Chef Arjun Thapa

A Culinary Maestro, Educator, and Global Ambassador of Nepali Cuisine

Chef Arjun Thapa was born in the serene district of Tanahun, Nepal, where his fascination with flavors and food began at a young age. Growing up in a modest household, he nurtured a quiet dream of becoming a chef, even though the path ahead was uncertain. In a bold move, he left behind a stable government job in the Nepal Police to pursue his passion for the culinary arts, a decision that would shape the course of his life. With determination and an unshakable belief in his craft, he set out on a journey that would take him from Nepal’s kitchens to some of the most prestigious hotels in the world.

His pursuit of excellence led him to build a strong academic and professional foundation. He earned a Diplôme de Cuisine from Le Cordon Bleu in London, a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Tribhuvan University in Nepal, and completed advanced hospitality training in Kiel, Germany. These achievements not only refined his culinary skills but also prepared him for leadership roles in a demanding and ever-evolving industry.

Thapa began his professional journey in Nepal, where he gained valuable experience at Sherpa Hotel and the iconic Dwarika’s Hotel, celebrated for its heritage and authenticity. His dedication and growing expertise soon opened doors to international opportunities, leading him to work with some of the world’s most renowned hotel brands, including Oberoi, Sheraton, and Marriott. Seeking broader horizons, he later moved to Switzerland, where his tenure at The Chedi Andermatt, a five-star luxury hotel nestled in the Swiss Alps, became a defining chapter of his career. Over the years, he spent seventeen years working across Britain and Switzerland, specializing in Nepali and Asian cuisines while mastering the nuances of international culinary culture.

Today, Arjun Thapa holds a senior position at Hilton Hotels & Resorts near London Heathrow, a role that allows him to bring together his global expertise and his lifelong mission of promoting Nepali cuisine. Alongside his work with Hilton, he also co-founded Namaste Gurkha Restaurant in Feltham, London, a place where he continues to introduce authentic Nepali flavors to an international audience.

While his work in the kitchen has earned him great acclaim, Thapa has also dedicated a large part of his career to education. He has taught at Nepal Academy of Tourism and Hotel Management, formerly known as HMTTC, and at the National Institute of Food Studies and Operation, helping shape the careers of countless aspiring chefs. His students remember him not just for his skill but for his ability to instill discipline, passion, and respect for authentic culinary traditions.

His commitment to the Nepali culinary identity extends far beyond his personal career. He is a founding member of the Nepal Chef Association and currently serves as the Chairperson of the International Nepalese Chefs Society UK, where he works to unite and support Nepali chefs across the globe. His contributions are also recognized within the British culinary community, where he has long been affiliated with the British Culinary Federation.

Arjun Thapa is also an author, having written two significant books: an essential cookery book, which reflects his mastery of the art, and a guide to food hygiene, which underscores his dedication to professional standards and food safety. His literary contributions, much like his teaching, are meant to elevate the standards of the culinary profession and leave behind a legacy for the future.

His achievements have brought him widespread recognition. In 2010, he received the British Curry Award, a testament to his excellence in the vibrant South Asian culinary scene of the United Kingdom. In June 2024, he reached the top five in the global “Favourite Chef” competition, a remarkable feat that brought him into the international spotlight and offered the chance to collaborate with the renowned American chef Carla Hall.

Despite his many successes abroad, Chef Arjun B. Thapa remains deeply connected to his roots. He often returns to Nepal, most recently to his hometown of Tanahun, where he shares his expertise with young culinary talents and contributes to the growth of Nepali gastronomy. His journey, marked by resilience, talent, and dedication, tells the story of a man who not only mastered his craft but also carried the spirit of Nepali cuisine across borders. Today, he is celebrated not only as a chef but as a teacher, a leader, an author, and an ambassador of Nepali culinary heritage.