Chef Hemant Oberoi – The Only Indian Chef in the Top 100 S. Pellegrino List

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Wasabi of India has so much to be proud of right now, especially since it is the only restaurant in the top 100 S. Pellegrino list headed by an Indian head chef, Chef Hemant Oberoi. Wasabi can be found in the Taj Mahal Palace & Tower, and it is owned by famous Japanese chef, Chef Masahuru Morimoto. Head chef Oberoi works with Chef Morimoto to work on the dishes, but it is through Chef Oberoi’s meticulousness and exemplary culinary skill that placed them in the 54th position.

Chef Oberoi was born on the 6th of February 1954 in Punjab. He did not have any culinary background, except for his mother who cooks the family’s dishes. In fact, he first wanted to become a doctor. He was determined to become one; however, he did not meet the requirements to qualify for the premedical exams. When he did finish his NDA exams, an illness prevented him from getting into the final selections. This turn of events frustrated and depressed him until his sister made the suggestion for him to enroll at the Pusa Institute of Hotel Management. This time, he finally made it.

One professor at the school suggested that he could try his hand at being a chef. However, being a chef was the farthest thing from his mind. In fact, he has always thought that cooking was a woman’s job. Little by little, the idea grew on him that he finally told his family – who were aptly shocked by his decision – that he has made up his mind to become a chef. In 1974, he finally started his formal training and became an apprentice at the Taj Bombay.

His career took him and his wife to Muscat, and they made Muscat their home for eight years. It was here that he got to cook for some of the big names in the world lie Prince Charles as well as Henry Kissinger.

In 1986, Chef Oberoi went back to India, and soon after his return, he was named as the Taj Bombay’s head chef. Being the head chef of this prestigious restaurant allowed him t be more creative in his culinary style. He was given free reign in the kitchens to experiment and combine different ingredients to make a good dish, and because he is a very skilled chef, he was soon receiving praises and awards for his culinary skill. He not only redefined traditional Indian cuisine to suit the different palates of his diners, but he is also the chef who created the Khud cuisine. One of his prestigious guests was Bill Clinton, who was impressed with his cuisine.

It was in the year 2008 that Chef Morimoto decided to open the Wasabi by Morimoto restaurant. In fact, this is his second Wasabi establishment at the Taj property. Chef Oberoi became its head chef, and together with Chef Morimoto, they created a very diverse and unique Japanese cuisine. Just like the first restaurant, it became instantly popular and is being visited by gourmands from all over Asia and abroad as well.

This year, San Pellegrino named them as the 54th best restaurant of the world after climbing from the 70th position last year.

Chef Hemant Oberoi’s Pumpkin Halwa

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