


Dr. Parvinder Singh Bali is currently serving as the Director of the School for European Pastry and Culinary Arts in Gurugram
Chef Dr. Parvinder Singh Bali is a distinguished culinary educator, author, and practitioner with over three decades of experience in the hospitality industry. Hailing from Baramulla, Kashmir, he initially aspired to be a neurosurgeon but found his true calling in the culinary arts. He graduated with a gold medal from the Institute of Hotel Management in Kolkata in 1995 and began his career at The Oberoi New Delhi in the pastry kitchen. hospitalitytipoftheday.comLinkedIn+4ihmambala.com+4Today’s Traveller+4
Chef Bali has held significant positions, including Executive Chef at ITC Sonar Bangla and Executive Sous Chef at The Oberoi Grand Kolkata. He has also represented India as an expert at the WorldSkills Competition in Leipzig. His culinary expertise is further demonstrated through collaborations with renowned chefs such as Stéphane Glacier and Jean-François Arnaud. ihmambala.com+3LinkedIn+3LinkedIn+3Today’s Traveller+1ihmambala.com+1ihmambala.com+1Today’s Traveller+1
In 2016, Chef Bali was appointed as Corporate Chef – Learning & Development at The Oberoi Centre of Learning and Development (OCLD), where he has been instrumental in shaping the careers of numerous chefs. He has authored five textbooks that are prescribed in catering colleges across India, Kenya, Nepal, and Malaysia. LinkedIn+7hospitalitytipoftheday.com+7YouTube+7Today’s Traveller+1ihmambala.com+1
Beyond his culinary achievements, Chef Bali is a polyglot, fluent in Kashmiri, Punjabi, Dogri, Bengali, Hindi, and English, and is currently pursuing an advanced diploma in Spanish. He is also passionate about cycling, having cycled over 25,000 km in two years, and enjoys playing the flute and keyboard. ihmambala.com
Chef Bali is currently associated with the School for European Pastry and Culinary Arts in Gurugram, where he continues to inspire and educate aspiring chefs.
Chef Dr. Parvinder Singh Bali: A Culinary Journey from Aspirations to Achievements
Chef Dr. Parvinder Singh Bali is a renowned culinary educator, author, and practitioner whose journey spans over three decades in the hospitality industry. His exceptional career trajectory, distinguished achievements, and relentless passion for the culinary arts have made him a name to reckon with in the world of hospitality. Chef Bali’s life story is not just a reflection of his professional excellence but also of his remarkable versatility, dedication, and drive to excel in everything he does.
Early Life and Education
Born and raised in Baramulla, Kashmir, Chef Parvinder Bali initially had aspirations far removed from the culinary world. Like many bright young minds, he dreamt of becoming a neurosurgeon. However, as fate would have it, his true calling lay elsewhere. A pivotal turning point came when he decided to explore the world of food, which not only intrigued him but also inspired him to pursue a career in the culinary arts. His passion for cooking blossomed during these formative years, leading him to the prestigious Institute of Hotel Management (IHM) Kolkata.
At IHM Kolkata, Chef Bali’s exceptional skills, dedication, and commitment to his craft did not go unnoticed. In 1995, he graduated with a gold medal, an honor that marked the beginning of an illustrious career in the hospitality industry. His early days at the Institute laid a solid foundation, equipping him with the knowledge and expertise that would later become his trademark in the culinary world.
The Journey Begins
After completing his education, Chef Bali began his professional career at The Oberoi New Delhi in the pastry kitchen. Working in one of the country’s most prestigious hotels, he honed his skills in the art of pastry, learning from some of the finest chefs in the industry. His time at The Oberoi laid the groundwork for his future achievements and served as an introduction to the high standards and expectations that would shape his career.
As Chef Bali’s career progressed, he gained significant experience working in various top-tier hotels and culinary institutions. He held significant positions such as Executive Chef at ITC Sonar Bangla and Executive Sous Chef at The Oberoi Grand Kolkata, where his culinary skills were put to the test in some of the most demanding kitchen environments.
