Chef Prakash Niroula

Regional Executive Chef | Visionary Leader | Mentor | Advocate of Sustainable Nepali Values

From the fertile plains of Jhapa, where farms stretched endlessly and food was a gift of nature, a young boy named Chef Prakash Niroula learned early that ingredients carry stories — of land, of farmers, of care. Growing up in a farmer’s household, he understood that food is not just cooked… it is grown, protected, and respected. This childhood connection became the heart of his culinary identity.

Curious and determined, Prakash moved to Kathmandu to pursue hotel management at Nepal’s first hospitality school — a bold step that opened the door to kitchens far greater than he had ever imagined. But ambition thrives in motion, and soon he took a leap that would transform his life forever.

In 2001, he boarded a massive ship — Carnival Cruise Line — and stepped into a world of speed, precision, and global collaboration. Cooking for thousands every day, surrounded by chefs from over 90 nationalities, he learned that food is a universal language. Pressure turned into resilience. Diversity turned into leadership. He was no longer just a young chef from Jhapa — he was a rising culinary force.

His journey next crossed continents — from Kathmandu’s Hyatt Regency to Hyatt Regency Bellevue near Seattle. As he led diverse teams and orchestrated large banquets, his philosophy continued to deepen: "Food must nourish both body and community".

Prakash then explored new flavors at a Mediterranean restaurant in Seattle, mastering techniques rooted in tradition and sustainability. Opportunities continued to grow — and with them, his impact.

At Compass Group USA, he oversaw large corporate dining operations, including the pre-opening of Amazon’s World Headquarters, where he reimagined workplace dining with fresh, global, and healthy experiences. His kitchens served over a thousand people every day — yet each dish reflected care, consistency, and culinary curiosity.

Innovation soon called him into entrepreneurship as a founding partner of a Seattle-based culinary venture that connected local chefs to communities. His leadership gave young cooks a platform to shine — a reflection of his belief that success means lifting others higher.

His reputation and influence led to leadership roles at major airport hotels operated by DoubleTree by Hilton and later Hilton Hotels, where he managed multiple outlets and massive banquet events with calm authority. Prakash became known not just for excellence in food — but for excellence in people.

Later, as Executive Chef for Compass Group USA in a large senior living community, he embraced a more purposeful challenge: cooking for wellness, memory, independence, and joy. He introduced teaching kitchens and demonstrations that inspired healthier living — an expression of his deep belief that good food can change lives.

Today, Chef Prakash Niroula stands as Regional Executive Chef for Compass Group USA in the Pacific Northwest, guiding menu innovation, culinary strategy, and the development of executive chefs across the region. He is a leader trusted not only for creativity but for responsibility — a rare combination built through decades of lived experience.

Beyond the kitchen, Chef Prakash is a teacher, competition judge, and board member shaping future culinary talent. His service to organizations like the American Culinary Federation reflects his devotion to mentorship and advancing the profession.

Awards and honors have followed him at every step — not because he chases recognition, but because excellence has always followed his actions.

Yet, despite everything he has achieved, Prakash remains grounded by the values of his upbringing — humility, community, environmental care, and gratitude. He enjoys photography, travel, sports, and social work, and supports wildlife conservation. He speaks multiple languages and many more through food.

Chef Prakash Niroula’s journey is not merely a career — it is a movement shaped by curiosity, compassion, and a lifelong mission to serve through food. From a village farm in Nepal to leading culinary excellence across the United States, his story proves that: "When roots are strong, the world becomes a garden of possibilities". He continues to inspire — teaching that success is not only measured by titles or stars on a jacket, but by how deeply one uplifts people, culture, and the future of food.