Binod Baral is a Nepali chef based in London. Known as more than a chef, Baral has also dabbled in business incubation, consultancy, philanthropy, food research and development, and writing.[1] One of his greatest contributions is devoting his efforts in placing the cuisine of Nepal on the world map.[2] He is also known for being the youngest Group Executive Head Chef at The Bombay Bicycle Club where he worked under the leadership of Sarah Willingham, the then-owner of the restaurant.[3]
Baral is presently working as the global head chef with DO & CO where he has catered for a wide plethora of well-known events like FIFA World Cup 2022, Formula 1 Grand Prix, Eurocup as well as some of the biggest airlines and airline lounges. Baral is also the brand ambassador for Gurkha Beer as well as the Global Goodwill Ambassador (GGA) and Honorary Goodwill Ambassador for Everest Marathon.
Early Life
Binod Kumar Baral was born on April 27, 1979 in Pokhara, Nepal. His maternal family is also involved in the food industry. It is said that the family started and popularized fried fish and potato chop in Malekhu, a small town located on the banks of the Trishuli river, between Baral�s hometown and the capital city Kathmandu. Growing up in the food business exposed Baral to a lot of visitors, Nepali and international people alike. The encouraging response of the guests to the food prepared by his family captivated him so much so that he pursued cooking.
Education
Baral studied in Pokhara�s Soldier�s Board High School. After plans for pursuing medicine fell through, he delved into cooking. In 2009, he opted for a degree in entrepreneurship and small business operations from Brunel University London. He also received a certification from Heriot-Watt University in food science, health and safety in 2010.
Career
Baral�s career started after he finished high school. He set up his own restaurant called �River Sound Restaurant� in Malekhu at the age of nineteen. In 1999, Baral moved to London and joined the Zarini Haute Cuisine at Kew Garden. He was quickly promoted to Head Chef just at 21. Since then, he has worked in places like Tamarind, Pronto, and the Bicycle Club. He was the youngest Execute head chef of the Bicycle Club. During his time there, the restaurant grew to be the largest Indian chain in Britain under the renowned Dragon Sarah Willingham�s management.
Furthermore, in 2010, he joined DO & CO, a distinguished catering company, as the head chef. Through DO & CO, Baral has catered for a plethora of events and organizations like FIFA World Cup 2022, Formula 1, International Grand Prix (Paddock Club), UEFA European Football Championship 2012, Euro Cup, and the Champion League Finals, to name a few. This also includes some of the biggest airlines and airline lounges.
He has also worked for Spice Pundit as the chief consultant, Stella McCartney HQ as the chef consultant, and Black Lemon Plant Base Catering as the culinary director. In addition to that, He was appointed to be the Head of Food, Research and New Product Development Department for Nepal Food, and the Head of the Asian Research and Development Department and Innovation Kitchen at the World�s Best Gourmet Entertainment Group. Moreover, he was shortlisted to lead and actively manage catering on behalf of and for Nepal Tourism Board in World Travel Market at ExCel London.
He was also dedicated to Zumbara and Momo & Roti, two restaurants he is the Co-Founder, Director and Chef Patron of. Zumbura and Momo Roti. He hopes to continue crafting new and healthy interpretations of traditional Nepali and Indian food for foodies across the globe.
Personal Life
He is married to Niru Baral [m. 2002]. They live with their two children in London.
References:
[1] https://english.khabarhub.com/2022/09/284330/
[2] https://himalsanchar.com/pokharas-vinod-baral-tasting-food-for-world-cup-guests/
[3] https://www.chefspencil.com/contributor/binod-baral/
