Chef Sandeep Kumar K.C. (PakMaharishi)

Ayurvedic Alchemist | Culinary R&D Specialist | Clinical Psychologist | Food Technologist | Food & Culture Writer

Nepal, a land blessed with spirituality, natural living, and abundant resources, carries a culinary heritage as rich and diverse as its culture. In this sacred land, one name stands out as a visionary who has dedicated his life to redefining Nepali gastronomy with depth, wisdom, and purpose — Chef Sandeep Kumar K.C. fondly known as PakMaharishi.

Widely regarded as the most knowledgeable chef in Nepal, Chef Sandeep Kumar K.C. (PakMaharishi) is more than a culinary expert; he is a philosopher of food, an Ayurvedic alchemist, and a healer who bridges ancestral traditions with modern science. His journey, rooted in passion and guided by knowledge, has made him a figure of inspiration, leading Nepali cuisine toward global recognition with an essence of Ayurveda and spirituality.

Educated in some of the world’s most esteemed institutions, he holds a degree in Hospitality Science from Switzerland, a Level 4 Certificate in Culinary Arts from Australia, and credentials as a Certified Food Technologist. He is also a Certified Clinical Psychologist specializing in food and behavior and is currently pursuing a PhD in Ayurvedic Functional Nutrition and Food Psychology. This rare combination of expertise allows him to view food not just as nourishment but as a powerful medium of healing and identity.

Throughout his career, Chef Sandeep has pioneered initiatives that have shaped the culinary landscape of Nepal. He became the country’s first in-country Food Curator and R&D Chef, Creative Director of Food & Wine Magazine Nepal, and the curriculum developer for Raithane and Indigenous Food Education in Pokhara Municipality. He has led groundbreaking projects such as the National Agriculture Research Centre’s fish sauce initiative, conducted nationwide dairy training as the first chef to do so, and served as a post-harvest instructor for the Ministry of Agriculture. As an Ayurvedic consultant, he has lent his expertise to wellness resorts, boutique cafés, and glamping projects, while also writing extensively as a columnist in leading national dailies and culinary journals.

For Chef Sandeep, food is more than flavor on a plate—it is therapy, tradition, and culture. He curates seasonal and therapeutic menus that balance Ayurveda, mindful eating, and scientific precision, creating dishes that nourish both the body and the mind. As a respected judge, he values authenticity, integrity, and cultural depth, offering critiques layered with clinical understanding and culinary heritage awareness. In his own words, “A great dish is not just cooked—it is composed with intent, balance, and identity. I look for stories that heal, flavors that teach, and techniques that respect tradition.”

Today, as Nepal prepares to share its culinary identity with the world, Chef Sandeep stands as a torchbearer of this movement. With his unmatched knowledge, spiritual grounding, and innovative approach, he is uniquely positioned to lead Nepali cuisine into the global spotlight. His vision goes beyond taste—it is about celebrating the healing essence of food, honoring the richness of tradition, and presenting Nepal as a land whose culinary treasures are as profound as its spiritual heritage.