Fairmont Mumbai Elevates Culinary Excellence Under the Leadership of Prasad Metrani as Director of Culinary

Mumbai, May 2025 – Fairmont Mumbai is delighted to have Prasad Metrani as Director of Culinary. A visionary with over two decades of experience, he brings an exceptional depth of expertise from his journey through some of the most prestigious luxury establishments worldwide.

Prasad Metrani’s career in hospitality was deeply influenced by his passion for culinary arts and his innate desire to create extraordinary dining experiences. Starting his career in the kitchen, Prasad immersed himself in mastering techniques and understanding the nuances of global and regional flavors. His dedication and curiosity drove him to explore innovative ways to blend tradition with modernity, turning every dish into a work of art. "What attracted me to the culinary world was the endless opportunity to innovate and tell stories through food. For me, it’s not just about cooking; it’s about creating an experience that connects with people on a deeper level," he shares. This philosophy continues to define his approach, making him a trailblazer in the industry.

Prasad Metrani began his career with the Taj Group of Hotels, gaining valuable experience across iconic properties like Taj Mahal, Taj Palace Delhi, and Taj Bengal Kolkata. His passion for world-class dining led him to pursue and work at renowned places globally such as the Seabourn Cruise Liners where he refined his skills in curating exceptional gastronomic experiences. His leadership roles at prestigious hotels like Grand Hyatt, Fairmont Jaipur, Raffles Udaipur, and Conrad Bangalore have greatly enhanced his ability to innovate dining experiences, and manage global teams. Now rejoining Fairmont as Director of Culinary, Prasad expresses his excitement, "I am thrilled to return to Fairmont, a place that has always held a special place in my heart. It’s an incredible opportunity to combine my global experiences and culinary knowledge to elevate the dining experience here in Mumbai."

As his role as Director of Culinary he exclaims "What sets Fairmont Mumbai apart is its commitment to being “anti-ordinary.” From innovative table-sides to theatrical presentations, each dining experience is crafted to captivate guests and create unforgettable moments." Drawing on his 20 years of global culinary experience, Prasad’s passion for storytelling and guest engagement will shape every aspect of the hotel’s food and beverage offerings. By incorporating food rituals and unique concepts, his role is to ensure that each meal is not just about dining, but about an immersive experience. With meticulous attention to detail, Prasad is dedicated to establishing Fairmont Mumbai as a benchmark in luxury dining, blending tradition with modern culinary innovation and sustainability

Fairmont Mumbai Appoints Prasad Metrani, Director of Culinary

Mumbai, May 2025 – Fairmont Mumbai is pleased to announce the appointment of Prasad Metrani as Director of Culinary. A visionary with over two decades of experience, he brings an exceptional depth of expertise from his journey through some of the most prestigious luxury establishments worldwide.

Prasad Metrani’s career in hospitality was deeply influenced by his passion for culinary arts and his innate desire to create extraordinary dining experiences. Starting his career in the kitchen, Prasad immersed himself in mastering techniques and understanding the nuances of global and regional flavors. His dedication and curiosity drove him to explore innovative ways to blend tradition with modernity, turning every dish into a work of art. "What attracted me to the culinary world was the endless opportunity to innovate and tell stories through food. For me, it’s not just about cooking; it’s about creating an experience that connects with people on a deeper level," he shares. This philosophy continues to define his approach, making him a trailblazer in the industry.

Prasad Metrani began his career with the Taj Group of Hotels, gaining valuable experience across iconic properties like Taj Mahal, Taj Palace Delhi, and Taj Bengal Kolkata. His passion for world-class dining led him to pursue and work at renowned places globally such as the Seabourn Cruise Liners where he refined his skills in curating exceptional gastronomic experiences. His leadership roles at prestigious hotels like Grand Hyatt, Fairmont Jaipur, Raffles Udaipur, and Conrad Bangalore have greatly enhanced his ability to innovate dining experiences, and manage global teams. Now rejoining Fairmont as Director of Culinary, Prasad expresses his excitement, "I am thrilled to return to Fairmont, a place that has always held a special place in my heart. It’s an incredible opportunity to combine my global experiences and culinary knowledge to elevate the dining experience here in Mumbai."

As he reprises his role as Director of Culinary he exclaims "What sets Fairmont Mumbai apart is its commitment to being “anti-ordinary.” From innovative table-sides to theatrical presentations, each dining experience is crafted to captivate guests and create unforgettable moments." Drawing on his 20 years of global culinary experience, Prasad’s passion for storytelling and guest engagement will shape every aspect of the hotel’s food and beverage offerings. By incorporating food rituals and unique concepts, his role is to ensure that each meal is not just about dining, but about an immersive experience. With meticulous attention to detail, Prasad is dedicated to establishing Fairmont Mumbai as a benchmark in luxury dining, blending tradition with modern culinary innovation and sustainability. 

