Bastian Hospitality Private Limited (BHPL), the company responsible for iconic eateries such as Bastian and Bizza, has officially named Suvir Saran as its new Culinary Director.
Suvir Saran, a renowned culinary expert originally from New Delhi, has authored three cookbooks: “Indian Home Cooking,” “American Masala,” “Masala Farm,” and his latest release, “Instamatic,” a blend of prose and captivating photos. His culinary expertise extends to creating, curating, and designing F&B concepts, menus, catering for events, and participating in culinary conferences worldwide. Saran gained widespread recognition as the standout talent during the third season of Top Chef Masters and holds a unique position as the sole chef on the Nutrition Advisory Board at Brigham & Women’s Hospital affiliated with Harvard Medical School. Saran passionately champions the flavors of Indian homes and diverse regional cuisines, emphasizing both deliciousness and nutritional value.
Saran’s pioneering achievement was the establishment of Devi in Manhattan, marking the inaugural Michelin Star among 18 restaurants in North America when the Michelin Guide made its debut on the continent. Devi further distinguished itself by becoming the first non-Northern European and Indian restaurant in North America to be awarded a prestigious Michelin Star. In addition to Devi, Saran also owned and operated Tapestry in Greenwich Village, Manhattan, though he regrettably had to shutter the restaurant due to medical reasons, which prompted his return to India for healing.
Saran’s culinary creations and written works have graced the pages of numerous national and international newspapers and magazines. His engaging and self-deprecating style of conveying profound insights and emotionally stirring tales has endeared him to audiences as a charismatic public speaker. He has captivated audiences at a wide range of events worldwide, from grand food festivals and tech forums to literary gatherings, and even within the esteemed halls of academia.
Frequently employing food as a unifying force to connect people from diverse backgrounds, Saran’s extensive interactions with individuals from around the globe have equipped him with a remarkable comfort in settings characterized by rich diversity. At BHPL, his primary focus will be elevating an already well-established local F&B brand to greater heights as BHPL expands its presence across India. Collaborating closely with BHPL’s senior leadership, Chef Saran will also contribute his distinct insights into the global F&B industry and actively participate in shaping the strategy for international expansion.
“BHPL has always attracted the finest talent from around the world, which is what has helped us grow into one of the country’s most respected and exciting F&B brands,” says Ranjit Bindra, Founder and CEO, BHPL. “With Suvir joining to steer the culinary direction of the company, I am confident that we will make significant progress that will only help to further cement our reputation, not just in India but also abroad. We are excited for everything that is yet to come.”
“I have been following BHPL’s trajectory since its inception and I’m delighted to be joining a hospitality company that is so forward-thinking, committed to quality and strategic growth. I am pleased to be associated with a brand that is not only focused on expansion, but is serious about creating memorable experiences that result in a loyal customer base that keeps coming back for more,” says Saran.
