,