By Sitaram Mewati
More than 25 years ago, Chef Liang Xiao Qing arrived in India with a passion for sharing authentic Chinese cuisine. Today, after building a distinguished culinary career across the country, the Executive Chinese Chef at ITC Maratha regards India as his second home, where Chinese culinary heritage and Indian tastes come together on every plate.
Over the years, Chef Liang has earned widespread recognition for his contribution to promoting authentic Chinese gastronomy. A member of the Chinese Culinary Association’s Hall of Fame, he received the prestigious “Eight Famous Chefs of China” honour from Lee Kum Kee for his role in preserving traditional Chinese culinary heritage. His accomplishments have also earned him recognition as an International Envoy of Chinese Cuisine Culture, World Culinary Ambassador and recipient of the World Best Chef Award presented by the US–China Restaurant Alliance.
His expertise extends beyond restaurant kitchens. Chinese broadcaster China Central Television (CCTV) invited him to host programmes dedicated to Chinese cuisine, while CCTV4 featured his contribution to promoting authentic Chinese food in India. His culinary journey has also been documented in China Talent, a national-level publication in China, highlighting his role in taking Chinese cuisine to international audiences.
Chef Liang’s passion for culinary excellence has taken him to Thailand, the United States, Australia, Bangladesh, Brunei, Peru, Sri Lanka and several other countries through international food festivals, culinary exchanges and academic programmes. Along the way, he has shared traditional Chinese cooking techniques while learning from diverse food cultures, reinforcing the belief that cuisine is one of the strongest bridges between nations.
A respected mentor within the culinary fraternity, Chef Liang has served as a judge and chief judge at several Chinese and international culinary championships. He has also held leadership positions as Chairman of the World Culinary Culture Promotion Committee, Senior Consultant to the US–China Restaurant Alliance and Adviser to the Council of the Chinese Chef Association in the Netherlands, contributing to the professional growth of young chefs and the global promotion of Chinese cuisine.
“India has been my second home for more than 25 years. During this journey, I have learnt that while flavours may differ, the love for good food is universal. My endeavour has always been to preserve the authenticity of Chinese cuisine while creating memorable dining experiences for Indian guests,” says Chef Liang.
At ITC Maratha, Chef Liang continues to present authentic regional Chinese specialities prepared with premium ingredients, traditional techniques and balanced flavours. His deep understanding of Indian tastes enables him to thoughtfully adapt dishes without compromising their authenticity, allowing guests to experience the richness and diversity of Chinese cuisine.
Having also received multiple culinary honours in India, Chef Liang believes every meal should tell a story of culture, craftsmanship and hospitality. His remarkable journey reflects not only an accomplished international career but also a lasting commitment to enriching Mumbai’s dining landscape with authentic Chinese flavours and meaningful culinary experiences.
Editor in Chief : Mewati SItaram
