Chef Vikas Kuriyal – Culinary Director, Urban Turban Indian Grill Bar | Co-Founder, Sanjha Chulha Food Truck (USA) Global Culinary Leader & Wellness Cuisine Visionary | Culinary Director at Mehfil Indian Restaurant in Asheville, North Carolina |International Judge | Master of Wellness Cuisine |Award-Winning Chef Redefining Global Culinary Wellness |World Master Chef | Mentor, Innovator & Culinary Diplomat |Culinary Ambassador | Director at Mehfil NC | Global Educator
A Global Ambassador of Culinary Excellence
In the vibrant tapestry of global gastronomy, few figures stand as tall and widely respected as Chef Vikas Kuriyal. With over 18 years of culinary experience that spans luxury hotels, wellness resorts, and international judging panels, he has evolved into a force of inspiration, vision, and innovation.
Chef Kuriyal is not merely a chef; he is a curator of culinary culture. His work combines age-old tradition with the principles of modern wellness to offer food that nourishes both body and soul. His holistic philosophy—centered around what he terms “Wellness Cuisine”—advocates for meals that are not only nutritionally balanced and beautifully crafted, but also emotionally healing. It’s this integrity that sets him apart in a saturated culinary world.
From his roots in India to his current role in North Carolina, Chef Vikas has dedicated his life to bridging cultures through food. Whether he’s preparing regional Indian dishes with global flair, or mentoring young chefs on sustainable culinary practices, his ethos is grounded in authenticity, empathy, and creativity. He sees food not just as sustenance, but as storytelling, diplomacy, and wellness—woven into every bite.
He has judged prestigious competitions in Romania, Korea, and Bolivia, and holds memberships in over 30 international chef organizations. His presence commands respect on the world stage, not only for his skill but also for his commitment to mentoring and collaboration.
Chef Kuriyal’s story is still being written, but one thing is clear—his culinary journey is a beacon for chefs, wellness advocates, and global thinkers. In every dish, forum, and mentorship he offers, Chef Vikas is not just cooking meals; he is shaping the future of global cuisine with heart and honor.
Chef Vikas Kuriyal – Promoting Authentic Pahadi Cuisine in the USA | From Uttarakhand to Asheville’s Culinary Scene
🇮🇳 From the Hills of Uttarakhand to the Heart of America
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Chef Vikas Kuriyal, a proud son of Dehradun, Uttarakhand, is capturing the hearts of Americans with the authentic flavors of Pahadi cuisine. Currently serving as the Head Chef and Culinary Director at Mehfil Restaurant in Asheville, North Carolina, he is not just cooking—he is creating a cultural movement.
A certified Master Chef, Chef Kuriyal has over two decades of culinary experience and is known for his mastery in Indian regional cuisine. His efforts have earned Mehfil recognition for offering one of the most authentic Indian food experiences in the United States.
Honored Chef & Global Culinary Ambassador
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Chef Vikas Kuriyal’s impact extends beyond the kitchen. He is a decorated member of the World Master Chefs Society (UK) and has proudly represented India on international platforms. In 2017, he was selected to judge the Young Chef Olympiad held by the International Institute of Hotel Management (IIHM), reaching over 50 countries.
His work is a blend of innovation and tradition—modern yet rooted in heritage. From simple dals to intricate Pahadi dishes, his food showcases the spirit of Uttarakhand on an international plate.
An Inspiration for Indian Youth
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Chef Kuriyal’s rise is a testament to perseverance. Losing his father at a young age, he shouldered responsibilities early and worked as a hotel server before climbing the culinary ladder. His journey from humble beginnings to leading an award-winning kitchen in the U.S. is inspiring thousands of aspiring chefs from India.
According to the news feature, “His journey is incredible, from the mountains of Uttarakhand to the United States of America.” Today, he’s helping Indian youth break stereotypes and find global culinary success.
Asheville Loves Him: A Facebook Testimonial Goes Viral
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In a glowing review on Facebook by Stu Helm, a prominent local food critic, Chef Vikas Kuriyal was described as a “superhero” whose charisma and cooking stole the show at Mehfil:
“He shows up looking like a dang superhero and blows our minds with his culinary skills… and undeniable personal flair.”
