Ranveer Brar: The Celebrity Chef Revolutionizing India’s Culinary Landscape

Standing before the judges’ panel of Celebrity MasterChef India 2025, celebrity chef Ranveer Brar embodies the perfect fusion of traditional Indian culinary wisdom and contemporary global gastronomy. With his characteristic warm smile and an Instagram following of 4 million devoted food enthusiasts, Brar has transformed from a young cook in Lucknow to becoming one of India’s most recognizable celebrity chefs. His journey through the world of food shows, hospitality ventures, and innovative food recipes has redefined what it means to be a modern Indian chef in the 21st century. As both a cultural ambassador and culinary innovator, Ranveer Brar continues to bridge the gap between heritage cooking and modern food entertainment.

From Lucknow’s Lanes to Global Kitchen Stages

Ranveer Brar’s culinary odyssey began in the aromatic kitchens of Lucknow, where the rich traditions of Nawabi cuisine first ignited his passion for cooking. Born and raised in the heart of Uttar Pradesh, Brar was exposed to the intricate flavors and time-honored techniques that would later become the foundation of his culinary philosophy. His early years were marked by an insatiable curiosity about food preparation methods and a deep appreciation for the cultural stories embedded within traditional recipes.

The celebrity chef’s formal journey into professional cooking started when he made the bold decision to pursue culinary arts as a career. His dedication and natural talent quickly set him apart from his peers, earning him recognition as a promising young talent in the hospitality industry. By the age of 25, Brar achieved a remarkable milestone by becoming the youngest Executive Chef at that time, a testament to his exceptional skills and innovative approach to food preparation. This early success laid the groundwork for his future ventures in restaurants, television shows, and the broader food industry.

His educational foundation and early professional experiences shaped his understanding that food extends far beyond mere sustenance. Brar developed a philosophy that cuisine serves as an extension of culture, a belief that would guide his future endeavors in celebrity chef roles and food show presentations. This cultural perspective on cooking became the cornerstone of his approach to both traditional Indian recipes and international culinary techniques.

Culinary Excellence and Global Recognition

Ranveer Brar’s transition from local chef to internationally recognized celebrity chef began with his bold move to the United States, where he had the prestigious opportunity to cook at the renowned James Beard House in New York. This experience exposed him to diverse culinary traditions and elevated his understanding of global gastronomy. The international exposure proved instrumental in developing his unique cooking style that seamlessly blends Indian heritage with contemporary techniques.

In Boston, Brar opened two award-winning restaurants, BanQ and Kashmir, which became testaments to his innovative approach to the hospitality industry. BanQ won numerous awards including the Best New Restaurant in the World by the magazine “Wallpaper”, establishing Brar as a formidable force in the international restaurant scene. These restaurants showcased his ability to create dining experiences that honored traditional flavors while embracing modern presentation and technique.

Upon returning to India, Brar continued his upward trajectory by serving as Senior Executive Chef at Novotel Mumbai, where he further refined his expertise in luxury hospitality. His success in the restaurant industry naturally led to opportunities in television, where his charismatic personality and extensive knowledge made him a natural fit for food shows. He was named ‘Indian of the Year’ for Chef and TV Host in 2017 and received the ‘Food Entertainer of the Year’ award in 2018, recognizing his dual talents in both culinary excellence and entertainment.

The celebrity chef’s achievements extend beyond restaurants and television. He has authored cookbooks, including “Come into My Kitchen,” sharing his food recipes and culinary philosophy with home cooks across India. His inclusion in the Forbes Celebrity 100 list further solidified his status as one of India’s most influential figures in the food and hospitality sector. His journey in the culinary world began with a remarkable feat – becoming the youngest Executive Chef at 25. Subsequently, he secured a coveted spot on the esteemed Forbes Celebrity 100 list, demonstrating his business acumen alongside his culinary skills.

Television Stardom and Modern Food Entertainment

Brar returns as a judge in the first ever Celebrity Masterchef India, 2025, along side Chef Vikas Khanna and first time judge Farah Khan, marking another milestone in his television career. His journey as a MasterChef India judge began in Season 4 (2014), where he appeared alongside renowned chefs Sanjeev Kapoor and Vikas Khanna. His consistent presence across multiple seasons, including Seasons 6, 7, and 8, has made him a household name among food show enthusiasts.

Brar’s television work extends far beyond judging cooking competitions. He created and hosted “Ranveer’s Cafe” and other food shows that showcase his ability to make complex cooking techniques accessible to home cooks. His approach to food entertainment emphasizes storytelling, cultural context, and practical cooking advice, making him a trusted voice in the industry. In the summer of 2018, he curated and presented Secrets Behind Food for Sony BBC Earth comprising three shows, demonstrating his versatility as a food show host and content creator.

The celebrity chef has also embraced digital platforms, recognizing their potential to reach younger audiences interested in food recipes and cooking techniques. Recently he pioneered the first ever Twitter video show, which covers new destinations each season and explores their cuisines and cultures. This innovative approach to digital content creation has allowed him to maintain relevance in an increasingly connected world while staying true to his core belief that travel enhances culinary understanding.

His restaurant ventures continue to evolve, with TAG – The Culinary Studio in Mumbai serving as his current flagship establishment. Through cooking classes, workshops, and private dining experiences, Brar continues to share his expertise with aspiring chefs and food enthusiasts, further cementing his role in the hospitality industry.

Legacy of Culinary Innovation and Cultural Bridge-Building

Ranveer Brar’s impact on India’s food industry extends far beyond his restaurant successes and television appearances. As a celebrity chef who consistently champions the importance of cultural understanding through cuisine, he has inspired a new generation of cooks to explore the deep connections between food, heritage, and identity. His work continues to elevate Indian cuisine on the global stage while making traditional food recipes accessible to modern home cooks, ensuring that the rich culinary traditions of India remain vibrant and relevant in contemporary kitchens worldwide.