Surender Mohan

Chef Surender Mohan's culinary philosophy is an eloquent dance between deep reverence for Indian culinary traditions and a discerning embrace of innovation. His core ethos centers on celebrating the "vast, beautiful tapestry" of Indian cuisine, ensuring that every dish tells a story rooted in regional histories, cherished household recipes, and the familiar flavors of his upbringing in Amritsar. This respect for heritage is paramount; he views it not as a constraint but as a rich foundation from which to evolve. His overarching vision for Jamavar is to present Indian cuisine on a refined global stage, showcasing its immense diversity and complexity through meticulously curated menus. He aims to create a "journey" that transports diners, highlighting authentic ingredients and time-honored techniques in an elegant manner. While constantly exploring new ingredients, modern techniques, and global influences, Mohan operates with a strict principle: innovation must always enhance, never distract from, the intrinsic essence and "soul" of the dish. His food is meant to evoke "connection, memory, and heart," believing that the most impactful meals are those imbued with emotion. In his kitchens, Mohan fosters an environment built on trust, respect, and shared passion, emphasizing continuous learning, challenging conventions, and mutual growth. He upholds exacting standards of discipline and consistency, viewing excellence as a product of this collective commitment. His menu inspiration draws deeply from both personal memory—like his mother's cooking or a simple thali in Kerala—and extensive travel, gathering ideas from the vibrant bylanes of Old Delhi, the regal kitchens of Rajasthan, and the aromatic coastal spice markets of Kerala. Ultimately, his driving purpose is to create food "crafted with passion, rooted in tradition, and remembered long after the meal is over," continuously evolving the guest experience with seasonal menus and a desire to bring lesser-known regional dishes to a broader audience. Chef Surender Mohan's signature approach is defined by an authoritative technical mastery that elevates traditional Indian cooking to the zenith of fine dining. He meticulously adapts centuries-old dishes and cooking techniques to meet the "highest gastronomy standards," employing a refined lens that balances authentic flavor with contemporary presentation. His technical style is characterized by discipline, consistency, and a relentless commitment to uncompromising quality, ensuring that traditional foundations are never compromised by modern flair. He explicitly states that while he incorporates modern techniques, it is "never at the cost of flavour." His approach to flavor is deeply rooted in heritage, aiming for dishes that possess a distinct "soul" and tell a personal or regional story. He masterfully layers complex, robust Indian flavors, striving to present them with a nuanced elegance that feels both authentic and sophisticated. This includes balancing bold spices to create dishes that are surprisingly light yet profoundly flavorful. Plating at Jamavar serves to excite the "modern palate" while preserving the inherent integrity of the cuisine. Among his most legendary signature dishes, which encapsulate this blend of tradition and refined innovation, are: * Sindhi Methi Gosht * Chandni Chowk ki Aloo Tikki * Leela Lobster Neeruli * Lobster Idli Sambhar * Old Delhi Butter Chicken

Career

• Commis Chef at Hyatt Regency Delhi, Delhi
• Sous Chef (Co-developer of Jamavar) at The Leela Palace Bangalore, Bangalore
• Culinary Architect / Lead Chef at Jamavar (Pan-India Expansion), India (Mumbai, Goa, Udaipur, New Delhi, Chennai)
• Chef at Grand Hyatt Dubai, Dubai
• Star Chef (Business and First-Class menus) at Lufthansa, Global
• Culinary Director and Executive Chef at Jamavar London, London
• Executive Chef / Culinary Director at Jamavar Doha, Doha

Mentored by His mother.