12th September 2025: Raffles Udaipur is delighted to announce the appointment of Chef Sandeep Kumar Rai as the new Executive Chef. With over nineteen years of international culinary experience across luxury hospitality brands in India, the Middle East, and the Indian Ocean region, Chef Rai brings with him a wealth of expertise and a passion for curating exceptional gastronomic journeys.
Chef Rai has helmed kitchens at some of the world’s most prestigious hotels and resorts, including The Oberoi Rajvilas, City Center Rotana Doha, and OBLU Select Sangeli in the Maldives. His career is distinguished by his ability to seamlessly blend culinary artistry with operational excellence, creating dining experiences that resonate with refinement, authenticity, and innovation. His mastery spans global cuisines, from Indian and Asian to Mediterranean, European and Middle Eastern, reflecting a truly cosmopolitan palate.
At Raffles Udaipur, Chef Rai will lead the culinary vision across the hotel’s distinguished dining destinations, including Sawai Kitchen, the Writers Bar, the Long Bar, and the Patisserie. His focus will be on elevating the gastronomic identity of the hotel by weaving together regional flavors with contemporary techniques, while also championing sustainability and mindful sourcing practices.
Commenting on the appointment, Mr. Rajesh Namby, General Manager, Raffles Udaipur, said: “We are delighted to welcome Chef Sandeep Kumar Rai to the Raffles Udaipur family. His global experience, creative flair, and deep respect for authentic culinary traditions align seamlessly with the Raffles philosophy of creating timeless experiences. Under his leadership, our culinary offerings will continue to inspire and engage our guests, reinforcing Raffles Udaipur’s position as a destination for gastronomic excellence.”
Chef Rai’s arrival marks an exciting new chapter in the culinary journey of Raffles Udaipur, where each dining experience is designed to be as memorable and enchanting as the property itself.