Interviews
Apeejay School, Panchsheel Park parent shares insights on culinary creativity
Father of KG-B student, who is an executive chef at the Oberoi Group, talks about blending flavours, traditions, and values
Food, travel, and learning often go hand in hand, and for young Neera Sharma of KG-B at Apeejay School, Panchsheel Park, this connection begins at home. Her father, Mr. Sachin Sharma, is an accomplished Executive Chef with the Oberoi Group, who has spent years curating flavours, exploring local cuisines, and representing Indian food on global platforms. In this conversation, he shares his professional journey and the inspirations that guide him as both a chef and a parent.
Read edited excerpts:
What inspired you to choose cooking as a profession?
Cooking has been my hobby since childhood. I always loved experimenting with food. After school, I pursued Hotel Management at IHM Jaipur, and through campus placements, I got selected by Oberoi. Since then, there has been no looking back.
Could you explain how the hierarchy works in your industry?
The journey usually begins as a commis (assistant chef). From there, one can rise to Chef de Partie (supervisor), then Junior Sous Chef, Sous Chef, Senior Sous Chef, Executive Sous Chef, and finally Executive Chef. While sous chefs manage specific outlets, the Executive Chef leads the entire culinary team and is responsible for all outlets in a hotel.
How do you research and curate menus for new properties?
For Bandhavgarh, I explored local markets, spoke to villagers, and studied regional cooking styles. We adapted traditional recipes, balanced spice levels for international guests, and even used local crockery like phool bowls for an authentic touch. It’s about combining tradition with modern presentation while maintaining global standards.
What makes Bandhavgarh a special culinary and travel destination?
Bandhavgarh is famous for its highest density of Royal Bengal Tigers in India, with around 180 adult tigers. Guests visit for jungle safaris and the serene natural surroundings. The property has just 21 luxury accommodations, making it an exclusive and close-to-nature experience.
How has your experience been while attending school events and parent interactions at Apeejay?
The school ensures parents are always included, whether it is orientation sessions, PTMs, or cultural events. I have attended a few programmes where students got the platform to perform, and I was impressed by how well the events were organised. Such opportunities not only boost children’s confidence but also strengthen the bond between parents and teachers.
