Mukesh Singh
President & Managing Trustee
International Uttarakhandi Chef Association
Meet the Team
The chefs and trustees who carry Uttarakhand culinary heritage onto the world stage.
Anil Baloni
Chef
With 25 years of experience in the hospitality industry, AK Baloni is a passionate and accomplished culinary professional with the last 15 years dedicated to leadership as an Executive Chef. His career reflects a strong commitment to culinary excellence, creativity, consistency, and professional kitchen management.
Throughout his journey, he has developed extensive expertise in menu planning, food production, kitchen operations, team leadership, cost control, hygiene standards, and delivering memorable dining experiences. His approach combines traditional culinary knowledge with modern presentation and innovative techniques.
As an Executive Chef, AK Baloni believes that great food is created through quality ingredients, skilled teamwork, discipline, and passion. He has successfully led diverse culinary teams while maintaining high standards of food quality, safety, and guest satisfaction.
With a deep understanding of hospitality and a continuous passion for culinary creativity, AK Baloni brings professionalism, leadership, and dedication to every kitchen and culinary project.
Neeraj Rana
Chef
Neeraj Rana grew up in Uttarakhand, where having to be independent from a young age instilled a deep passion for food. A IHM from the Pusa Institute in New Delhi took him into the professional kitchen, and it was during his training at Hyatt Regency Delhi that a mentor chef shaped how he thinks about the craft.
Over the sixteen years since, he has cooked across five-star kitchens and stand-alone restaurants in India and the UAE, building a specialization in Indian cuisine that keeps its roots intact while speaking a modern, global language of flavour.
Currently working as Executive Chef at Michelin-listed restaurant Bombay Bungalow, Dubai.
Sagar Bisht
Chef
Sanjay
Chef
Monti
Chef
Chef Monty is an accomplished Head Chef with over 12 years of international experience across India and the UAE. Trained under Michelin-starred chefs, he specialises in Italian, French, Mediterranean, and Continental cuisine, combining classical techniques, modern creativity, refined presentation, and premium ingredients.
He worked for five years with three-Michelin-star chef Niko Romito at Il Ristorante – Bulgari Dubai, a Michelin-starred restaurant. He also gained experience with one-Michelin-star chef Vito Molica and worked at The Ritz-Carlton, JW Marriott Marquis, and Radisson Blu’s signature restaurant.
A silver-medal winner in a Saudi chef competition and three Dubai chef competitions, Chef Monty served as a Learning Coach for five years, training kitchen teams in professional operations. He possesses deep knowledge of HACCP, food safety, hygiene, leadership, and culinary excellence.
Manoj
Chef
Chef Manoj Singh is a passionate culinary professional with extensive experience in the hospitality industry. Born and raised in Uttarakhand, India, he began his culinary journey in 2003 by pursuing Hotel Management studies at Dadar Catering College, Mumbai. In 2005, started his professional career with Radisson, Varanasi.
Journey
Chef Manoj Singh worked with some of the world’s leading hospitality brands, including _vits, Taj, Marriott, Hyatt, Sheraton, Radisson, Pullman, and Rotana. His international experience India, South Africa, Brazil, and UAE,
Over the years, he has developed extensive expertise in multi-cuisine operations, and development, culinary leadership, kitchen management, and His dedication, creativity, and commitment to excellence have helped him build a distinguished career in the culinary and hospitality industry.
ProfessionalJourney
Chef Manoj Singh’s journey reflects continuous growth, learning, and passion for culinary excellence. From early beginnings in India to gaining international experience across different countries, he has consistently embraced new challenges and opportunities to refine his skills and inspire those around him.
Present Role
Chef Manoj Singh is currently working as Head Chef at Caesar Restaurant in the UAE,
Bahadur Singh
Chef
Chef Bahadur Singh is a passionate culinary professional with over 15 years of experience in the hospitality industry. Originally from the beautiful hills of Uttarakhand, his journey reflects hard work, continuous learning, and a deep passion for Indian cuisine.
After completing his Hotel Management in Ghaziabad in 2010, he began his professional career with The Westin Hotel. Over the years, he worked with various reputed hotels and restaurants, gaining valuable experience and developing his culinary skills.
In 2019, he stepped into the role of Executive Chef at Tama Brewery & World Kitchen, where he further strengthened his leadership and kitchen-management skills.
He later moved to Dubai as Head Chef at The Permit Room, located within Majestic City Retreat Hotel. Today, Chef Bahadur Singh continues to lead his team with passion, creativity, discipline, and a strong commitment to culinary excellence.
Alongside his professional journey, he is passionate about promoting Indian cuisine, with a special focus on the traditional food and culinary heritage of Uttarakhand, helping bring the rich flavours and culture of his homeland to a wider audience.
Shubham Negi
Chef
Deepanshu Dosad
Chef
Tara Bhat
Chef