Culinary Expertise and International Recognition
Chef Bali’s culinary expertise is not only defined by the positions he has held but also by the recognition he has received on the global stage. He represented India as an expert at the WorldSkills Competition in Leipzig, one of the world’s most prestigious competitions in the field of vocational education and training. This recognition highlighted his exceptional skills and knowledge of the culinary arts, further solidifying his reputation as one of the best in the industry.
Over the years, Chef Bali has also had the privilege of working alongside renowned chefs such as Stéphane Glacier and Jean-François Arnaud, gaining valuable insights into international culinary trends and techniques. These collaborations have only enriched his culinary repertoire, making him one of the most versatile chefs in India.
A Commitment to Culinary Education
In 2016, Chef Bali took on a new role as the Corporate Chef – Learning & Development at The Oberoi Centre of Learning and Development (OCLD). This was a significant turning point in his career, as he shifted his focus from purely practicing the culinary arts to shaping the careers of the next generation of chefs. At OCLD, Chef Bali was instrumental in developing training programs that have since transformed the careers of many aspiring chefs.
Chef Bali’s influence on the future of the culinary world extends beyond his work at OCLD. He has authored five textbooks that are used as study material in catering colleges across India, Kenya, Nepal, and Malaysia. These books are considered essential reading for culinary students, reflecting Chef Bali’s deep commitment to advancing culinary education and sharing his knowledge with aspiring chefs worldwide.
A Polyglot and a Passionate Cyclist
Beyond his culinary expertise, Chef Bali is a man of diverse talents. Fluent in several languages, including Kashmiri, Punjabi, Dogri, Bengali, Hindi, and English, he has demonstrated a keen interest in cultural exchange and communication. Currently pursuing an advanced diploma in Spanish, Chef Bali is proof that learning is a lifelong journey.
His passion for exploration extends beyond the kitchen. A passionate cyclist, Chef Bali has cycled over 25,000 kilometers in just two years. His love for cycling reflects his discipline, determination, and ability to challenge himself, both physically and mentally. When he is not cycling or cooking, Chef Bali enjoys playing the flute and keyboard, hobbies that highlight his artistic side and ability to appreciate different forms of expression.
Present Endeavors and Future Goals
Today, Chef Bali continues to inspire and educate aspiring chefs as part of the School for European Pastry and Culinary Arts in Gurugram. This association allows him to share his wealth of knowledge and experience with a new generation of culinary talent. His role at the school also gives him the opportunity to stay at the forefront of global culinary trends while simultaneously contributing to the growth of the culinary industry in India.
Chef Bali’s future aspirations include continuing his work in culinary education, expanding his influence in the culinary world, and contributing to the evolution of culinary arts both in India and internationally. With his extensive knowledge, leadership, and passion for food, Chef Bali is set to remain a key figure in the culinary industry for many years to come.
Legacy and Contributions
Chef Bali’s legacy is defined by his unwavering commitment to excellence in the culinary arts. His career serves as an inspiration to countless chefs, educators, and food enthusiasts around the world. Through his work, Chef Bali has shown that a successful career in the culinary industry is not just about cooking great food but also about sharing knowledge, nurturing talent, and continuously pushing the boundaries of what is possible.
As an educator, Chef Bali has played a pivotal role in shaping the future of culinary education in India and beyond. His textbooks, lectures, and mentorship have touched the lives of hundreds of students, many of whom have gone on to become successful chefs and hospitality professionals. Chef Bali’s contributions to the culinary world are far-reaching, and his influence will continue to be felt for generations to come.
Current Endeavors and Future Goals
Today, Chef Bali continues to inspire and educate the next generation of culinary professionals. He is associated with the School for European Pastry and Culinary Arts in Gurugram, where he imparts his knowledge and expertise to aspiring chefs. His work at the school allows him to stay at the forefront of global culinary trends while contributing to the growth of the culinary industry in India.
Chef Bali’s future goals include expanding his reach in the field of culinary education, writing more textbooks, and continuing to mentor young chefs. His impact on the culinary industry has been immense, and he remains committed to furthering the evolution of culinary education worldwide. Whether through his teaching, his books, or his professional engagements, Chef Bali is determined to leave a lasting legacy in the world of food.


