HBI Staff | Hyderabad 
AAFT School of Hospitality & Tourism is thrilled to welcome Chef Varun Inamdar, a distinguished figure in the culinary world, as the new Industry Dean. His appointment marks a major milestone in AAFT’s ongoing pursuit of excellence in hospitality education.
With over two decades of experience, Chef Varun Inamdar is widely recognized for his culinary expertise and innovative approach. His contributions to Indian cuisine have earned him two National Awards, and his influence extends far beyond the kitchen. As a food stylist, he has been involved in more than 400 TV commercials, and his creativity has played a key role in launching 45 restaurants.
His illustrious career includes being the chef of choice for Prime Minister Narendra Modi during key Presidential and Prime Ministerial visits, serving global leaders such as Donald Trump, Barack Obama, Nicolas Sarkozy, Vladimir Putin, and Richard Branson. In India, he has catered to the country’s most prominent families, including the Ambanis, Tendulkars, Khans, Bachchans, and Kapoors. His clientele also includes royalty, such as Queen Rania of Jordan and the royal families of Al Sabah, Al Khalifa, and Al Saud in the Arabian Gulf.
In addition to his culinary achievements, Chef Inamdar is an entrepreneur with a diverse portfolio. He owns a private gifting label, Barcode; a food truck venture named Bombay Eatery; and Florence, the world’s first and only 100% vegetarian cooking school, located in Ahmedabad. He also serves as the Brand Ambassador of Ecuadorian cocoa in India. His previous roles include working with Trident, Hilton, and Oberoi Hotels in Mumbai (2005-2012), and serving under Sheikh Majed Al Sabah in Kuwait (2012-2014).
Chef Inamdar is a prolific author who has penned 47 cookbooks, including five bestsellers. He also holds a Guinness World Record for creating the largest mud pie and is known for crafting India’s first edible 6ft‘Chocolate Mannequin’. Often referred to as ‘The Prince of Chocolates’ and ‘The Bombay Chef’, Chef Inamdar’s online presence is remarkable. With a global follower-ship and footprint of over 939 million+ through digital shows, he stands among the top three global culinary figures on YouTube, alongside Jamie Oliver and Gordon Ramsay.
His new role as Industry Dean underscores AAFT’s dedication to delivering world-class hospitality education. His vast experience and global recognition are set to elevate the learning experience for students, providing them with unique opportunities to gain insights from one of the industry’s leading figures. His leadership is expected to inspire and guide the next generation of culinary professionals, helping AAFT reach new heights.
As Industry Dean, Chef Inamdar will play a crucial role in developing the curriculum, mentoring students, and steering the School of Hospitality & Tourism towards greater achievements. His involvement promises to enrich the academic environment and open up exciting new possibilities for AAFT students.
