Chef Ram Sharan Thapa

Chef Ram Sharan Thapa’s story begins in a humble Nepali kitchen, where the comforting aromas of his grandmother’s cooking first awakened his lifelong passion for food. It was there, surrounded by the warmth of tradition and the simplicity of home, that he learned the secret of Nepali flavors — a balance of culture, spice, and love. What began as a child’s fascination with food soon transformed into a calling that would carry him across continents and shape him into one of Nepal’s most celebrated culinary ambassadors.

From those early days in Nepal, Chef Thapa pursued his culinary education with unshakable determination. He mastered not only the delicacies of his homeland but also the rich diversity of Indian, Indo-Chinese, and continental cuisines. His natural leadership and innovative style quickly distinguished him in Nepal’s growing hospitality industry, where he earned respect for his creativity and mentorship. But his vision was bigger: he dreamed of carrying Nepali cuisine beyond its borders, to stand proudly on the global culinary stage.

In 1996, he became a founding member of the Chefs’ Association of Nepal, helping to establish a professional body that would uplift chefs and the culinary community in the country. His commitment to collaboration and community service made him not just a chef, but a leader whose influence reached far beyond the kitchen. Even today, as a lifetime member of the association, his contributions continue to inspire young chefs and hospitality professionals.

With ambition in his heart and Nepal in his soul, Chef Thapa set out for the United States. His journey began in Boston and California, where he further honed his skills, working in renowned establishments such as Amber India in Mountain View and the Crown Plaza in Milpitas, while also serving Silicon Valley’s tech community. In 2016, he moved to the Washington D.C. Metropolitan Area — a diverse and competitive culinary hub — and began building the legacy he is known for today.

Chef Thapa’s entrepreneurial spirit flourished as he founded and led a series of acclaimed restaurants, each a celebration of culture and flavor. From Masala Indian Cuisine in McLean, catering to an elite clientele, to Urban Tandoor in Ballston, a modern culinary destination for innovators and thinkers, his ventures became spaces where food met community. His signature creation, IndoChen — with locations in Cameron Station and Old Town Alexandria — combined Indian and Chinese traditions in a way that captivated both critics and diners, earning features in Washingtonian, DCist, and Visit Alexandria. Soon after, he extended his vision to Baltimore with Harbor Tandoor and continues to expand with MASTI in Reston, a vibrant project in one of Virginia’s most progressive cities.

Each of these ventures carries a piece of Nepal with it. More than just restaurants, they are cultural landmarks where food becomes a bridge — connecting communities, honoring heritage, and introducing the world to the depth of Nepali cuisine.

His excellence has not gone unnoticed. Chef Thapa was honored with the International Chef Award in 2023, presented by the Vice President of Nepal, and received the prestigious Silver Hat Award from the Royal Bengal Master Chef Organization in India. His restaurants have been nominated among America’s best, and his talents have taken him to stages like the Himalayan Food Festival in Anchorage, Alaska, where he proudly represented Nepal as a culinary performer.

But beyond the accolades and the success, Chef Thapa remains deeply rooted in his culture. He hosts monthly Nepali food and wine tasting events in the United States, introducing diverse audiences to authentic flavors from his homeland. He participates in festivals and cultural programs, proudly carrying the flag of Nepal through his craft. He has become more than a chef — he is a cultural ambassador, a mentor, and a bridge between Nepal and the world.

Today, as Vice President of the US–Nepal Gastronomy Chefs Association and a celebrated culinary leader, Chef Ram Sharan Thapa stands as a testament to what passion, perseverance, and pride in one’s heritage can achieve. His journey, from a village kitchen in Nepal to the international stage, is not just the story of one man but the story of a nation’s cuisine rising to global recognition. His legacy is still in the making, fueled by a vision to elevate Nepali gastronomy to its rightful place in the world and to create pathways for the next generation of chefs to dream even bigger.