Manu Chandra
About
As a pioneer in every sense, Chef Manu Chandra has introduced numerous firsts to India's culinary landscape. From pioneering the concept of gastropubs to popularizing open-faced baos and modern Asian dining, his contributions have been transformative. During his remarkable 17-year tenure with the Olive Group, he spearheaded the launch of acclaimed restaurant brands like Toast & Tonic, Monkey Bar, The Fatty Bao, and Cantan, garnering critical acclaim and numerous awards along the way.
A trained European Chef, Manu revolutionized the dining landscape of Bangalore and ascended to a cult figure status within the city. In a bold move, he unveiled Manu Chandra Ventures Private Limited, a Bengaluru-based hospitality company in collaboration with industry veteran Chetan Rampal.
Under this umbrella, Manu oversees several verticals, including Single Thread Catering, Savaa Ser, Holy Duck, and Duality Concepts, each reflecting his commitment to innovation and excellence.
From apprenticing at New York's renowned culinary institutions to working with Michelin-starred chefs in Norway, his experiences have shaped his culinary philosophy and approach.
Beyond his ventures, Manu's influence extends to the cultural sphere as the founding curator of the Serendipity Arts Festival, India's largest inclusive arts fest, where culinary arts found a prominent place for the first time.
Manu is also an active investor and partner in ventures like Chota Hazari Spirits and Shaka Harry, a plant-protein company. He also serves as the Founder-Partner of Bengaluru's urban artisanal cheese brand, Begum Victoria.
Why Manu Chandra?
With a wealth of experience in transforming the dining scene in Bangalore and introducing innovative culinary concepts to India, Manu brings a unique perspective that blends creativity, business acumen, and culinary excellence.
His inspiring journey from a classically trained chef to a successful entrepreneur and influential culinary figure makes him an engaging and insightful speaker who can captivate and motivate any audience.
