Ashok Kumar appointed executive chef at Kanishka

National Chef of the Year finalist Ashok Kumar has been appointed executive chef at Kanishka by Atul Kochhar in London.

He joins from a role at Kochhar’s Indian Essence restaurant in Petts Wood, where he has worked for the last few years.

After receiving a diploma in hotel management from the Chandigarh Institute of Hotel Management, Kumar went on to work as commis chef at Taj Hotel and Palaces, the Hilton and Crown Plaza.

He joined Atul Kochhar’s Indian Essence as junior sous chef and worked his way up to executive chef.

Kumar has also held sous chef and head chef roles at Michelin-starred Benares in Mayfair

He made it to the final of the National Chef of the Year competition in 2022 and won the Lumina Challenge 2023.

Kochhar said: “Having worked with Ashok for many years, I’m thrilled to have him in Mayfair at Kanishka. Not only does he have excellent experience, he works to an excellent standard and has profound knowledge of both the UK hospitality industry and Indian cuisine.

“His enthusiasm is contagious and I am confident he will inspire the whole team and be a real asset to the kitchen at Kanishka.”

Atul Kochhar Restaurant Group said it has further restaurant openings in the pipeline and plans to launch an events business.