Stu shared his experience attending one of Mehfil’s exclusive ticketed dinners where Chef Vikas personally curated the meal and brought together guests from different cultures. The post was filled with admiration for both the food and the hospitality, proving Chef Kuriyal is a culinary bridge-builder as much as a chef.
Culinary Footprints Across 15+ Countries
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Chef Kuriyal has visited over 15 countries and worked in more than 40 cities globally, including stints in Malaysia, France, Germany, and Thailand. His versatility spans not only cooking but also training, hotel management, banquet operations, and menu development.
He mastered hotel catering while working in Pune, Hyderabad, Delhi, Bangalore, and Nagpur, before moving to the United States. His rich journey includes serving five-star hotel chains, banquet kitchens, and food festivals across the globe.
Leading Mehfil to Culinary Greatness
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Under his guidance, Mehfil in Asheville has become a local favorite and a cultural hotspot. The menu celebrates North Indian, Mughlai, and authentic Pahadi dishes—rare to find in American Indian restaurants.
The restaurant now hosts exclusive dinners, often featuring regional specialties and fusion elements, all led by Chef Kuriyal’s seasoned hands.
Legacy of Excellence and Mentorship
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Chef Vikas Kuriyal is not only focused on his personal achievements but is also committed to mentoring young chefs. He actively encourages youth in India, especially from rural Uttarakhand, to pursue hospitality with pride and global ambition.
He frequently says:
“Our identity is not dependent on anyone else in the world. Today, we hold our flag high with skill and hard work.”
Early Life and Culinary Roots
Born on July 4, 1986, in the culturally rich landscape of India, Chef Vikas Kuriyal was surrounded by a vibrant blend of tradition, ritual, and food from an early age. Raised in a household where meals were more than sustenance—they were expressions of love and legacy—he learned that food held the power to bring people together, tell stories, and even heal.
His first experiences in the kitchen were not through formal education, but through watching elders prepare meals with instinct, heart, and heritage. The aromas of tempering spices, the sizzle of fresh ingredients, and the gathering of family around meals became the foundational elements of his culinary identity. These early exposures not only ignited his fascination with the mechanics of cooking but also planted a deeper seed—the desire to explore the connection between food and well-being.
As a young boy, he found inspiration in local street vendors, temple offerings, and family feasts, all of which played a role in shaping his appreciation for regional Indian flavors. Over time, his curiosity evolved into discipline, and that discipline into passion. What started as an affection for food gradually transformed into a lifelong mission: to serve dishes that nourish the body, awaken the senses, and honor cultural roots.
Professional Journey Across Continents
Chef Kuriyal’s professional career began in prestigious hotel kitchens, where he rapidly rose through the ranks due to his discipline, creativity, and unwavering commitment to excellence. Over the years, he honed his craft in luxury hotels, wellness resorts, and multi-cuisine international operations across Asia, Europe, and North America. His global exposure equipped him with a rich understanding of diverse food cultures, which he blended into his own unique culinary identity.
LinkedIn Highlights and Professional Network
According to his LinkedIn profile, Chef Vikas Kuriyal is widely endorsed for leadership in culinary arts, team building, and food & beverage innovation. His platform features testimonials from peers across the globe, reinforcing his credibility as both a mentor and a practitioner. His presence on LinkedIn also serves as a vital link to the global culinary community, where he shares insights, industry news, and thought leadership.
Signature Philosophy: Wellness Cuisine
Chef Vikas is celebrated for pioneering a style of cooking focused on wellness and sustainability. Wellness Cuisine, as he defines it, is about offering fresh, clean, unprocessed whole foods that support both body and mind. His recipes emphasize seasonal ingredients, nutritional balance, and cultural harmony, making his food as healing as it is flavorful. His passion for this philosophy has led him to conduct workshops, consult on wellness-focused menu design, and train chefs around the world on holistic cooking methods.
