ITC Ratnadipa Welcomes Bukhara Chef JP Singh in Father–Son Collaboration at Peshawri

ITC Ratnadipa, Colombo will host ‘Heir to the Flame’ as part of its acclaimed Apprentice Series, welcoming Chef J.P. Singh of Bukhara, ITC Maurya, to join his son, Chef Naivedya Singh, Senior Sous Chef of Peshawri at ITC Ratnadipa, in presenting the living legacy of North Indian frontier cuisine from 23 January to 1 February at Peshawri.

The showcase traces the traditions that shaped Peshawri back to its iconic Bukhara, one of the world’s most celebrated Indian restaurants. While Bukhara remains exclusive to ITC Maurya, its approach to cooking lives on globally through Peshawri and Royal Afghan restaurants across the ITC Hotels portfolio. The father–son duo will offer diners at Peshawri an experience of authentic tandoor-led cooking (based on live-fire ovens), heirloom recipes, and signature preparations that have defined Bukhara for generations.

At the core of this legacy is Chef J.P. Singh, widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in Indian cuisine, who has led Bukhara at ITC Maurya for over three decades. His kitchen has served global leaders including Barack Obama, Vladimir Putin, Tony Blair, and David Cameron, reinforcing Bukhara’s standing as a benchmark for authenticity. At Peshawri, the menu reflects Chef J.P. Singh’s signature style, centred on slow-cooked specialities such as Dal Bukhara, live-fire kebabs, and breads baked against clay oven walls.

Commenting on the collaboration, Chef J.P. Singh stated, “Bukhara was never about reinvention, but about protecting authenticity. Seeing those values carried forward at Peshawri Colombo by my son is deeply meaningful. It is a reminder that this journey is not only about food, but about passing on responsibility, discipline, and respect for the craft.”

Chef Naivedya Singh added that hosting his father in Colombo represents a defining moment in his own journey, allowing guests to experience the lineage, rigour, and soul of North Indian cuisine as it was meant to be.

The Peshawri experience (Apprentice Series Edition) showcases ITC Ratnadipa’s commitment to bringing globally significant culinary narratives to Sri Lanka. Featuring a father–son duo bound by tradition and technique, the event is designed to build awareness for Peshawri and reinforce its position as the island’s home of authentic frontier cuisine.