Vicky Ratnani is a renowned chef, restaurateur, television personality, and food consultant based in Mumbai, India. He has carved a niche for himself in the culinary world through his innovative, modern take on traditional Indian cuisine, his keen sense of flavors and his passion for food.
Early Life and Education
Born on November 2, 1968, in Mumbai, Vicky grew up in a family where food was an integral part of life. His mother was a great cook who taught him the basics of cooking from an early age. Vicky was drawn to the kitchen and started experimenting with different ingredients, flavors, and techniques, often using his mother’s recipes as a starting point. He also loved watching cooking shows on television and was inspired by chefs like Julia Child and Jacques Pépin.
Vicky graduated with a Bachelor of Commerce degree from St. Xavier’s College, Mumbai, but his love for food never waned. After completing his studies, he decided to pursue his passion for cooking and enrolled in the prestigious Oberoi Centre of Learning and Development in New Delhi. Here, he learned the fundamentals of cooking, as well as the art of creating a unique culinary experience for guests. Vicky’s training at the Oberoi Centre gave him a strong foundation in culinary arts and equipped him with the skills to work in some of the best kitchens in the world.
Career in the Culinary World
Vicky Ratnani started his culinary journey at the Taj Group of Hotels, where he trained under renowned chefs such as Hemant Oberoi and Ritu Dalmia. He then moved to New York City, where he worked at some of the city’s most iconic restaurants, such as Jean-Georges, La Caravelle, and the Mark Hotel. These experiences exposed him to diverse cuisines, techniques, and cultures, which helped him broaden his culinary horizons.
After working in New York for several years, Vicky returned to Mumbai in 2005, where he started his own catering company, Vicky Ratnani and Company. His catering services were in high demand, and he soon became a popular name in the city’s culinary circles. In 2006, Vicky opened his first restaurant, Aurus, in Mumbai’s Juhu Beach area. Aurus quickly became a favorite among food enthusiasts for its innovative take on Indian cuisine and its stunning seaside location.
In 2012, Vicky opened his second restaurant, Nido, in Mumbai’s Lower Parel area. Nido was a Mediterranean-style restaurant with a menu that focused on fresh, seasonal ingredients and simple, rustic flavors. Nido was a huge success, and it earned Vicky several accolades, including the Times Food Award for Best European Restaurant.
Vicky has also been a food consultant for some of India’s leading hospitality brands, including the Taj Group of Hotels, Marriott Hotels, and the Oberoi Group of Hotels. He has worked on menu development, food styling, and kitchen design, among other things. He has also been a judge and mentor on several popular cooking shows, including MasterChef India, Twist of Taste, and Foodistan.
Cookbooks and TV Shows
Vicky Ratnani has authored two cookbooks, Vicky Goes Veg and Vicky the Gastronaut. Vicky Goes Veg is a cookbook that explores the diverse vegetarian cuisine of India, while Vicky the Gastronaut is a culinary travelogue that takes readers on a gastronomic journey around the world. Both books reflect Vicky’s love for exploring different cuisines and his passion for food.
