Chef
Hemant Bhagwani is a Canadian chef, sommelier, restaurateur, cookbook author, and entrepreneur based in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. He is the founder and owner of several restaurants in the Greater Toronto Area, including Amaya, Goa Indian Farm Kitchen, and Popa Burmese Kitchen.
Bhagwani was born in New Delhi, India, and grew up in a family of restaurateurs. He began his culinary career at the age of 16, working in his family's restaurant. After graduating from high school, he moved to Switzerland to study at the École hôtelière de Lausanne. He then worked in restaurants in Australia and Dubai before moving to Toronto in 2000.
In Toronto, Bhagwani opened his first restaurant, Kamasutra, in 2003. The restaurant was a success, and he followed it up with Amaya in 2007. Amaya has been praised for its modern Indian cuisine and has been awarded several accolades, including being named one of the best restaurants in Toronto by the Toronto Star.
Bhagwani is also the author of two cookbooks, "Amaya: Modern Indian Cuisine" and "Goa Indian Farm Kitchen: Recipes from the Spice Coast." He is a frequent guest on television and radio shows, and he has been featured in publications such as The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and Vogue.
Bhagwani is a passionate advocate for Indian cuisine, and he is committed to using fresh, seasonal ingredients in his cooking. He is also a strong supporter of the local food movement, and he sources many of his ingredients from local farmers.
Bhagwani is a respected figure in the Canadian food industry, and he is known for his innovative cooking and his commitment to quality. He is a role model for young chefs, and he is an inspiration to anyone who is passionate about food.