Cyrus Todiwala OBE DL

Professor Cyrus Todiwala OBE DL is one of the United Kingdom’s most celebrated and influential chefs, restaurateurs, authors, educators, and hospitality ambassadors. Widely recognised for his pioneering contribution to Indian cuisine in Britain, he has spent more than four decades championing authentic regional Indian cooking while inspiring generations of hospitality professionals through his commitment to education, training, and mentorship.
Born in Mumbai, India, into a Parsi family, Cyrus studied at Sophia Polytechnic College before embarking on a professional culinary career. He trained at the prestigious Taj Mahal Hotel in Mumbai, part of the renowned Taj Group of Hotels, where he developed a strong foundation in both Indian and international cuisine.
His talent, dedication, and leadership saw him rise through the ranks of the Taj Group to become Executive Chef overseeing all three Taj properties in Goa, a remarkable achievement that established him as one of India’s leading culinary professionals.
In the early 1990s, Cyrus moved to the United Kingdom and, in 1995, founded Café Spice Namasté in London. The restaurant quickly gained acclaim for its bold, authentic regional Indian cuisine, moving beyond conventional perceptions of Indian food and introducing diners to the diversity and richness of India’s culinary heritage. Since its inception, Café Spice Namasté has become one of the UK’s most respected Indian restaurants and has enjoyed long-standing recognition from the Michelin Guide with a Bib Gourmand, reflecting its consistent excellence, quality, and value.
Cyrus is renowned for his distinctive culinary style, blending authentic regional Indian flavours, Parsi influences, traditional techniques, and contemporary innovation. His unique approach to cooking has earned him widespread acclaim both in the UK and internationally. As a result of his reputation for culinary excellence, he has had the honour of cooking for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, members of the Royal Family, numerous heads of state, international dignitaries, and distinguished guests from around the world.
Beyond his achievements as a chef and restaurateur, Professor Todiwala is recognised as one of the hospitality industry’s most passionate advocates for education, training, apprenticeships, and skills development. Throughout his career, he has worked tirelessly to support colleges, universities, professional bodies, and employers in developing future generations of chefs and hospitality professionals.
One of his most significant contributions to hospitality education is the creation of Zest Quest Asia, the prestigious student competition that provides hospitality students with unique opportunities to learn about Asian cuisine, culture, and hospitality. Since its launch, Zest Quest Asia has become one of the industry’s most respected educational initiatives, inspiring and nurturing future culinary talent.
A familiar face on television, Cyrus has appeared regularly on programmes including Saturday Kitchen and co-presented the BBC series The Incredible Spice Men alongside Tony Singh, helping to bring Indian cuisine to a wider audience.
Professor Todiwala is also an accomplished author whose books have introduced countless readers to the flavours and techniques of Indian cooking. His publications include:
• Café Spice Namasté Cookbook
• The Incredible Spice Men (with Tony Singh)
• Simple Spice /Mr Todiwalas Spice Box
• Simple Spice Vegetarian
• Mr Todiwala’s Bombay
• Indian Summer
• Modern Indian: 70 Everyday Recipes (2024)
In addition to his restaurants and books, he has developed a range of food products inspired by traditional Indian flavours and culinary heritage, including pickles, chutneys, sauces, and spice blends.
Throughout his distinguished career, Professor Cyrus Todiwala has received numerous national and international awards and honours in recognition of his culinary excellence, leadership, entrepreneurship, educational work, and services to hospitality. His distinctions include being appointed Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for services to the hospitality industry, serving as Deputy Lieutenant (DL) of Greater London, receiving multiple honorary doctorates, and being recognised with the Indian Restaurant Association Award for Culinary Excellence. He is widely regarded as one of the most highly awarded and respected chefs in British hospitality.
Today, Professor Cyrus Todiwala OBE DL continues to be a leading force within the hospitality industry. Through his restaurants, books, television appearances, product ranges, charitable activities, educational initiatives, and tireless advocacy for training and professional development, he has become one of the foremost ambassadors of Indian cuisine in the United Kingdom and an enduring inspiration to hospitality professionals worldwide.