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Cyrus Todiwala

Authentic Parsee CuisineSustainable Indian FusionBritish-Indian HeritageEco-friendly Gastronomy

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About Cyrus Todiwala

Cyrus Todiwala is a pioneer of sustainable Indian cuisine in the UK, blending traditional Parsee and Goan flavors with British ingredients. He is a frequent guest on BBC's Saturday Kitchen and is known for his commitment to ethical sourcing and education in the hospitality sector.

Awards & Recognition

Member of the Order of the British Empir… (2000)Officer of the Order of the British Empi… (2009)BBC Food Personality of the Year (2014)Deputy Lieutenant of Greater London (2019)The Catey Award for Education and Traini… (2020)

Chef Timeline

1956
Born in Mumbai, India
N/A

Raised in a Parsee family.

1976
Graduated from Sophia Polytechnic
Sophia Polytechnic

Studied Hotel Management and Food Technology.

1976-1991
Executive Chef
Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces

Rose through the ranks in Mumbai and Goa.

1991
Moved to London
N/A

Relocated to the UK to start a new culinary chapter.

1995
Opened Cafe Spice Namasté
Cafe Spice Namasté

Opened the landmark restaurant in Whitechapel.

2000
Awarded MBE
N/A

For services to the hospitality industry.

2021
Relocation of Flagship
Cafe Spice Namasté

Moved the restaurant to Royal Albert Wharf.

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Key Information

Cyrus Todiwala is a pioneer of sustainable Indian cuisine in the UK, blending traditional Parsee and Goan flavors with British ingredients. He is a frequent guest on BBC's Saturday Kitchen and is known for his commitment to ethical sourcing and education in the hospitality sector.

Customer Perception

Customers frequently praise the restaurant for its 'warm hospitality' and 'authentic, complex spice profiles.' Reviews often highlight that the food feels personal and home-cooked yet refined. The move to Royal Albert Wharf has been noted as a refreshing change of scenery.

Cuisine Highlights

Authentic Parsee CuisineSustainable Indian FusionBritish-Indian HeritageEco-friendly Gastronomy

News

  • Cyrus Todiwala recently participated in the Newport Food Festival (2025) demonstrating Keralan-style Cornish Spider Crab.
  • Cafe Spice Namasté successfully transitioned to its new sustainable location at Royal Albert Wharf, London Docklands.

Restaurants

Cafe Spice Namasté, The Taj Mahal Palace Hotel (Mumbai), Taj Holiday Village (Goa), Mr. Todiwala's Kitchen, The Tandem

Iconic dishes

Parsee Dhansak, Beetroot Cutlets, Country Captain Chicken, Goan Prawn Curry, Keralan Spider Crab Pulao

Additional Details

He was the first Indian chef to be awarded both an MBE and an OBE. He also founded the 'Zest Quest Asia' competition to encourage young chefs in the UK to master Asian cuisine.

Data freshness: 2mo ago

Restaurants by Cyrus Todiwala


Reviews on restaurants by Cyrus Todiwala

Review
A refined Indian dining experience with depth, balance, and confidenceCafé Spice delivers an elevated take on Indian cuisine — one that focuses on precision, restraint, and respect for spice rather than...
5.0
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