Atul Kochhar is an Indian-born, British based chef, restaurateur, and television personality. His unique talent has changed the way people perceive and experience Indian cuisine. Atul was one of the first two Indian chefs to receive a Michelin star, awarded in London in 2001 whilst at Tamarind. His contemporary style and love for traditional cooking led him to open his own restaurant Benares, which won him a second Michelin star in 2007. Since then he has opened numerous successful, award-winning restaurants; Sindhu and Hawkyns in Buckinghamshire and Indian Essence in Kent. In 2018, Atul left Benares to pursue other independent ventures, most recently Kanishka in Mayfair, London which opened March 2019 and another new London site has been announced. Kochhar makes regular appearances on television shows including
Saturday Kitchen,
Masterchef Goes Large, Great British Menu, BBC2's Million Pound Menu and Saturday Morning with James Martin. Additionally, Atul has written a number of successful cookbooks; Simple Indian; Fish, Indian Style; Curries of the World and 30 Minute Curries.