Chef Giri Raj Bhatta

A Journey of Perseverance and Passion

Born in 1983 in the scenic hills of Gorkha - Nepal, Chef Giri Raj Bhatta has emerged as a reliable figure in Nepal’s culinary landscape. His inspiring journey from humble beginnings to becoming an executive chef and entrepreneur reflects resilience, hard work, and an unyielding commitment to his craft.

After completing his schooling in his village, Chef Bhatta moved to Kathmandu in search of better opportunities and higher education, enrolling at RR College for his higher studies. Like many young men arriving in the capital with big dreams but limited means, he faced formidable challenges early on. His first job was as a staff cook at Kilroy’s, one of the city’s most renowned restaurants at the time. Though he had no intention of building a culinary career, he simply needed work to support himself, he embraced the opportunity wholeheartedly.

In those days, he also delivered newspapers in the early mornings to supplement his modest income. The struggle to sustain both his livelihood and education was relentless, but his determination never wavered. Gradually, his dedication began to pay off. At Kilroy’s, he was promoted from staff cook to Indian cook helper and then to line cook. It was there he first observed the different roles and hierarchy within a professional kitchen — a revelation that ignited his ambition to one day become an executive chef himself.

To build his skills, Chef Bhatta enrolled in one of the few culinary training institutes then available in Nepal. He pursued a comprehensive one-year course covering continental, Italian, and Indian cuisines, along with an in-service program offered by the Chefs Association of Nepal.

Armed with new knowledge and determination, he took a leap abroad in 2007, joining Dolce Café in Bahrain. Over the next four years, he worked with the same hospitality group across several restaurants. Starting as a general cook, he quickly rose through the ranks to become a supervisor, eventually overseeing four restaurants — a testament to his leadership and expertise.

Returning to Nepal in 2011, Chef Bhatta took on the role of Executive Chef at 1905 Restaurant, where he worked from 2012 to 2015. His journey continued at the Flat Iron Grill in Thamel and later, in 2018, he became Executive Chef and a shareholder at Avocado Café, which today operates in Baluwatar and Thamel.

Beyond his culinary endeavors, Chef Bhatta has been active in professional organizations. He serves as Secretary of the International Nepalese Chefs Society (INCS) and is a general member of the Chefs Association of Nepal, reflecting his commitment to supporting and elevating the chef community.

Residing in Nayabazar, Kathmandu, Chef Bhatta is a devoted family man, proud father to a daughter and a son. As he looks ahead, he envisions gradually stepping back from the daily demands of restaurant life, focusing on sustaining the Avocado Café brand, sharing his experience, and mentoring the next generation of Nepali chefs.

Chef Giri Raj Bhatta’s story is a powerful reminder that with grit, passion, and perseverance, no dream is too distant to achieve.