By Mewati Sitaram l Mumbai
Every successful chef has a story simmering with passion, resilience, and an undying love for food. For Chef Vaibhav Gawad, Executive Chef at Radisson Mumbai Goregaon, that story began with inspiration from India’s culinary icon, Padmashri Awardee Chef Sanjeev Kapoor.
As a young student, Vaibhav was captivated by the cookery show Khana Khazana. Though he had once pursued science with the aim of becoming a doctor, the spark ignited by those shows led him to choose the chef’s coat over the doctor’s apron. While many of his college friends went on to become doctors and engineers, Vaibhav charted a unique path that won him respect and success.
Initially, his parents were hesitant about his decision to study catering, but their wholehearted support soon followed when they recognized his passion. He enrolled at Arun Muchhala Institute of Hotel Management, Thane, completing a three-year diploma in 2003. His early schooling at St. Anthony’s High School, Versova, and further studies at Bhavan’s College, Andheri, had prepared him with discipline and curiosity — qualities that carried into his culinary journey.
Padmashri Awardee Chef Sanjeev Kapoor
Vaibhav’s career began in earnest with stints at leading hotels, where he sharpened his skills in continental cuisine. His talent and leadership came into the spotlight in 2017 when he became Executive Chef at the heritage property Fort Jadhavgadh, Pune. There, he demonstrated his ability to blend regional authenticity with international standards — a hallmark of his style.
In August 2023, he joined Radisson Mumbai Goregaon, where he now leads the culinary team with creativity, precision, and a philosophy rooted in guest satisfaction. He specializes in continental cuisine but embraces India’s vast culinary diversity, curating menus that balance innovation with tradition. For him, food is more than sustenance — it is an emotion, a cultural bridge, and an experience that creates lasting memories.
Over the years, Vaibhav has mentored budding chefs, emphasizing discipline, humility, and continuous learning as the keys to success. His approach celebrates not only flavors but also the people behind the kitchen doors, fostering teamwork and passion.
Padmashri Awardee and celebrity chef, speaking to Mumbai Messenger from London, beamingly remarked, “It is heartening to see how Khana Khazana inspired young talents like Chef Vaibhav Gawad to pursue their culinary dreams. His journey from a passionate viewer to a global culinary leader reflects the true spirit of Indian hospitality and the power of following one’s passion.”
Chef Vaibhav Gawad’s journey — from a young boy inspired by a television show to helming kitchens at prestigious hotels — stands as a testament to following one’s passion with determination. Today, he is a proud flagbearer of Indian hospitality on the global stage, proving that dreams stirred with dedication can truly turn into reality.
Editor in Chief : Mewati SItaram
