Chef | Marathon Runner
Executive Chef, Taj Dubai
Born and raised in a strictly vegetarian household in Northern India, Chef Jitin Joshi spent his early years in an Army school, aspiring to be a doctor. After studying plant sciences, he pursued his culinary dreams following a rigorous training at the Oberoi School of Learning and Development, eventually topping his class with the coveted Ishran Devi Gold Medal.
With hands on training in various cuisines including French, Pastry, Thai, Chinese and Indian, Jitin moved to London to work in the 2-Michelin Star kitchen of Capital Hotel and quickly rose to take on the position of Junior Sous Chef. In the years to follow, Jitin learned the secrets of fish cookery at Sheraton Park Towers, (voted the Best Seafood Restaurant – Hardens Guide for numerous years), adding his own unique touch by bringing in fresh elements of Indian and Asian cuisine on the menu. Jitin later joined Gordon Ramsay’s Maze as Head Pastry Chef in Jason Atherton’s team. That was the year in which it was awarded One Michelin Star.
Having gained almost ten years’ experience in western kitchens, Jitin returned to his roots to assimilate and use his experiences, in developing and refining Indian cuisine. Taking on the role of Executive Chef at Atul Kochhar’s fine dining Indian restaurant Benares, Jitin sank his teeth into modernizing presentations, incorporating seasonal and local produce in the menus and creating new concepts of Grazing Menus and Platter Menus, which are now part of the success story for Benares. In 2007 Benares received One Michelin Star. Jitin then had the privilege of working with the chefs from El Bulli, giving him exposure to the world of molecular gastronomy.
An indistinguishable passion and a treasure trove of rich cooking experience led Jitin to open Vatika, in a vineyard in Hampshire, giving him an opportunity to craft his own culinary creations. The emphasis on local produce, detailed presentation and cooking techniques led Vatika to win the Best Restaurant in Hampshire 2011.
Jitin anchored another restaurant for Atul Kochhar as they set up the first Indian restaurant Sindhu onboard the prestigious P&O Cruise, serving Indian Tapas style lunches and modern Indian dinners.