RAKESH KATHAIT
Head Indian Chef
Cozumel
Summary
Experienced Indian chef specializing in wedding catering and kitchen management. Skilled in creating authentic Indian dishes and leading teams to provide outstanding dining experiences. Focused on enhancing culinary excellence through innovative practices and cultural integrity.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
Work History
Indian Head Chef
Hard Rock Los Cabos
09.2025 - Current
- Hired, managed, and trained kitchen staff.
- Trained junior chefs in advanced culinary techniques and food safety procedures, helping them grow professionally within the industry.
- Handled and stored food to eliminate illness and prevent cross-contamination.
- Managed food costs effectively with careful menu planning, accurate portion control, and utilization of seasonal ingredients.
- Developed and cooked memorable dishes that brought new customers into establishment.
- Participated in food tastings and taste tests.
Chef De Especialidades
Hyatt Ziva / Los Cabos-Playa Cabos Baja, S De R L De CV
07.2025 - 09.2025
- Optimized food preparation processes, implementing time-saving techniques without compromising quality.
- Continually improved kitchen safety by enforcing strict hygiene protocols and staff training on equipment usage.
- Checked freezer and refrigerator prior to each shift to verify correct temperatures.
- Maintained well-organized mise en place to keep work consistent.
- Placed orders to restock items before supplies ran out.
Head Chef – Indian Cuisine
Generations Riviera Maya
09.2022 - 05.2025
- Spearheaded the Indian culinary experience for over 150 weddings, catering to guest counts of 150–300.
- Designed and curated innovative, customized menus for Indian banquets, ensuring high-quality dishes that exceeded client expectations.
- Developed seasonal menus focused on authentic flavors and contemporary presentation techniques.
- Oversaw inventory management, purchasing, and supplier negotiations to ensure cost control and quality standards.
- Trained and mentored kitchen staff in Indian cooking techniques, food safety, and efficient operations.
- Collaborated with the management team to create special promotions and events, including Indian food festivals.
- Ensured compliance with health and safety regulations, maintaining a clean and hygienic kitchen environment.
Indian Chef
Taste of India
01.2009 - 04.2022
- Assisted the Head Chef in planning and preparing traditional and modern Indian dishes.
- Catered to numerous Indian weddings at prestigious resorts such as Hard Rock, El Dorado, and Dreams, consistently delivering high-quality cuisine.
- Supervised the kitchen team during high-demand service hours, ensuring timely and consistent food output.
- Developed new recipes and introduced them to the menu, enhancing guest satisfaction and menu variety.
- Conducted regular kitchen audits to ensure cleanliness, organization, and compliance with safety standards.
- Trained and guided new kitchen staff, fostering a culture of teamwork and skill development.
- Managed inventory to maintain food stock levels and reduced waste through efficient resource planning.
Indian Chef
Kasauli Resort
01.2006 - 11.2007
- Prepared mise-en-place and managed the Indian cuisine section, ensuring smooth operations.
- Maintained high culinary standards, delivering quality dishes that met guest expectations.
Education
HACCP - undefined
Diploma - Food Production
Dehradun University
India01.2002
Skills
Expertise in Indian cuisine and banquet catering
Strong leadership & mentoring of kitchen teams
Highly organized and efficient multitasker
Proficient in Word, Excel, PowerPoint, kitchen software
Fluent in English, intermediate in Spanish and Hindi
Timeline
Indian Head Chef
Hard Rock Los Cabos
09.2025 - Current
Chef De Especialidades
Hyatt Ziva / Los Cabos-Playa Cabos Baja, S De R L De CV
07.2025 - 09.2025
Head Chef – Indian Cuisine
Generations Riviera Maya
09.2022 - 05.2025
Indian Chef
Taste of India
01.2009 - 04.2022
Indian Chef
Kasauli Resort
01.2006 - 11.2007
HACCP - undefined
Diploma - Food Production
Dehradun University