Bhanse Laxman Prasad Bhandari

The Guardian of Nepali Culinary Heritage

Bhanse Laxman Prasad Bhandari is more than just a culinary professional—he is a cultural crusader, a culinary historian, and a proud patriot who has dedicated his life to preserving and promoting authentic Nepali food and traditions. With over 37 years of experience in the hospitality industry, his name is etched into the narrative of Nepal's culinary evolution. But he prefers to be called not "Chef," a title influenced by Western tradition, but Bhanse—the original Nepali word for the cook, a title that reflects his deep-rooted pride in his heritage.

Born and raised in Nepal, Bhanse Laxman’s journey into the kitchen began not out of ambition, but convenience. As a young boy, he disliked the arduous labor of farming—a staple activity for many rural Nepali families. To avoid working in the fields, he stayed back home and took over the responsibility of cooking. What began as an excuse slowly transformed into a lifelong passion and eventually, a professional calling.

Determined to pursue this newfound interest, he traveled to India where he undertook formal culinary training. This step opened the door to a long and fruitful career in professional kitchens. Over the decades, he mastered a wide array of cuisines, particularly Indian and Chinese, honing his craft with dedication and discipline. His journey took him from the heat of five-star hotel kitchens to the spotlight of television studios, where he became a known figure in Nepal’s culinary media landscape.

Throughout his career, Bhanse Laxman Prasad Bhandari remained deeply connected to his roots. As the global culinary scene leaned more toward fusion and commercial innovation, he chose a different path. He became an outspoken advocate for Nepal’s indigenous cuisine, traditional cooking methods, and ethnic ingredients. Whether it is a rare jungle herb, an ancient pickling technique, or a long-forgotten dish from the hills or plains of Nepal, he seeks to bring it back into public awareness. He deliberately uses original Nepali names for dishes and ingredients, often educating his audience on their cultural and historical significance.

His patriotic devotion to Nepalese culinary traditions is not only seen in his food but also in his mannerisms and communication. While others in the culinary world adapt Western presentation styles and terminologies, Bhanse Laxman maintains his identity by speaking in a proudly Nepali tone—culturally, linguistically, and emotionally. In media appearances and public speaking, he avoids embellishment and instead speaks from the heart, emphasizing heritage, simplicity, and respect for ancestral knowledge.

Currently, he holds key positions in Nepal’s culinary landscape. He is the President of the Global Nepalese Chef Federation, and he serves as Culinary Director at Diyalo Foodland Pvt. Ltd. and Ryne Hotel. He has also been a judge and mentor on various cooking shows, most notably as a judge on Chef Nepal, the country’s first-ever competitive cooking reality TV show, broadcast on Kantipur Television. His presence in the show added a rich layer of cultural authority, mentorship, and discipline to the competition, and his feedback inspired a new generation of Nepali chefs to honor their culinary roots.

He is particularly known for reviving ethnic dishes such as chyākulā, bara, sukuti, sekuwa masala, and many more—dishes often overlooked in modern restaurant menus but deeply embedded in Nepali culture. Through his online videos, television segments, and cooking demonstrations, he educates the masses about the right way to prepare, serve, and respect these traditional foods.

In every sense, Bhanse Laxman Prasad Bhandari is a custodian of Nepali culinary history. He doesn't just cook; he preserves, protects, and promotes the spirit of Nepal through food. He is not only a chef but an activist, spokesperson, teacher, and cultural leader. His work is a living archive of Nepali food philosophy—an unbroken link between the past and the future.

To the world, he may be a chef with decades of experience. But to Nepal, he is Bhanse Laxman Prasad Bhandari - a title that speaks of authenticity, simplicity, and an unshakable love for the flavors of home.