Milind Sovani
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| Milind Sovani | |
|---|---|
| File:Milind Sovani.jpgMilind Sovani.jpg | |
| Born | 21 December 1963 Pune, Maharashtra, India |
| 🏳️ Nationality | Indian |
| 🎓 Alma mater | IHMCTAN Mumbai |
| 💼 Occupation |
|
| 📆 Years active | 1984–present |
| 🏢 Organization | Bhoomi By Milind Sovani Masalaa Bar |
| 🌐 Website | bhoomi |
Milind Sovani (born 21 December 1963) is an Indian celebrity chef and restaurateur based in Singapore. He is known for his contributions to modern Indian cuisine and for founding several restaurants, including The Song of India, which was awarded a Michelin Star. Sovani has played a significant role in bringing regional Indian flavours in a modern, fine dining style to the international culinary scene. In June 2025, Bhoomi by Milind Sovani was listed in the Michelin Guide.[1]
Early life and education
Milind Sovani was born in Pune, Maharashtra, India, and raised in Thane, Mumbai. He attended Saraswati Education Society School in Thane. In 1984, he earned a Diploma in Hotel Management and Catering Technology from IHMCTAN Mumbai. He later obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree from Kakatiya University in 1989 and a Master’s Diploma in Business Administration from Symbiosis Institute of Business Management, Pune in 2002, specialising in marketing.
Culinary journey
Early career in India
Sovani began his professional journey with the Ashok Group of Hotels, was trained under French & Indian chefs, and was initially posted in Jaipur as head chef.[citation needed] He gained additional experience in flight kitchen operations at the Samrat Hotel, New Delhi. He was part of the Prime Minister’s catering team during the tenures of Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi, participating in major events such as the SAARC Summit, CHOGM, the Asian Games, and the Pierre Cardin Show. He catered at the 1987 Cricket World Cup in Jaipur, serving over 50,000 people.[citation needed]
He later served as Executive Chef and F&B Manager at the Centaur Hotel, Juhu Beach, for a decade. During this period, he organised food festivals across Indian cities and collaborated with Air India for international promotions. He presented Indian cuisine as a Guest chef in South Africa, Dubai, Malaysia & Germany. His onboard menu 'Pakhtooni Dawat' won the Mercury Gold Award in Geneva.[2]
Sovani is recognised for popularising Malvani cuisine and Konkani cuisine in fine dining, with one of his festivals inaugurated by actress Madhuri Dixit[3]. In 1993, he opened an Indian restaurant in Hitachi Prefecture, Japan, and contributed to the launch of the Radisson SAS Hotel in Abu Dhabi. He briefly ventured into luxury catering with Gold Leaf Banquets in Mumbai, before returning to his fine-dining roots. He founded two fine-dining restaurants in Pune under the brand April Rain, co-founded the Western India Chefs Association (WICA), and contributed to regional media through cookery shows and articles.
Career in Singapore
In 2002, Sovani moved to Singapore as Group Executive Chef of the Rang Mahal group, overseeing operations in Singapore and Malaysia. He introduced a modern Indian dining concept at Vansh in both countries.
From 2006 to 2011, he was Chef-Director and co-owner of The Song of India, the first Indian restaurant in Asia to receive a Michelin Star[4]. During this time, he hosted several high-profile guests and introduced wine pairing with Indian cuisine. The restaurant won several awards, including Best Indian restaurant and Best Wine List. He also served as a Brand Ambassador for the Singapore Tourism Board’s food festivals.
From 2017 to 2019, he served as Corporate Chef for Rang Mahal Group, managing operations at Pan Pacific and Naumi Hotels in Singapore & New Zealand. He later launched: Masalaa Bar – A contemporary Indian restobar focused on street food & Indian inspired Cocktails. Bhoomi by Milind Sovani – Recently recognised & added in the Michelin Guide in June 2025 A fine-dining restaurant located on Orchard Road. Themed around regional Indian flavours, with chefs focusing on ‘Taking you back to the roots’ to preserve authentic Indian cooking techniques and age-old recipes. Interiors by architect Preshit Walhekar[5]. It promotes healthy, conscious cooking with a gluten-free, vegan-friendly menu, featuring no deep-fried dishes, and supports local farmers. It also embraces sustainability, joining Singapore’s food waste reduction campaign. Biryani Bar by Milind Sovani – A virtual restaurant concept developed in partnership with Tiffin Labs. He served as Secretary of the Singapore Chefs Association for three years and is a certified international culinary competition judge accredited by the World Chefs Association. He has conducted culinary demonstrations at SHATEC, Singapore's premier institute. He currently heads Chef Milind’s Innovation Centre, which supports culinary experimentation and brand consultancy.
Culinary philosophy
Sovani’s approach blends innovation with tradition. A core part of his personality is doing things differently. This led him to pursue a career in hospitality after he discovered the field and became intrigued by its uniqueness. His philosophy in the kitchen is rooted in redefining and transforming, both flavours and self. He is known for adapting regional Indian dishes with modern techniques, often introducing wine pairings and refined presentations to elevate their global appeal. Although he embraces modern interpretations, he favours authenticity over fusion. He also mentors young chefs, guiding them in his approach to contemporary Indian cuisine.
