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Ashish Tiwari
| Ashish Tiwari | |
| |
| Place of birth | New Delhi, India |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Education |
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| Occupations | Executive Chef, culinary strategist, author |
| Years active | 2007–present |
| Title | Executive Chef |
| Employer | ROOH San Francisco |
| Notable work | The Culinary Roots |
| Spouse | Neha Tiwari |
| Children |
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Ashish Tiwari is an Indian executive chef, culinary strategist, author, and luxury hospitality leader. He serves as the Executive Chef at ROOH San Francisco, a progressive Indian fine-dining establishment recognized in the Michelin Guide.
Over a career spanning nearly two decades across India, the United Arab Emirates, Oman, and the United States, Tiwari has directed kitchen brigades for luxury hospitality groups including The Oberoi Group, The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts, and Kempinski Hotels. His culinary methodology combines subcontinental regional flavor profiles with contemporary gastronomy, seasonal produce, and storytelling-focused presentation.
Early life and culinary training
Ashish Tiwari was born and raised in New Delhi, India. Influenced by Northern Indian culinary traditions, he pursued professional hospitality education, completing a Diploma in Food Production Art certified by City & Guilds through the Banarsidas Chandiwala Institute of Hotel Management in New Delhi.
Culinary career
Early years and luxury hotel kitchens (2007–2014)
Tiwari commenced his professional career in 2007 at the Radisson Blu in Noida. In 2008, he joined The Oberoi Group, training in western cuisine operations and luxury kitchen systems, while also contributing to the pre-opening culinary team at Trident Hotels in Mumbai.
In 2011, he joined The Claridges Hotels & Resorts in New Delhi as Chef de Partie, subsequently advancing to Sous Chef. During this period, he supervised fine-dining operations and banquet kitchen administration.
Luxury events and international management (2015–2022)
- The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts: In 2015, Tiwari was appointed Banquet Sous Chef at The Leela Ambience Gurgaon Hotel & Residences, later advancing to Senior Sous Chef in the events division. He managed large-scale culinary operations for state banquets, diplomatic receptions, and high-profile weddings, receiving the *Manager of the Quarter* award for operational leadership.
- TABLEZ – The Food Company (Dubai): In 2018, he relocated to Dubai, UAE, as Chef de Cuisine for contemporary Indian bistro concept *Pepper Mill*, focusing on modern plating techniques and menu engineering.
- Kempinski Hotel Muscat (Oman): Between 2019 and 2022, Tiwari served as Chef de Cuisine at Kempinski Hotel Muscat, overseeing five-star kitchen operations, international food safety protocols (HACCP), and multi-outlet menu design.
Brand leadership and United States appointments (2022–present)
In 2022, Tiwari returned to India as Brand Executive Chef for Azure Hospitality Pvt. Ltd., standardizing recipes and managing kitchen operations across multiple outlets of *Dhaba Estd 1986 Delhi*.
In 2024, he moved to the United States to join ANDAAZ Restaurant and Caterers LLC in New Jersey as Executive Chef, leading luxury wedding catering and contemporary Indian dining services.
In 2025, Tiwari was appointed Executive Chef at ROOH San Francisco. In this capacity, he directs the culinary program, curating seasonal tasting menus that pair indigenous Indian spices with Northern California agricultural produce.
Culinary style and philosophy
Tiwari's culinary approach focuses on:
- Progressive Indian Gastronomy: Modernizing traditional regional subcontinental recipes into multi-course contemporary formats.
- Locally Sourced Ingredients: Integrating hyper-local seasonal produce into traditional spice matrices.
- Narrative-Driven Menus: Designing sensory dining experiences around cultural heritage and micro-regional food history.
Author and media appearances
Tiwari authored *The Culinary Roots*, a work exploring regional Indian cooking methods and culinary heritage.
His career and culinary work have been featured in publications and trade journals including *Hindustan Times*, *Times of Oman*, *Economic Times Hospitality*, *Indian Retailer*, *Mid-Day*, and *48 Hills*.
Personal life
Tiwari is married to Neha Tiwari. The couple has two daughters: Shanvi Tiwari (born in Muscat, Oman, on 23 October 2021) and Vanya Tiwari (born in San Francisco, California, on 8 September 2025). The family resides in San Francisco, California.
Awards and honors
- Times Food Award – Best North Indian Food
- Manager of the Quarter – The Leela Ambience Gurgaon
- Best Menu Award – International Food Festival
- Indian Restaurant Week Recognition – Listed among leading Indian culinary figures in San Francisco