From Hotel Kitchens to MasterChef India: Kunal Kapur’s Professional Journey
Chef Kunal Kapur began his culinary journey with the prestigious Taj Group, where he trained in multiple cuisines and managed high-profile events. He later became the Executive Sous Chef at Leela Kempinski, Gurgaon, handling luxury dining for foreign dignitaries, including German Chancellor Angela Merkel in 2012.
His expertise and charisma landed him a coveted spot as a judge on MasterChef India, alongside chefs Vikas Khanna and Ajay Chopra. Over multiple seasons, his ability to mentor budding cooks and connect with audiences turned him into a beloved TV personality. Kunal was also the host of My Yellow Table on NDTV Good Times, where he blended recipes with storytelling and culture.
Kunal Kapur Restaurants in Dubai: Redefining Modern Indian Fine Dining
In 2024, Chef Kunal Kapur officially stepped into the international food scene with the launch of Kunal Kapur Restaurants in Dubai’s Jumeirah district. The space features a minimalist design with a focus on sustainability and locally sourced Indian ingredients.
The signature dishes like Jackfruit Galouti with Saffron Paratha, Smoked Tandoori Chilean Sea Bass, and Deconstructed Rasmalai Cheesecake reflect Kunal’s flair for blending innovation with tradition. The restaurant received a 4.7 rating on Zomato UAE within its first three months and has already hosted food events featuring Michelin-star guest chefs.
Kunal Kapur’s Digital Culinary Empire: From YouTube to Recipe App
Chef Kunal has evolved into a digital culinary educator. His YouTube channel, with over 2 million subscribers, features high-quality video tutorials on Indian street food, festival dishes, and healthy meal plans. His most-viewed video of 2024 “5-Minute Paneer Bhurji in Microwave” highlighted his ability to simplify complex meals.
In 2025, he launched the Kunal Kapur Recipes App, available on Android and iOS. The app features meal planners, regional cuisines, video walkthroughs, and AI-powered ingredient substitution for Indian kitchens. The app hit 1 million downloads in its first quarter.
Amazon Bestseller ‘Kunal’s Indian Kitchen’: A Personal Take on Indian Flavors
Released in December 2023, Kunal’s Indian Kitchen became a chart-topper on Amazon India within 48 hours. The book is divided by seasons and festivals, featuring dishes like Himachali Dham, Kolkata-style Fish Curry, and Bihari Litti Chokha.
The book is both an intimate memoir and a recipe guide. Kunal shares family stories, behind-the-scenes anecdotes from his shows, and personal notes on each dish’s cultural significance. Food critics have praised its authenticity and educational value.
Off the Plate: Kunal Kapur’s Life Beyond the Kitchen
Kunal Kapur is known for his philanthropic work with Feeding India and Akshaya Patra, two major NGOs fighting hunger. He also conducts workshops on nutrition in government schools and often donates proceeds from his pop-ups to social causes.
Kunal is a fitness enthusiast and often shares snippets of his yoga practice and gardening adventures on Instagram. Despite his busy life, he ensures weekends are reserved for his wife Ekta and their son, with whom he experiments with kid-friendly recipes.