Chef Prakash Katuwal

A pioneer of Turkish fine dining in Kathmandu, Chef Prakash Katuwal is one of Nepal’s most respected culinary professionals, widely recognized for his exceptional skill, versatility, and commitment to elevating Nepal’s dining scene. As the Chief Chef and Co-Shareholder of Alev Kebab Sultanate in Kathmandu, he has played a defining role in introducing authentic Turkish and Middle Eastern cuisine to Nepal’s capital.

Born in Jhapa, Nepal, Chef Katuwal’s early life was shaped by discipline and adversity. Raised in a modest household, he grew up waking before dawn to complete household chores and tend livestock before attending school. The hardships his family faced—at times relying on wild roots for sustenance—fostered in him a profound respect for perseverance and a determination to create a better life.

After completing his education, he moved to Kathmandu in pursuit of new opportunities. His first role in the hospitality industry was as a waiter. However, it was the encouragement of a close friend that led him to consider a professional culinary career—a path that promised both challenge and the chance to earn respect. Motivated by this guidance, he began training at China and World (CW) Restaurant in Kathmandu.

The early days of his culinary journey were marked by extraordinary dedication. As a trainee, he worked 18-hour days for six months without pay, driven purely by his commitment to mastering the craft. His work ethic and sincerity quickly caught the attention of his mentors, who offered him a permanent position.

Seeking to broaden his expertise, Chef Katuwal then moved to Guangzhou, China, where he spent six formative years refining his skills in Cantonese cuisine. Despite significant cultural and linguistic barriers, he taught himself Cantonese and established strong professional relationships, earning respect for his discipline and professionalism. By the end of his tenure in China, he had achieved remarkable financial success, commanding one of the highest salaries in his field at the time.

Upon returning to Nepal, he brought with him extensive international experience and a vision to transform the local culinary landscape. He worked in several leading hotels and restaurants as a chef and executive chef, and although he received lucrative offers from prominent hospitality groups in Dubai and the Gulf, he chose to remain in Nepal to realize his ambition of building something enduring in his home country.

That vision materialized with the establishment of Alev Kebab Sultanate in Naxal, Kathmandu. Co-founded with his mentor and guardian, Krishna Poudel, the restaurant has become a landmark destination renowned for its authentic Turkish and Middle Eastern dishes. As Chief Chef and Managing Director, Chef Katuwal oversees every aspect of the operation—from menu development and kitchen management to sourcing and customer experience. Signature specialties such as the Salt Baked Mutton Leg have earned the restaurant acclaim from diplomats, dignitaries, and discerning guests seeking genuine Middle Eastern flavors.

Beyond his culinary achievements, Chef Katuwal is respected for his dedication to giving back. Each year on his birthday, he supports orphanages and senior care homes, a reflection of his belief that success carries a responsibility to uplift others.

Today, Chef Prakash Katuwal is regarded as a leading figure in Nepal’s hospitality industry—a chef whose journey from humble beginnings to celebrated restaurateur embodies resilience, mastery, and a lifelong commitment to his craft. His story is an inspiration to aspiring chefs and a testament to the transformative power of hard work, vision, and purpose.