Chef Deepika Chaulagain

Young, passionate, and globally inspired - a rising star from Nepal's culinary scene.

Chef Deepika Chaulagain, a 25-year-old emerging culinary talent from Nepal, is swiftly establishing herself as one of the most promising young chefs from the country. Born in the serene hills of Sindhupalchowk and raised in the cultural heritage city of Bhaktapur, Deepika’s journey is one of courage, resilience, and unshakable passion for gastronomy.

With a Bachelor’s degree in Hotel Management from the esteemed Nepal Academy of Tourism and Hotel Management (NATHM), Deepika graduated in 2023. Her love for the culinary arts was nurtured by the unwavering support of her father — a rare and bold stance in a society where daughters aspiring to become chefs still face traditional resistance. Her father’s belief in her dream became the foundation of her professional pursuit.

Her professional career began at Hilton Dubai Palm Jumeirah, where she joined the team in June 2022 and worked for a year in one of Dubai’s most dynamic and high-standard hospitality environments. In the same year, she had the opportunity to visit Switzerland for a gastronomy exploration trip — immersing herself in world-class kitchens and interacting with professionals across luxury hotels and restaurants.

In 2024, Deepika completed a week-long training at Arzak Restaurant in San Sebastián, Spain - a prestigious 3-Michelin-starred restaurant renowned for its innovation and excellence in modern Basque cuisine. Her time there left a profound impact, exposing her to the highest level of fine dining techniques and creative culinary philosophies.

Her professional tenure includes experiences at Piano-Piano Restaurant, Namata Kitchen by Chef Bishnu Magar, and an impactful 19-month stint at Shinta Mani Mustang — one of Nepal’s most refined luxury properties. She also participated in an exchange program at Shinta Mani Angkor in Siem Reap, Cambodia, further deepening her cross-cultural culinary exposure.

A versatile chef, Deepika is skilled in hot kitchen operations, pastry and dessert preparation, mise en place, menu planning and costing, food presentation, and teamwork. Her ability to manage time efficiently while staying creatively driven sets her apart.

Looking ahead, Chef Deepika dreams of continuing her culinary travels around the globe - learning, evolving, and collecting stories on plates. Ultimately, she aims to establish her own signature restaurant that reflects her journey, values, and Nepali identity to the world.

Chef Deepika Chaulagai stands as a symbol of determination, talent, and forward vision - a young chef who want to shape the future of Nepal’s global culinary narrative.