Novotel Mumbai Juhu Beach appoints Chef Avinash Kumar as Director of Culinary

Novotel Mumbai Juhu Beach has appointed Avinash Kumar as Director of Culinary. A graduate of the prestigious IHM Mumbai with a bachelor’s degree in hospitality and hotel administration, Chef Avinash has built an illustrious 18-year career across top-tier hospitality brands. His leadership journey includes key roles at renowned properties such as Holiday Inn Mumbai International Airport, Novotel Imagicaa, The Lalit New Delhi, Taj Holiday Village Goa, and Taj Exotica Goa, where he was highly acclaimed for his exceptional culinary skills and strategic thinking.

Speaking of his appointment, Avinash Kumar said, “I am excited to join Novotel Mumbai Juhu Beach and look forward to bringing my passion for culinary innovation to this esteemed establishment. My goal is to create unforgettable dining experiences that satisfy and exceed our guests’ expectations. I’m eager to work with the talented team here to elevate our culinary offerings and further establish Novotel Mumbai Juhu Beach as a premier dining destination.”

Chef Avinash’s career has been defined by his proficiency in menu development, staff mentoring, cost optimisation, and the successful delivery of large-scale events. His keen attention to detail and passion for gourmet artistry have consistently improved guest satisfaction and enhanced profitability at the properties he has served.

Neelabh Sahay, Director of Operations, Novotel Mumbai Juhu Beach, said, “We are thrilled to welcome Chef Avinash Kumar to our team. His extensive experience and innovative approach to culinary arts align perfectly with our vision to offer unparalleled dining experiences to our guests. We are confident that under Avinash’s leadership, our culinary offerings will reach new heights of excellence.”

Beyond his operational achievements, Chef Avinash has also been actively guiding properties through critical certifications, including ISO 22000 and FSSAI, ensuring compliance with the highest industry standards. His collaborations with Michelin-starred chefs and leadership in high-profile events further demonstrate his commitment to excellence and innovation in the culinary space.

Chef Neeraj Tyagi joins as Director of Culinary at Grand Hyatt Mumbai

In his previous role, he led a team of 120 chefs and 137 F&B professionals as EAM and Executive Chef at Shangri-La’s Eros Hotel in New Delhi

Grand Hyatt Mumbai appointed Chef Neeraj Tyagi as the Director of Culinary. Chef Tyagi is adept at creating bespoke dining experiences with his extensive knowledge of international cuisine and innovative culinary techniques. His expertise spans the social and corporate sectors. He excels in large-scale event planning, food production and preparation, and meticulous menu planning.

Before joining the Grand Hyatt Mumbai, Chef Tyagi served as the Executive Chef at the Park Hyatt Hyderabad, where he significantly enhanced the culinary landscape. His tenure as a culinary consultant for Nohm Hospitality Group in Dubai and as the Director of Culinary at Pullman and Novotel Aerocity, New Delhi, where he managed eight restaurants and outlets, showcased his ability to implement fresh culinary concepts such as The Farmers Basket, which revolutionised the local dining experience.

Chef Tyagi’s global culinary journey spanning 24 years includes prestigious positions such as Executive Chef at The Kempinski in Jordan, The Garibaldi in Singapore, Hulhulle Island Hotel in the Maldives, Princi in London, Italian fine dining restaurant Toto’s with Michelin-star Chef Gennaro Vito, and Shangri-La at The Shard in London. His role as EAM and Executive Chef at Shangri-La’s Eros Hotel in New Delhi saw him lead a team of 120 chefs and 137 F&B professionals, achieving high guest satisfaction and significant departmental profitability.

Celebrated for his culinary talent, Chef Tyagi has garnered numerous awards and accolades. He has had the privilege of collaborating with world-renowned chefs such as David Fenstra of Molecular Gastronomy fame, Frans Dijksman, Dennis Out, Austrian Chef Markus Moser, Spanish Chef Jeorge Acereto, and Chef Andreu Genestra.

“I am immensely excited to join the Grand Hyatt Mumbai family,” stated Chef Neeraj Tyagi. “My culinary journey has been driven by a passion to craft memorable dining experiences that connect with guests on a deeper level. I look forward to collaborating with the talented team at the Grand Hyatt Mumbai to push the boundaries of culinary creativity and deliver exceptional experiences for our guests.”