The Imperia by Dhaba, Somerset, NJ, Appoints Chef Himanshu Pandey as Executive Chef

The Imperia by Dhaba, Somerset’s newest and most exciting Indian dining destination, proudly announces the appointment of Chef Himanshu Pandey as its Executive Chef. With over 17 years of distinguished culinary experience across leading hospitality brands and international assignments, Chef Pandey brings an unmatched level of expertise, creativity, and leadership to this esteemed role.

Chef Himanshu Pandey has an impressive professional background, having held key positions at prestigious establishments such as Hyatt Regency Gurugram, Sheraton Grand Palace Indore, Radisson Blu Indore, Hilton Hotels, and The Leela Ambience Gurgaon. Renowned for his deep-rooted knowledge of regional Indian cuisine, he has consistently curated and delivered exceptional dining experiences — from luxury a la carte offerings to large-scale banquets and high-profile celebrity events. At The Imperia by Dhaba, Chef Pandey will spearhead all culinary operations, including menu development, inventory and procurement management, implementation of culinary SOPs, and the strict upholding of hygiene and safety standards in accordance with state health protocols. In addition, he will be instrumental in shaping the restaurant’s culinary identity and mentoring the kitchen team to deliver excellence at every level.

Throughout his illustrious career, Chef Pandey has had the honor of hosting and cooking for prominent personalities such as cricketer Kapil Dev, celebrity chef Ranveer Brar, music icons Kailash Kher and Daler Mehndi, and Bollywood celebrities including Parineeti Chopra, Salman Khan, and The Great Khali. Internationally, he has represented India at food promotions at The Fullerton Hotel in Singapore and showcased his talent at the F&B Masters in Thailand, where he secured third place in the Asia Zone.

A passionate innovator and continuous learner, Chef Pandey has been recognized with numerous accolades including “Unsung Hero of the Year” by Marriott International, “People’s Champion” by Radisson Blu, and “Hero of Heart of the House” by Hilton. His culinary style reflects a perfect balance of authenticity and modernity, with expertise ranging from traditional Indian delicacies to sophisticated pre-plated presentations and dynamic buffet concepts.

The Imperia by Dhaba is delighted to welcome Chef Himanshu Pandey and looks forward to redefining the Indian culinary experience under his visionary leadership—where every dish tells a story, and every bite captures the essence of India.