Early Life and Passion for Cooking
Ashish Kumar Tiwari was born on September 23, 1983. From a young age, he demonstrated a deep passion for cooking, often experimenting with ingredients and flavors in his family’s kitchen. This early fascination with culinary arts paved the way for his future career. Growing up, Ashish was inspired by the rich, diverse flavors of Indian cuisine and dreamed of becoming a renowned chef.
Education and Culinary Training
Ashish completed his high school education at Navyug School, Sarojini Nagar, and then pursued a science degree at GBSSC, Sarojini Nagar. Recognizing his passion for cooking, he decided to further his education in hotel management and catering technology. From 2001 to 2004, Ashish attended the Institute of Hotel Management and Catering Technology (IHM) in Lucknow, where he earned a B.Sc. degree. His education provided him with a solid foundation in culinary arts and hospitality management.
During his studies, Ashish participated in various training programs, gaining practical experience and honing his culinary skills. He interned as a Galley Assistant at the Galley Assistant Familiarization Program (GAFP) in Hyderabad in 2004–2005 and worked as an Industrial Trainee at The Park in 2002.
Early Career and International Exposure
Ashish’s professional journey began with a management trainee position at Radha Krishna Hospitality Services in New Delhi in 2004. His talent and dedication soon led him to an exciting opportunity with Princess Cruises in Miami, USA. From 2005 to 2007, Ashish worked as a Cook on cruise ships, including the Crown Princess and Emerald Princess. This experience exposed him to international cuisines and the high standards of the global hospitality industry.
Rising Through the Ranks
Upon returning to India, Ashish joined Radisson Hotel in New Delhi as Commis-1 in 2008–2009. His culinary prowess and leadership abilities quickly garnered attention, leading to a position at The Leela Kempinski in Delhi (NCR) from 2009 to 2012. As Chef De Partie, Ashish was an integral part of the preopening team and managed the western section of the Spectra multi-cuisine restaurant. His innovative approach and commitment to excellence helped establish the restaurant as a premier dining destination.
Leadership Roles and Achievements
In 2012, Ashish joined Novotel Hotel and Resort, Juhu Beach, Mumbai. Over the next several years, he held various key positions, including Sous Chef, Chef De Cuisine, Executive Sous Chef, and eventually Executive Chef. At Novotel, Ashish managed multiple restaurants, including The Square, Olio, Bageecha, Peche Mignon, Sampan, and Gadda Da Vida. He also oversaw large banqueting events, demonstrating his ability to handle high-pressure situations and deliver exceptional culinary experiences.
Executive Chef at Crowne Plaza
Ashish’s career reached new heights when he was appointed Executive Chef at Crowne Plaza, New Delhi. In this role, he oversees multiple dining establishments, including Mosaic, Spice Art, Connexions, Mosaic Deli Shop, and extensive banqueting facilities. His responsibilities encompass formulating and implementing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), maintaining food costs, introducing new menus, ensuring customer satisfaction, and training and developing kitchen staff.
Under his leadership, Crowne Plaza’s dining establishments have earned a reputation for culinary excellence. Ashish’s ability to blend traditional Indian flavors with international techniques has delighted guests and established the hotel’s restaurants as some of the best in the region.
Professional Skills and Expertise
Ashish is known for his attention to detail, market trend awareness, and business acumen. He excels in menu design and development, organizing fine dining experiences, innovative cooking, kitchen operations, resource procurement, inventory control, budgeting, safety, sanitation, and training. His leadership skills are evident in his ability to build and manage teams, solve problems, and multitask effectively.
Throughout his career, Ashish has participated in various training programs and earned multiple certifications, including:
- “A Manager” by Accor
- Train The Trainer
- Keys To Communication
- ISO 14001
- FSSAI Certification Program for Master Trainers in collaboration with HRAWI
- First Aid Training
- Firefighting and Evacuation
- Kitchen Cleaning and Hygiene Training with reference to USPH and HACCP regulations on cruise ships
- Member D’Honneur from Academie Nationale De Cuisine
- I completed several online courses from Harvard Manage Mentor
Philosophy and Personal Life
Ashish believes in delivering the highest-quality food at the lowest possible cost. He values guest feedback and continuously seeks to improve his culinary offerings. His unique expertise in cultivating partnerships with vendors ensures that he procures the freshest and highest-quality ingredients. As an enterprising leader, Ashish blends his skills in delegating tasks and independently executing orders to achieve exceptional results.
Outside of his professional life, Ashish enjoys experimenting with new recipes at home, exploring different cuisines, and spending time with his family. He is an avid traveler and believes that experiencing different cultures and their food traditions enriches his culinary skills.
Future Aspirations
With over two decades of experience in the culinary industry, Ashish Kumar Tiwari is a highly skilled and efficient professional. He thrives in fast-paced serving environments and is currently seeking career opportunities with forward-thinking organizations that value exceptional culinary skills in food preparation and quality control. His journey from a passionate young cook to an esteemed Executive Chef is a testament to his dedication, hard work, and love for the culinary arts.
Ashish aspires to continue his growth in the culinary field, aiming to innovate and inspire through his cooking. He dreams of one day opening his own restaurant, where he can showcase his unique culinary creations and share his passion for food with a broader audience.
Ashish Kumar Tiwari’s career is a remarkable journey of passion, dedication, and excellence. From his early days experimenting in the kitchen to leading prestigious dining establishments, Ashish has consistently demonstrated his commitment to culinary perfection. His ability to blend traditional and contemporary flavors, along with his leadership and innovation, has made him a respected figure in the culinary world.
As Ashish continues to inspire with his culinary creations, his journey serves as a reminder that with passion and hard work, one can achieve great heights in any field. His story is not just a biography but an inspiration to aspiring chefs and culinary enthusiasts around the world.
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