1 Michelin Star Chefs: Surender Mohan, executive chef, Jamavar

Surender Mohan is the executive chef of one Michelin-starred Jamavar in Mayfair

Surender Mohan has 27 years of experience as a chef and restaurateur, having worked in India, Europe and the Middle East.

Biography

Surender started his career in hospitality at the Hyatt Regency, Deli, in 1994. He worked as chef de partie there until 2001 when he moved to work with The Leela Palaces and Resorts.

While working at the company, he opened the first Jamavar restaurant in The Leela Palace in Bengaluru. After opening the restaurant, he left in 2002 to join the Grand Hyatt in Dubai.

 

At the Grand Hyatt, he was responsible for the entire hotel's Indian cuisine as well as working as a sous-chef at the Market Cafe within the hotel. 

In 2003, Surender returned to India and began advising the culinary operations of The Leela in Mumbai, part of The Leela Palaces and Resorts group.

As a consultant, he oversaw the launch of Jamavar in The Leela Mumbai in 2004, followed by Jamavar in The Leela Goa. In 2009, he opened Sheesh Mahal in The Leela Palace Udaipur, followed by Jamavar in The Leela Palace New Delhi in 2011, and The Leela Palace Chennai in 2013. 

He is still working as an advisor to the restaurant group today. 

In 2018, Surender moved to England to open the sixth and first British Jamavar restaurant. 

Jamavar London was followed in 2021 with Jamavar Doha. The restaurant was awarded a star in the Michelin Guide for Great Britain and Ireland 2022.

Jamavar restaurant

Jamavar is described by the Michelin guide as a "smartly dressed restaurant" that will likely be a favourite for all those with a love for Indian food.

It has a disarming atmosphere that led reporters at The Infatuation to say that "Jamavar genuinely feels relaxed and perfect for letting your hair down with a good bottle of wine and some cracking food," which, the publication remarked, is something other upmarket Indian restaurants in London have been known to struggle with.

The Menu

While its menu takes influence from the many regions of India, it has a slight bias from the North, with the menu including dishes that would have been featured in royal kitchens.

While the menu doesn't include starters, there's an extensive selection of 'small plates' featuring dishes such as Malabar prawns and kid goat shami kebab.

For mains, many dishes emerge from the Tandoor, such as stone bass tikka and gucchi lababdar.

However, according to the Michelin guide, if you want the full experience, it is wise to opt for the tasting menu. 

Special Achievements

Surender earned the Gold Medal in the “China International Culinary Art Master Challenge” at the China International Gourmet Expo in 2004.

From 2009 to 2014, Surender was  Lufthansa Airlines' named 'Star Chef'for their First and Business Class for the Indian and German sectors.

He received the Golden Star Award for the Most Admired Chef of the Year.

In 2015, he was the Special Judge for the Masterchef India competition and then in 2018, he received the "Culinary Idol of India" award from BBC GoodFood India.