PIONEER NEWS SERVICE | Dehradun
Chef Balkrishan, an acclaimed culinary professional noted for his mastery in Indian fusion cuisine. With over 15 years of global experience, Balkrishan offers an elevated dining experience for patrons in Cary and beyond.
Chef Balkrishan’s culinary journey began at the prestigious Taj Umaid Bhawan Palace, one of Asia’s premier luxury hotels. His career has since spanned continents, including standout performances at international food festivals and significant stints aboard Carnival Cruise Line, where he wowed an international audience with his refined Indian dishes.
His talents also shone during his time in Bermuda at the Coral Beach and Tennis Club and later in Canada at Fishhook Restaurant, a venue recognised among the best in 2022. These experiences not only broadened his culinary vision but also allowed him to introduce Indian flavors to diverse palates across the globe.
Roots and education
Originally from a farming family in Tehri Garhwal, Uttarakhand, chef Balkrishan’s early exposure to fresh produce helped shape his approach to cooking. Though he initially pursued an academic path with a postgraduate degree in economics, his enduring love for food led him to the Food Craft Institute in Dehradun. There, he earned a Diploma in Hotel Management and completed HACCP training, laying the groundwork for his future in hospitality.
A trailblazer in his family
Breaking tradition, Balkrishan was the first in his family to enter the hospitality industry. While many encouraged him to seek a stable government job, his passion for cooking—sparked by childhood memories of watching his mother in the kitchen—steered him toward a culinary career.
Pioneering Indian fusion creations
Throughout his career, chef Balkrishan has become known for crafting innovative fusion dishes, blending traditional Indian flavours with international influences. His signature sauces and inventive recipes gained a dedicated following in both Bermuda and Canada, particularly at Fishhook Restaurant and Coral Beach and Tennis Club, where guests eagerly awaited his culinary creations.
Chef Balkrishan’s talent has earned him various accolades. Most recently, he was part of the award-winning team at Saffron Indian Cuisine, which claimed the 2024 Maggy Award for Best Indian Restaurant in North Carolina. His excellence was also recognised in Bermuda, where he was named Employee of the Year at Food Hub Bermuda in 2017 and again at Coral Beach and Tennis Club in 2019.
Tyohar Cook Book
Chef Balkrishan has also authored a cook book titled ‘Tyohar Cook Book’. Regarding the book, he said, “It welcomes one to the world of Indian cuisine, where flavours dance on your palate and each dish tells a story of tradition, culture and passion. In this book, I invite you to embark on a culinary journey through the vibrant and diverse landscapes of Indian cooking, guided by my own experiences, expertise, and love for the art of food.”
Reflecting on his career, Balkrishan shared, “It’s a special moment when you’re chosen to cook for high-profile dignitaries and heads of State. But for me, every guest is a VVIP. I serve each one with the same passion and attention to detail, and my journey has allowed me to uncover and refine hidden recipes from across the world.”
Balkrishan looks forward to continuing his culinary mission: sharing the rich spices and flavours of India with the world, one dish at a time.
