Chef Tushar Tondvalkar brings over a decade of culinary experience, having staged at the Michelin-acclaimed restaurants Gaggan and Gaa in Bangkok, and worked in several of Vancouver’s well-known kitchens, including The Fish House in Stanley Park, Bauhaus, Blue Water Cafe, and as head chef at Mumbai Local. Over the past year, you may have experienced Chef Tushar’s cooking at pop-ups across the city or through his brand, The Indian Pantry, known for its simmering sauces and spice blends. Owning a restaurant has always been his dream, and now Chef Tushar is ready to welcome you into his culinary world with Kavita—his first restaurant, named after his mother, opening this fall.
With almost 23 years in the culinary field, he began at IIAS Darjeeling, later joining Carlson Rezidor. Specializing in Indian cuisine and boasting diverse kitchen skills, he's worked with renowned hotel chains like RHG, ITC, and Radisson.
Meet Sadia, the visionary behind Pick Up Limes, a plant-based platform founded in 2014 following her graduation and work as a dietitian in Vancouver. Her transformative backpacking journey led her to a chance encounter with Robin, her partner, in Thailand, sparking a series of shared adventures that prompted her to move from Canada to the Netherlands.
Notably, he achieved recognition as the Winner of Season 1 Episode 4 of the show "Chefs Vs Wild" on Hulu and Disney+. With a deep-rooted love for regional Indian cuisine, Tushar has effectively broadened the scope of his culinary offerings throughout British Columbia, making the authentic flavours of India accessible to a diverse range of diners.
Chef Dhillon describes his food as "unpretentiously soulful" and enjoys working with fresh, classic and rustic Fraser Valley ingredients. Proud of his Indian cooking heritage, he understands that Indian spices can do the trick and add to the flavour of so many dishes apart from the good old curry!
In 2014, he moved to Canada, where he worked with the Fairmont Hotel and completed his Red Seal Chef certification requirements. He opened his first catering company, GJs’ Kitchen, in Surrey, BC and quickly learned that the Canadian food scene is quite different from that in other countries.
The talented chef has amazing work experience in leading fine dining, smart casual, brasserie, café, and dark kitchens outlets. Chef Bobby Geetha has worked with some of Europe’s best Michelin-starred chefs. He is one of the best consultant chefs in the UK and Middle East.
