Vineet Bhatia becomes 'first Michelin-starred chef of Indian origin' to receive MBE
The Indian-British restaurateur, who is best known for becoming the first Indian chef to receive a Michelin star while cooking in London, received the accolade for services to UK cuisine, hospitality and international trade.
“Honoured to be the first Michelin-starred chef of Indian origin to be awarded an MBE,” he wrote on Instagram.
“A wonderful privilege to have the opportunity to make the world ‘see things differently’ about the United Kingdom.”
Bhatia dedicated the honour to his mother and wife for 'their unconditional love and support'.
Born in Mumbai, Bhatia first won a Michelin star in 2001 for Zaika, a restaurant he opened in 1999.
In 2004 he opened Rasoi in Chelsea, which was reinvented as Vineet Bhatia London (VBL) in 2016, which he closed a year later just a week after the venue won its own Michelin star.
The 2023 New Year's Honours were announced earlier this week, with hospitality leaders including Baa Bar founder Elaine Clarke, former Marston’s CEO Ralph Findlay and Diageo CEO Ivan Menezes also recognised on the list.
