Executive Sous Chef Shrutika Koli

Taj Wellington Mews, Mumbai

Armed with a Diploma in Hotel administration and Food technology from Sophia Polytechnic, Chef Shrutika Koli began her career in 2005 at the Taj Mahal Palace as a Taj Management trainee. 

Later she extended her skills to Taj’s luxury residence property - Taj Wellington Mews and swiftly moved up to being in charge of the Mews Cafe and Lounge kitchen, working on multiple cuisines. She has a flair for both Indian and international cuisine. 

She makes food predominantly in the continental style at work and Maharashtrian cuisine at home. She believes "Women are natural multi-taskers which gives them an added advantage in this particular field". 

The F&B industry today has been glamourized but hard work, perseverance and creativity is what this industry is all about, she says.


Q & A with Executive Sous Chef Shrutika Koli


1. The main influences that made me interested in food and cooking as a career...

As the only sister to 2 younger brothers cooking came more as a responsibility to me.  From spending hours in the kitchen with my grandmother learning and experimenting with various ingredients over the years I have realized that this is more of a passion and less of a job.

2. My earliest memory in the kitchen...

The earliest memory in the kitchen is of my time spent cooking and learning with my grandmother, my mother and all my aunts gathering together for preparing delicacies for our Ganapati festival.

3. My favourite dish from childhood...

I would say any Maharashtrian cuisines.

4. My favourite dish to cook...

Asparagus Cappuccino with right amount of froth on top.

5. A cuisine that I want to learn...

Japanese cuisine.

6. My secret to great food...

Cooking is love made visible, and when you cook with love and passion the food always turn out great.

7. The last cookbook I bought...

The Offbeat Kitchen by Deborah Grant.

8. A culinary show or movie that I love to watch...

My current favourite culinary show is Master Chef Australia.

9. In my free time, I would like to...

In my free time I love cooking healthy and exciting options for my 2 little daughters.

10. My guilty pleasure...

Cheese, cheese and more cheese.

11. I will describe my restaurant/hotel to a first time guest..

Mews Cafe is a daily necessity for local coffee addicts and offers a culinary concept based on a central theme of comfort food..A place to dream of as you try to escape the daily stresses of life and enjoy meeting your friends or to read a book, all in one.

12. 4-5 personal tips that I would like share...

  • Check your dishes by using your own senses (smell, taste, touch).
  • Always taste your food before seasoning.
  • Recipes are only a guideline. Use your instinct and passion to create magic in the dish you prepare.
  • And always remember - keep it simple!