Encalm Hospitality Appoints Chef Ritesh Negi as Head – Culinary

New Delhi, 4th June, 2025– Encalm Hospitality Pvt. Ltd. is proud to announce the appointment of Chef Ritesh Negi as Head – Culinary, marking a significant milestone in the company’s vision to redefine the culinary landscape of airport hospitality in India.

With over 20 years of experience in luxury hospitality and acclaimed fine-dining establishments, Chef Ritesh brings an intuitive mastery of global techniques, regional flavours, and experiential menu design. In his new role at Encalm, he will lead the culinary vertical and work closely across all business segments to ensure consistency and innovation in food offerings. He will also curate destination-inspired menus that blend international sophistication with native essence, elevating the in-lounge dining experience for today’s discerning travellers.

Chef Ritesh’s professional journey drives from leading roles at renowned Indian dining restaurants like The China Kitchen (Hyatt Regency New Delhi), Setz and Cha Shi (DLF Emporio), On The Waterfront (The Lodhi), and The Claridges New Delhi. He has an upstaged global presence, including menu curations for Jovee in Dubai and culinary workshops at The Sugar Club by Peter Gordon, Masu, and The Grill in Auckland, New Zealand. He has also stepped in and celebrated traditional cultures around the world, like in China, Vietnam, Thailand, and Italy which has made an impact in his signature style in seasonality, regional heritage, and storytelling through food.

An innovator of India’s spice-driven culinary style, Chef Ritesh also collaborated with KBM Spices on a bespoke recipe series, and his work has been featured in CN Traveller, Travel + Leisure, TravelDine, and DD National, among others.

Speaking on the appointment, Vikas Sharma, CEO – Encalm Hospitality, said, “We are thrilled to welcome Chef Ritesh to the Encalm family. His expertise will be instrumental in elevating the culinary narrative across our airport lounges, culinary experiences, and premium services. With his leadership, we look forward to offering travellers an unmatched gastronomic experience that is both globally inspired and authentically Indian.”