Farrokh Khambata

Early life

Farrokh Khambata was born and raised in a Parsi family in Mumbai. His parents were accountants in the financial sector. He was educated at St. Mary’s School, ICSE, Mumbai.

Khambata finished school at the age of 16 and pursued a career in science at K.C. College. After graduating from junior college he took up architecture, but soon dropped out and joined the Institute of Hotel Management, Catering Technology and Applied Nutrition, Mumbai to formalize his love for cooking.

Career

After graduating from Catering College, Khambata travelled to Asia and Europe to learn about different cuisines and spent his formative time training at renowned French restaurant Au Normandie and Pierre Gagniere Paris. He then sought culinary knowledge in the Far East, in Japan, Thailand, Vietnam amongst other places.

Upon his return to India, he started his own catering company called ‘Catering and Allied’ operating out of a makeshift kitchen in his parent’s home. As business grew Farrokh bought a 300-square foot central kitchen in 2002 to cater to the growing demands of his business.

In 2004, Khambata opened Joss, in Kala Ghoda, Mumbai, specializing in Japanese, Malaysian, Balinese and Indonesian dishes, he found a niche in providing guests a variety of modern Far East cuisine. In a very short span of time, Joss became a landmark in the city for fine Far Eastern Cuisine.

After the tremendous success of “Joss” and “Catering & Allied”, Farrokh then presented “Amadeus” at NCPA, the city’s cultural hub in July 2011. “Amadeus” with its new age Mediterranean, Levantine & Spanish cuisine was another first in the city.

Then came the classy yet casual “Café at the NCPA” in January 2012. This is an alfresco space visualized by Khambata to offer theatre goers an opportunity to enjoy a fine culinary experience across diverse cuisines in an informal, culturally infused ambience.

September 2012, saw Farrokh go back to his original love - Far Eastern cuisine. After several trips to the region and research, experimentation and interaction with chefs from Vietnam, Hong Kong and Singapore, Khambata presented yet another labour of love “Umame” at the heritage structure of Eros Cinema, Mumbai. “Umame” is a true showpiece of fine food, refined tastes and stylish ambience.

In August 2014, after the tremendous success of Joss, Kala Ghoda, Khambata, finally forayed into the suburbs of Mumbai and launched Joss, Santacruz, thereby reaching out to an untapped market with his much sought after Far East cuisine.

November 2016 saw the launch of Farrokh's first international venture Jaan at the Penthouse at the Sofitel Downtown Dubai. Drawing inspiration from the finest produce from the Japan, Far East and Europe, He has created mind blowing combinations to raise the expectations of Dubai's dining scene to another level.JAAN boasts spectacular views of the Dubai coastline & epic views of the Burj Khalifa.

Awards & Accolades

Personal awards

All India chef competition 1990 - Winner

Inter catering competition 1991 - Winner

Restaurant awards

Times Food Award 2008 Best Caterers- Continental - Italian & Sushi - Catering and Allied

Times Food Award 2010 Best Oriental & Japanese - Joss

Times Food Award 2012 Best Sushi - Catering and Allied

Times Food award 2013 best oriental & Japanese - Umame

Burrp (certified) PROMPT SERVICE, SUPERB VARIETY AND IRRESISTIBLE FOOD SOUTH EAST ASIAN FEAST (2010) - JOSS

Times Now (The Foodie Awards) Best Debut Restaurant (2013) - Umame

Times Food Award 2012 for Best Spanish cuisine - Amadeus

Times Food Award 2012 for Best Lebanese cuisine – Amadeus

Times Food Award 2012 for Best international cuisine restaurant - Amadeus

Zomato User’s Recommendation for Nightlife and Clubbing 2014 - Amadeus

Times Food Award 2013 Best Spanish – Amadeus

Zomato User’s Choice for *Catching Up* The Connoisseur’s Guide to Eating Out 2013 - Cafe at the NCPA

The Miele Guide Top 500 *Amadeus*as one of Asia’s Top 500 finest restaurant’s the Miele Guide 2013

Times Food Award 2014 for Best Spanish cuisine - Amadeus

Times Food Award 2015 Best Spanish – Amadeus

Times Food Award 2015 for Best Lebanese cuisine - Amadeus

Times Food Award 2015 for Best Noteworthy Newcomer - Japanese and Oriental cusine - Joss