Chef Ganesh Bahadur Dhakal

Pioneering Thai Chef | Restaurateur | Entrepreneur | Corporate Chef | Culinary Bridge-Builder between Nepal and Thailand

Born on May 28, 1973, in the serene hills of Sankhuwasabha, Nepal, Chef Ganesh Bahadur Dhakal’s journey to becoming one of Nepal’s most prominent Thai cuisine experts is a story of determination, humility, and global culinary connection. Arriving in Kathmandu at the age of 14 with aspirations of joining the police or army, young Ganesh instead found his calling in the kitchen. Starting from the very bottom as a helper, his early years were shaped by hard work, cleaning, cutting, and assisting senior chefs.

After years of fast food and line cooking experience, Ganesh Dhakal ventured to Thailand at the age of 21, driven by a desire to master the art of Thai cuisine. There, he immersed himself in traditional Thai culinary practices, completing a six-month diploma course while working full-time in Thai kitchens. Over the next four years, he not only refined his technique and understanding of Thai ingredients but also earned the respect of his mentors and restaurant management. His time in Thailand left a lifelong impression - so profound that he fondly refers to Thailand as his "2nd Home".

Returning to Nepal with a deep sense of purpose, Chef Dhakal began operating cafeterias in local colleges before opening his own restaurant: Royal Thai Restaurant in Baneshwor, Kathmandu, in 2000. Armed with firsthand culinary knowledge from Thailand, Royal Thai quickly rose in popularity, prompting expansion to Tripureshwor, Kamalpokhari, and Naxal. In 2010, he took over the historic Baan Thai Restaurant, originally established in 1995, where he had once worked as a helper.

Today, Chef Dhakal is the President of the Royal Thai Hospitality Group, and Owner of Baan Thai Restaurant Chain. With a commitment to sustainability, he sources many ingredients from his own organic farm, ensuring quality and authenticity in every dish. His approach honors traditional Thai methods while also infusing a unique Nepali soul into the experience.

Chef Ganesh’s culinary excellence has not gone unnoticed. In 2018, he was nominated for the Thai Cooking CEO of the Year Award and received an honorary recognition from the Thai Royal Family, a proud moment that symbolized his contribution to Thai gastronomy outside Thailand.

Beyond business, Chef Ganesh Dhakal sees food as a bridge between nations. His dream is to build a gastronomic and diplomatic bridge between Nepal and Thailand - a cultural exchange that strengthens ties between the two countries through shared culinary experiences. He actively promotes Thai cuisine in Nepal while advocating for Nepalese culinary presence in Thailand.

In 2022, Chef Ganesh played a pivotal role in Nepal’s first national cooking show, Chef Nepal, where he served as a venue partner and judge. The show's studio kitchen was built at Royal Thai Restaurant in Bhaktapur, symbolizing his contribution to Nepal’s growing culinary movement.

From humble beginnings to becoming a culinary ambassador, Chef Ganesh Dhakal’s story is a testament to resilience, cross-cultural learning, and a lifelong dedication to food diplomacy.