Since
2013
Team IIHCA
At Ishtha Institute of Hospitality and Culinary Arts (IIHCA), Team IIHCA comprises seasoned professionals with extensive international experience, including expertise from luxury cruise lines and premier global hospitality establishments. With a passion for excellence, our faculty brings a wealth of practical and academic knowledge, supported by state-of-the-art facilities. Committed to fostering creativity and innovation, our team empowers students to excel in the dynamic hospitality and culinary industry, equipping them with the skills and confidence to achieve their career aspirations.
Our philosophy is to provide you with a truly international quality of education through world-class infrastructure, faculty, and resources in an environment that fosters creativity and innovation.
At IIHCA, you’re in good hands. We’re here for you, working to provide the highest quality of education. We help you achieve your goals and make your career aspirations a reality. IIHCA’s state-of-the-art facilities are designed to inspire success in today’s learners and for generations to come.
Navin Chauhan
Managing Director
Ishtha Institute of Hospitality and Culinary Arts – IIHCA
Uttarakhand
Ankur Oli, the visionary Co-Founder of the Ishtha Institute of Hospitality & Culinary Arts (IIHCA), brings over 13 years of rich Indian and international experience in luxury hotels and cruise lines. A dynamic leader in hospitality management, he has honed his expertise in food and beverage operations, excelling in roles that span from management to leadership. Ankur’s academic journey includes a B.Sc. in Hospitality Management (CTT) and an MBA, equipping him with a strong foundation in both the operational and strategic aspects of the industry. His illustrious career includes serving as General Manager for a renowned fine-dining restaurant, where he demonstrated exceptional skill in delivering world-class dining experiences. With his wealth of experience and passion for excellence, Ankur Oli is committed to nurturing future hospitality leaders through IIHCA.
Ankur Oli
Co-Founder
Ishtha Institute of Hospitality and Culinary Arts – IIHCA
Uttarakhand
With over 25 years of extensive experience in the hospitality and recruitment industries, Mohita Chandhoke leads Business Development at the Ishtha Institute of Hospitality & Culinary Arts (IIHCA). Her expertise in building strong partnerships that open pathways for international recruitment, internships, and job placements in 5-star hotels, luxury cruise lines, and prestigious resorts across the Gulf countries, Mauritius, and beyond. Her efforts have enabled IIHCA alumni to get internships and job opportunities with some of the world’s most esteemed hospitality brands. As a Director – Business Development, she is dedicated to expanding IIHCA’s global network and creating unparalleled career opportunities for our students.
Mohita Chandhoke
Director - Business Development
Ishtha Institute of Hospitality and Culinary Arts – IIHCA
Uttarakhand
Chef Dev Chand, our Culinary Director at the Ishtha Institute of Hospitality & Culinary Arts (IIHCA), brings 36 years of rich experience. He spent 28 years with Carnival Cruise Line and has worked in several top 5-star hotels in India. Over the years, Chef Dev has learned from some of the best chefs in the world, gaining deep culinary knowledge and expertise.
While working with Carnival Cruise Line, he completed higher management courses at Johnson & Wales University in Miami, USA. He also had the rare chance to learn from Michelin Star Chef Georges Blanc in France. Chef Dev has participated in HACCP food safety seminars in Miami for 6 regular years, showing his dedication to maintaining the highest standards in the kitchen. With his vast experience and passion, Chef Dev Chand is here to guide and inspire the next generation of chefs at IIHCA.
Chef Dev Bahadur Chand
Culinary Director
Ishtha Institute of Hospitality and Culinary Arts – IIHCA
Uttarakhand
We are thrilled to welcome Chef Ankit Prasad as the Academic Dean of the IIHCA. A distinguished graduate with a four-year Bachelor’s degree in Hotel Management, Chef Ankit brings over nine years of exceptional culinary expertise to our institution. His illustrious career spans diverse culinary domains, with mastery in Continental cuisines across hot and cold kitchens, as well as Thai, Chinese, and Indian cuisines. Chef Ankit has held pivotal roles, including Kitchen Assistant and Grade Manager at Oberoi Group of Hotels and Resorts in Mumbai, Demi Chef De Partie and Chef De Partie at Hyatt Regency in Dharamshala, and significant positions at Marriott Hotel in Bangalore. Certified in Food Safety Supervision by FSSAI and Fire Fighting, he exemplifies a steadfast commitment to safety and excellence. With a legacy of elevating kitchens at premier hotels, Chef Ankit now channels his passion and adaptability into nurturing the next generation of culinary talent at IIHCA, enriching our programs with his unparalleled expertise.
Chef Ankit Prasad
Academic Dean
Ishtha Institute of Hospitality and Culinary Arts – IIHCA
Uttarakhand
We are delighted to introduce Chef Kuldeep Singh Bisht as a distinguished Professor at the Ishtha Institute of Hospitality & Culinary Arts (IIHCA). With over a 10 years of culinary excellence, Chef Kuldeep brings a wealth of expertise and passion to our institution. Renowned for his mastery in Indian Curry, Tandoor, Indo-Chinese, and Continental cuisines, he combines rich culinary artistry with proven leadership in kitchen management, food inventory, preparation, and innovative menu planning. His international career includes prestigious roles as a Chef at King of India and Head Chef at JC James Food Limited, both in Auckland, New Zealand, where he honed his craft in dynamic, global culinary settings. Chef Kuldeep’s versatility and depth of experience enrich the learning environment at IIHCA, inspiring students to excel and innovate in the ever-evolving world of gastronomy.
Chef Kuldeep Singh Bisht
Professor
Ishtha Institute of Hospitality and Culinary Arts – IIHCA
Uttarakhand
We are proud to introduce Chef Manish Kanyal, a dynamic culinary professional and esteemed faculty member at the Ishtha Institute of Hospitality & Culinary Arts (IIHCA). With over 8 years of hands-on experience since 2018, Chef Manish brings a vibrant mix of traditional roots and global exposure to the classroom.
He began his career at Asia’s No. 1 resort — The Oberoi Udaivilas, where he had the honor of contributing to high-profile events such as the pre-wedding of Ambani’s daughter and the wedding of the Munjal family’s son (Hero Group). His journey then led him to the Maldives, where he served as Kitchen In-Charge at the renowned Bread Matters Gallery in Malé city.
Chef Manish has honed his craft in Indian Curry & Tandoor, Maldivian, Sri Lankan, and Continental cuisines, showcasing versatility and a deep respect for diverse culinary traditions.
Chef Manish Kanyal
Assistant Professor
Ishtha Institute of Hospitality and Culinary Arts – IIHCA
Uttarakhand
