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Chef Pawan Thapaliya

Chef Pawan Thapaliya in a white chef's coat stands in a dimly lit room, with a reflective background and soft lighting creating a focused mood.
Demi Chef de Partie | Fine-Dining Professional | Future Nepali Cuisine Visionary

Born in Nepal and currently based in Dubai, Chef Pawan Thapaliya represents a new generation of Nepali chefs shaping their craft on the global fine-dining stage. His journey into the culinary world began not in professional kitchens, but in childhood memories—the aromas of home-cooked food at his maternal uncle’s house, the gentle hands of his grandmother cooking with love, and the quiet fascination he felt watching food come alive through fire, spice, and care.


Those early sensory memories stayed with him. Inspired by television food shows and the artistry of cooking, Pawan followed his instincts after completing his higher secondary education in Nepal. What began as curiosity soon became purpose.

Chef Pawan Thapaliya presenting a colorful gourmet dish on a white plate in a restaurant kitchen, with a focused, inviting expression.

His professional career in Dubai reflects steady growth, discipline, and ambition. Starting as a Commis Chef, he gained exposure across multiple five-star properties including Dusit Thani Dubai, Canopy by Hilton, Dubai Parks & Resorts, and Roxy Cinemas. These early years built his foundation in international cuisines, food safety, HACCP standards, and high-pressure kitchen operations.


In 2022, Chef Pawan joined the pre-opening team of Prep Hero – Wyld Health Kitchen, where he played a key role in kitchen setup, recipe standardization, and large-scale nutrition-focused meal production. This experience sharpened his precision, organization, and understanding of modern, health-driven culinary systems.


His career took a significant leap at Le Royal Meridien Beach Resort & Spa, where he worked as Demi Chef de Partie at the renowned Rhodes Twenty10 Steakhouse. There, he specialized in premium steak cookery, sauces, hot and cold platters, and fine-dining presentation. His dedication and consistency contributed to major recognitions, including a Gault & Millau Toque (2025) and the Time Out Dubai Restaurant Award 2025, along with being named Employee of the Month.

Chef Pawan Thapaliya in white uniform holding a cup, standing against a backdrop with ICCA Culinary Program text and logos. Red and white decor.

In 2025, Chef Pawan joined the iconic Armani Hotel Dubai, Burj Khalifa, as Demi Chef de Partie. Working in a luxury Italian fine-dining environment, he contributes to seasonal menus, refined plating, and private dining experiences. He also had the rare opportunity to supervise culinary operations at At The Top, the world’s highest lounge, and played a role in menu enhancements recognized by Gault & Millau. Certified as a Person in Charge (PIC), he actively maintains international food safety standards through Dubai Municipality’s Food Watch system.


Alongside his culinary career, Chef Pawan holds a BBA in Business Administration from the Swiss School of Hospitality Management, reflecting his long-term vision of combining culinary excellence with leadership and management.

Chef Pawan Thapaliya drizzling sauce over gourmet steak dish with vegetables on a white plate. The chef wears a white uniform, focusing intently.

At heart, Chef Pawan is a dreamer with purpose. His ultimate goal is to elevate Nepali cuisine into a fine-dining narrative, bringing stronger plating aesthetics, storytelling, and global presentation to Nepali food—while staying rooted in its soul and flavors.

“I didn’t choose this path,” he believes. “This path chose me.”


With precision, creativity, and a clear vision for the future, Chef Pawan Thapaliya continues to write his story—one plate at a time—while carrying Nepali culinary identity toward a refined global stage.

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