Iconic dishes
Sovani is known for his unique culinary creations:
- Refined Malvani cuisine for fine dining
- Wine-paired Indian tasting menus
- Contemporary Indian street food adaptations
Firsts and innovations
"TV shows will never replace cookbooks: Chef Milind Sovani". First Maharashtrian chef to gain national celebrity status Introduced Malvani cuisine to luxury dining formats Host of the first Marathi cookery show – Anna He Poornabramha Early contributor to Khana Khazana Introduced Indian wine pairings in Singapore’s fine dining
Awards and recognition
Top 3 Executive Chef of India – H&FS (2000)
Gourmet Hunt – Silver (2003), Gold (2004)
HAPA – Asian Chef of the Year (2005–06), Best Asian Cuisine Chef (2006–07, 2009–11)
Michelin Green Guide – Top 4 Culinary Trailblazers in Singapore (2008)
HAPA – Top 5 Asian Chefs in Southeast Asia (2008–10)
Michelin Guide – Culinary Trailblazer of Singapore (2009)
World Gourmet Summit – Top 3 Best Asian Chef (2009, 2010)
The Song of India – Michelin Star (2016)[6], Best Restaurant in Singapore – HAPA
Mercury Awards – Gold for onboard menu 'Pakhtooni Dawat', Geneva
Included in the All-Time Top 50 Chefs of India
Media and television
Sovani has been featured on several Indian and international platforms: Har Dil Lazeez (Zee TV)
Anna He Poornabramha (India) 3 years
Khana Khazana, Star TV, Channel News Asia, UTN, Channel 5, Channel 8
Publications
Author of 5 Star Recipes
Weekly columnist for Saamna Contributor to Femina, Savvy, Maharashtra Times, Loksatta, and Kalnirnay
Contributed recipes to the Namaste India food portal in England (UK)
Guest appearances
Sovani has served as guest chef at events in Dubai, Germany, South Africa and across Southeast Asia. He is a regular participant in international food festivals and culinary summits. He has served as the secretary of the ‘Singapore Chefs Association’.
Personal life
Milind Sovani resides in Singapore with his wife, Ritika Sovani, an artist and educator. His daughter, Rhea Sovani, manages digital content for his ventures. His son-in-law, Preshit Walhekar, is the architect behind Bhoomi.
Born into a Maharashtrian Kokanastha Brahmin family, Sovani was influenced by diverse Indian cuisines from a young age. His father, Madhav G. Sovani, was a senior official in Western Railways; his mother, Shalini M. Sovani, was a homemaker. Early memories of cooking with his mother, especially dishes like Tikhat Mithachi Puri and Varan Bhaat, sparked his culinary interest.
References
- ↑ "Best New Restaurants in Singapore: June 2025". Michelin Guide. 2025-06-06. Retrieved 2025-06-20.
- ↑ "We want to corporatize the catering segment: Milind Sovani". Mint Lounge. Retrieved 2025-06-19.
- ↑ "TV shows will never replace cookbooks: Chef Milind Sovani". Business Standard. Retrieved 2025-06-19.
- ↑ "Sovani's Singapore restaurant The Song of India bags Michelin Star". FNB News. Retrieved 2025-06-19.
- ↑ "Bhoomi is ex-Song of India chef Milind Sovani's return to fine dining". Tatler Asia. Retrieved 2025-06-19.
- ↑ "Sovani's Singapore restaurant The Song of India bags Michelin Star". FNB News. Retrieved 2025-06-19.
External links
Tatler Asia - Bhoomi is ex-Song of India chef Milind Sovani’s return to fine dining https://www.tatlerasia.com/dining/food/chef-milind-sovani-bhoomi-indian-restaurant
Channel News Asia (Podcast) - Cooking for two Indian PMs and culinary travels https://www.channelnewsasia.com/listen/daily-cuts/chef-milind-sovani-discusses-cooking-two-indian-pms-and-going-culinary-travels-4818861
Business Standard (IANS Interview) - TV shows will never replace cookbooks https://www.business-standard.com/article/news-ians/tv-shows-will-never-replace-cookbooks-chef-milind-sovani-ians-interview-115071000230_1.html
Mint Lounge - Corporatising the catering segment https://www.livemint.com/Leisure/riXc5t5KyoDMwYzdVH6TYJ/Milind-Sovani--We-want-to-corporatize-the-catering-segment.html
FNB News - Song of India bags Michelin Star https://www.fnbnews.com/Top-News/sovanis-singapore-restaurant-the-song-of-india-bags-michelin-star-39503
Luxe Society Asia - Bhoomi by Milind Sovani https://luxesocietyasia.com/wine-dine/bhoomi-chef-milind-sovanis-newest-venture-in-singapore/
Rosette Media - Bhoomi: By Milind Sovani https://www.rosettemedia.com/post/bhoomi-by-milind-sovani
Restaurant India - Chef Profile https://www.restaurantindia.in/west/2017/milind-sovani.php
Great New Places https://greatnewplaces.com/culinary/bhoomi-by-milind-sovani/
Highlights the unique aspects of Bhoomi and its contribution to Singapore's dining scene https://www.thepeakmagazine.com.sg/lifestyle/bhoomi-restaurant-orchard-road
KS Koh: Bhoomi by Milind Sovani Redefines Indian Fine Dining for Corporate Lunches https://kskoh.com/2024/08/03/bhoomi-by-milind-sovani-redefines-indian-fine-dining-for-corporate-lunches/
https://guide.michelin.com/sg/en/singapore-region/singapore/restaurant/bhoomi-1218260
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