Spearheader of a culinary legacy

Executive chef at one of the most celebrated restaurants in the country, Shantanu Mehrotra is recognised as much for being a culinary genius when it comes to Indian cuisine, as he is known for being a mentor... and for the right reasons, as evident during a conversation with Rapti Bhaumick

- Ra Bhaumick

A man with a gentle yet commanding presence, magic in his hands and a meticulous approach to the delicate nuances of food - are just some of the thoughts that may come to an observer's mind when watching Chef Shantanu Mehrotra at work. A taste of the food he conceptualises and creates will make a food lover (critic or otherwise) realise that the man is a culinary genius with an unparalleled understanding of Indian cuisine.

And why not? Shantanu first stepped into the world of culinary delights back in 1995 as a hotel management student and today, in 2024, he is the executive chef at the globally renowned Indian Accent (New Delhi), which brought its 15th-anniversary celebrations to the city with a specially curated six-course tasting menu at Renaissance Ahmedabad Hotel.

"It's my first time cooking for the people of Ahmedabad," shared the chef, who recently ranked 14th among the top 30 chefs in India and won a culinary excellence award for his contributions to Indian cuisine. Asked about the recognition and being part of a list that is led by his mentor, Chef Manish Mehrotra, Shantanu said, "It's been more than 25 years since I've been working and that news - it was an ecstatic moment that I can't describe in words."