Patina Maldives welcomes pioneering Michelin-starred Chef Atul Kochhar for an exclusive Diwali culinary residency
Flora Gandolfo
4
min read
The first Indian chef to be awarded a Michelin star brings the acclaimed Kanishka by Atul Kochhar experience to Patina Maldives for four evenings of contemporary Indian cuisine
This Diwali, Patina Maldives, Fari Islands will welcome pioneering Indian chef and restaurateur Atul Kochhar, the first Indian chef to be awarded a Michelin star, for a four day culinary residency from 7 to 9 November 2026. For the occasion, Kochhar will bring the culinary identity of his acclaimed London restaurant Kanishka by Atul Kochhar to the shores of the Indian Ocean, presenting his contemporary interpretation of India's rich and diverse regional cuisine at Helios.
Rooted in Kochhar's deep connection to India, the menu will explore the country's regional culinary traditions through his signature approach — bringing together bold flavours, refined technique, premium ingredients and a contemporary sensibility.
With more than 30 years at the forefront of the Indian culinary scene, Kochhar has built an international reputation for changing the way people view and experience Indian cuisine. He was the first Indian chef to be awarded a Michelin star, receiving his first in 2001, followed by a second in 2007. His culinary philosophy brings together the traditions and regional diversity of India with contemporary technique and carefully considered ingredients.
That philosophy finds a natural expression at Patina Maldives, where the residency brings one of the UK's leading voices in contemporary Indian cuisine into an environment shaped by the Indian Ocean and the multicultural character of the Fari Islands. Rather than recreating the experience of one of his restaurants, the residency gives an opportunity to interpret his culinary identity through a new setting and occasion.
Today, Kochhar leads the Atul Kochhar Hospitality Group, with a portfolio spanning Kanishka in Mayfair, Vaasu and Sindhu in Marlow, Riwaz in Beaconsfield, Masalchi in Wembley Park, Indian Essence in Petts Wood and Essence in Tunbridge Wells.
The residency forms part of Patina Maldives' ongoing commitment to creating meaningful culinary experiences that connect guests with different cultures, perspectives and creative disciplines. The experience invites guests to discover India's regional traditions while celebrating Diwali through the shared language of dining, discovery and togetherness.
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ABOUT PATINA MALDIVES, FARI ISLANDS
Within the spellbinding beauty of the Maldives’ North Malé Atoll lies Patina Maldives, Fari Islands, the first – and flagship – luxury resort under Patina Hotels and Resorts, a transformative luxury brand from the award-winning Capella Hotel Group.
Just a 45-min speedboat ride from Malé, sophisticated villas and contemporary studios crafted from nature’s materials and pure creativity blend harmoniously with breathtaking outdoor spaces, interspersed with a stunning range of 13 culinary concepts that showcase diverse cuisines from Nordic-Japanese fusion to plant-based creations.
A private sanctuary that inspires immersive experiences, Patina Maldives is a transcendent journey into a destination of deep cultural character, connecting conscious travelers through originality, discovery and togetherness.
ABOUT PATINA HOTELS & RESORTS
Patina Hotels & Resorts pioneers a fresh perspective in luxury lifestyle. From Patina Maldives, Fari Islands, to Patina Osaka and upcoming openings in Tianjin and Sanya, Patina invites conscious travellers on the Perpetual Journey - guiding guests toward connection, wellbeing, growth, and nourishment through transformative experiences. As destinations within destinations, makers and guests co-create culture through art, music, and design. Collective expression becomes Infinite Imprints - enduring memories of shared creativity. www.patinahotels.com @patinamaldives
ABOUT CHEF ATUL KOCHHAR
Atul Kochhar is a pioneering twice-Michelin-starred chef and restaurateur from Jamshedpur, India, who has transformed the way people perceive and experience Indian cuisine. With over 30 years at the forefront of the Indian culinary scene, he has gained international recognition for his contemporary approach to Indian cooking. Drawing inspiration from his Indian roots, Kochhar researches regional dishes and combines traditional culinary techniques, the finest spices and ingredients from India with premium British ingredients. He was the first Indian chef to be awarded a Michelin star, receiving his first at Tamarind in London in 2001, followed by a second at Benares in 2007. Today, his Atul Kochhar Hospitality Group includes restaurants across the UK, including Kanishka in Mayfair, London; Vaasu and Sindhu in Marlow; Riwaz in Beaconsfield; Masalchi in Wembley Park; Indian Essence in Petts Wood; and Essence in Tunbridge Wells. www.atulkochhar.com
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Christina Dendrinou (christina@frogandwolfpr.com), Iustina Roman (iustina@frogandwolfpr.com), Nat Frogley (nat@frogandwolfpr.com) or Flora Gandolfo (flora@frogandwolfpr.com) at Frog & Wolf PR.