International Recognition and Awards
Chef Kuriyal has received numerous accolades throughout his career. From being named Master Chef Romania in 2017 to earning honors from culinary guilds in Serbia, Bulgaria, and Korea, his trophy case is a testament to his global impact. In addition to professional awards, he has been appointed as an honorary member and ambassador for culinary organizations in over 30 countries. Each honor reflects not only his technical prowess but also his dedication to fostering global culinary cooperation.
Educator, Judge, and Mentor
Beyond the kitchen, Chef Vikas is a passionate educator. He has served as a judge in international competitions like the Korea Challenge Cup, Rasoi Queen India, and the International Gastronomy Forum in Bolivia. He trains culinary teams during pre-opening phases of new restaurants and resorts, helping shape kitchen operations, food quality, and team leadership. His mentorship programs focus on discipline, creativity, cost control, and emotional resilience—tools that young chefs need to thrive in modern kitchens.
Global Culinary Advocacy and Memberships
Chef Kuriyal holds lifetime or honorary memberships in some of the most prestigious culinary organizations in the world:
- World Association of Chefs Societies
- Indian Culinary Forum
- World Master Chef Society
- Emirates Culinary Guild
- Chef Guild of Bulgaria
- Korea Association of Master Chefs
- Malaysian Chef Association
- Saudi Arabian Chefs Table Circle
- Golden Falcons Culinary Association
- Bangladesh Chef Organization
These memberships amplify his voice in global discussions on food sustainability, ethical cooking, and culinary education.
Key Leadership Roles
Currently serving as the Culinary Director at Mehfil Indian Restaurant in Asheville, North Carolina (since January 2022), Chef Vikas leads a team that delivers top-tier dining experiences centered on health and innovation. Previously, he held the position of Executive Chef at Fresh Curry Chef, where he was responsible for complete kitchen operations, staff management, and menu design tailored to international standards.
Cultural Bridge and Culinary Diplomat
Chef Kuriyal views food as a universal language—a means of building bridges between cultures. Whether judging a traditional cooking competition in Uttarakhand or representing India in an international chef’s conclave, he uses every opportunity to share knowledge and foster collaboration across culinary borders.
Shaping the Culinary Future: Vision, Purpose & Global Legacy
Chef Vikas Kuriyal has never been content with simply reaching milestones—his drive has always been about creating meaningful impact. As he stands at the pinnacle of an illustrious career, his gaze is set firmly on the future: a future where food is not only delicious and artistic, but also sustainable, healing, and deeply connected to cultural identity.
His mission is to use food as a catalyst for global change—advocating for healthy eating habits, cultural understanding, and responsible sourcing practices. Chef Vikas envisions launching a cutting-edge Global Culinary Academy where aspiring chefs from around the world can study the principles of Wellness Cuisine, cultural integrity, and eco-conscious cooking. This institution will serve as a knowledge hub, promoting cross-border collaboration and fostering culinary talent grounded in ethics and excellence.
Alongside this academic ambition, he is developing a series of cookbooks dedicated to cultural nutrition—collections that not only share recipes but also tell the stories behind them. These books will focus on indigenous ingredients, traditional healing foods, and the intersection between ancestral wisdom and modern wellness science.
Another cornerstone of his future plans is a farm-to-table wellness retreat—a sanctuary where chefs, food lovers, and wellness seekers can reconnect with nature and the true origins of food. Designed to offer immersive experiences, the retreat will blend organic farming, sustainable cooking, mindful eating, and culinary innovation under one roof.
Through all of this, Chef Kuriyal hopes to leave behind a legacy that redefines what it means to be a chef in the 21st century. His vision is not just to cook for people, but to inspire a global community to live, eat, and think better—one dish, one idea, and one connection at a time.
- 🔗 Chef Vikas Kuriyal – LinkedIn Profile
- 🔗 Mehfil Indian Restaurant – Asheville, NC
- 🔗 World Association of Chefs’ Societies
- 🔗 Emirates Culinary Guild
- 🔗 Indian Culinary Forum
- 🔗 World Master Chefs Society
- 🔗 Chef Vikas Kuriyal – YouTube Channel (If available)
- 🔗 TopChefsBiography.org – Official Profile Page