Draft:Hariprasad Shetty

Chef Hariprasad Shetty at Nela

Hariprasad Shetty (Hari Shertty) (born October 15, 1980) is an Indian chef and restaurateur. He is known as the co-owner and executive chef of Nela Amsterdam, and for his career in culinary establishments in London and Amsterdam, including the Michelin-starred Nobu. His culinary philosophy integrates traditional flavors with modern techniques, influenced by Japanese discipline and a focus on ingredient purity.

Early life and culinary roots

Born in Mangalore, India, on October 15, 1980, Hariprasad Shetty's interest in cooking began at an early age. His father operated a European-style vegetarian restaurant in Mumbai, where Shetty often helped out, observing the culinary processes and assisting with the cash register. This early exposure to the restaurant world influenced his future career. His decision to pursue a culinary path was also influenced by a cousin who shared experiences from working on cruise ships.

Shetty pursued hotel management studies. To finance his education, he took a job at the five-star restaurant of the Taj Mahal Palace hotel in Mumbai. There, he trained under a Japanese teppanyaki chef. Shetty learned knife skills and proper usage from this mentor. After a year, he assisted with cooking, absorbing "Eastern values" of discipline and meticulousness, which he states continue to define his approach in the kitchen, emphasizing hygiene and precise tasting methods. He later gained further teppanyaki experience while working on a cruise ship.

Career

Following a recommendation from a Japanese colleague, Shetty moved to London. At 21, he joined the Michelin-starred restaurant Nobu as a chef de partie, applying directly to owner Nobuyuki 'Nobu' Matsuhisa.

Shetty spent nearly a decade at Nobu in London. Within two years, he was promoted to sous chef. He experimented with ingredients and developed relationships with suppliers, traveling to Scotland to source scallops and langoustines. His culinary approach, which included a spicy chili sauce with langoustine served in a martini glass, impressed Nobu Matsuhisa. This led to increased responsibility, including assisting in the opening of additional Nobu branches across Europe. During his tenure, he cooked for international figures such as David Beckham (for whom he once flew by private jet to Madrid), Cheryl and Ashley Cole, Kylie Minogue, and Giorgio Armani. He also frequently cooked for Lakshmi Mittal and his family, often preparing vegetarian dishes.

Around 2012, Shetty moved to Amsterdam. He was recruited by Yossi Eliyahoo, owner of THE ENTOURAGE GROUP, which includes Amsterdam restaurants such as MOMO, Izakaya, and The Butcher. Shetty became the executive chef for these establishments and expanded his role to include The Duchess and Mr. Porter. During this period, he cooked for Dutch celebrities such as Lieke van Lexmond, Linda de Mol, and Doutzen Kroes. He found Amsterdam appealing due to its accessibility and observed the Dutch willingness to invest in high-quality dining experiences. An anecdote from this period recounts Rihanna and Drake ordering forty burgers at The Butcher at 3 AM, prompting Shetty to return to the kitchen to fulfill their request.

Nela Amsterdam

After working as executive chef for a decade, Hariprasad Shetty co-founded Nela Amsterdam in partnership with chef Ori Geller and British entrepreneur Gilad Hayeem (The Waverly Group). Nela Amsterdam officially opened in September 2022, located on the second floor of "The Valley" building in Amsterdam's Zuidas financial district.

The name "Nela" translates to "pure" in Sanskrit, a principle guiding the restaurant's gastronomy and design. Shetty and Geller advocate for "live fire cooking," a technique chosen to emphasize the natural flavors and integrity of ingredients. The restaurant's interior, designed by Framework Studio, incorporates natural and raw materials. Nela employs a shared dining concept, with a diverse menu that includes vegetarian options.

Shortly after its opening, Nela Amsterdam received a nomination for an Entree Award in the "Best New Restaurant Design" category. The restaurant holds a rating of 12/20 from the Gault&Millau guide. Shetty states that for him, the true measure of Nela's success is its ability to make staff and guests feel at home, fostering a desire for them to return.

Nela Amsterdam is expanding internationally. A seasonal pop-up, Nela Ibiza, is expected to open in May 2025 at the 7Pines Resort in Ibiza, Spain. Nela London is scheduled to launch in autumn 2025 at The Whiteley in Bayswater, London. Hariprasad Shetty is listed as an active director for Nela London Limited, appointed on October 26, 2023, and for GHO Services Limited, appointed on March 21, 2025.

Other ventures

Shetty also curated the menu for Shirkhan, a restaurant located in the Foodhallen in Amsterdam, specializing in Mumbai street food and tandoor cooking.

Culinary philosophy and approach

Hariprasad Shetty's culinary philosophy is rooted in the belief that "food is an evolution." He advocates for respecting traditional dishes as a foundational reference while embracing improvisation and personalization. Examples include his reinterpretation of paella with wagyu beef, sushi rice, sake, and Japanese mushrooms, and an Iberico ham dish with honey melon and yuzu kosho.

The discipline instilled during his Japanese culinary training is a cornerstone of his professional conduct. He emphasizes punctuality, maintaining sharp knives, ensuring clean kitchens, and respecting the product, an ethos he states he imparts to his team. He also states his preference for certain technical kitchen equipment brands like Hoshizaki, Rational, and MEIKO, citing his trust in their performance.

For Shetty, success extends beyond industry accolades. He defines it by the value a venture creates, ensuring that co-workers feel a sense of belonging and that guests are motivated to return. Throughout his career, he has catered to a clientele that includes figures such as David Beckham, Ashley Cole, Giorgio Armani, and Rihanna.

Community engagement and collaborations

Hariprasad Shetty has fostered culinary dialogue and innovation. As head chef at MOMO, he organized "MOMO inspires..." sessions, inviting guest chefs to collaborate and create menus that fused Eastern and Western flavors for press and food enthusiasts. Nela Amsterdam is also scheduled to host a Japanese brunch in collaboration with Chef Kazuya Matsumoto in June 2025.