Chef Navraj Giri is a Chef de Partie at Cinnamon, the Indian specialty restaurant at the iconic IHCL Taj Jai Mahal Palace, Jaipur. Navraj Giri’s work is a tribute to the “Heritage” values of the Taj. Recently, his dedication to the culinary arts was further solidified when he was honored with a Lifetime Membership from the Royal Rajasthan Chefs Society.
Born in Delhi, Navraj’s culinary foundation was laid long before he entered a professional kitchen. It began with visits to a friend’s farm, where he developed a deep appreciation for fresh, raw ingredients—a respect for production that remains a hallmark of his cooking today. Inspired by the natural talent of his parents, particularly his father, he began experimenting with flavors at a young age. This early curiosity eventually pulled him toward the hotel industry, where his brother acted as his mentor, opening the doors to formal training.
Navraj’s professional evolution has been shaped by some of the most influential figures in Indian gastronomy. Watching Chef Ranveer Brar’s storytelling regarding food history deeply influenced his perspective, turning his cooking into an act of cultural preservation. Later, during his time in Lucknow, he had the privilege of learning under Chef Sanjeev Kapoor, refining his expertise in menu design, rigorous kitchen management, and sophisticated guest handling.
Today, at the IHCL Taj Jai Mahal Palace, Navraj brings this wealth of experience to life. His technical mastery is evident in his extensive background in Mughlai and Awadhi cuisine, his expertise in bulk food production, and his specialized knowledge in kebabs and “lost dishes.”
Beyond the stove, he serves as a leader and mentor, holding certifications as an FSSAI and FOSTAC trainer, ensuring that the next generation understands that hygiene and technique are as vital as flavor. His commitment to excellence has yielded significant results under his supervision:
- Best Fine Dining Restaurant in India: Ranked in the Top-5 by Travellers’ Choice 2022.
- Best Mughlai Premium Dining: Awarded in both 2023 and 2024.
- Most Beautiful Fine Dining Restaurant: Recognized in 2023.
- Iron Chef Competition: Secured 1st position in both 2018 and 2019.
Nimona Panner as a new identity – by Chef Navraj Giri
Traditionally a festive winter staple from Uttar Pradesh, Nimona Paneer is a slow-cooked delicacy defined by its vibrant, coarsely ground green pea base. Chef Navraj Giri has reimagined this ancestral recipe through the lens of modern progressive cuisine, elevating its texture and presentation. By bridging rustic harvest traditions with the fine-dining excellence of IHCL Taj Jai Mahal Palace, he transforms a humble seasonal stew into a sophisticated masterpiece.
