Vivek Singh

Contribution to British Heritage

Vivek Singh, a trailblazing Indian-British celebrity chef, restaurateur, and media personality, has left an indelible mark on the culinary landscape of the United Kingdom. Known for his innovative approach to Indian cuisine, Singh has played a pivotal role in elevating the status of Indian food within the British culinary scene. Through his successful restaurants, television appearances, and charity work, he has not only enriched British gastronomy but also contributed to the welfare of disadvantaged communities.

Early Life and Career

Vivek Singh was born on May 6, 1971, and raised in a coal-mining community in Bengal, India. His father worked as an engineer, and the traditional path dictated that Singh would follow in his father's footsteps. However, defying expectations, he expressed his passion for culinary arts and set his sights on becoming a chef.

In pursuit of his culinary dreams, Singh attended the Institute of Hotel Management in New Delhi from 1990 to 1993. His exceptional skills caught the attention of the Oberoi Centre for Learning and Development, where he underwent rigorous training at prestigious establishments like The Oberoi and The Oberoi Maidens in Delhi. Subsequently, he took over the kitchen at The Oberoi flight services in Mumbai, showcasing his talents to discerning guests.

Singh's journey continued, and in 1997, he assumed the role of Indian chef at RajVilas in Jaipur, adding to his repertoire of culinary experiences. It was at a wedding reception at Rajvilas hotel that he crossed paths with PR guru Iqbal Wahhab, sparking a conversation about Indian food infused with French cooking methods. This serendipitous meeting laid the foundation for their first flagship restaurant, The Cinnamon Club, in London, which opened its doors in March 2001.

The Cinnamon Collection: A Gastronomic Triumph

The launch of The Cinnamon Club marked the beginning of Singh's culinary empire. The restaurant quickly earned acclaim, becoming one of the "Best Indian restaurants" in London, as recognized by the Squaremeal food guide. Singh's unique culinary style, blending traditional Indian flavors with innovative techniques, garnered widespread appreciation from both critics and patrons.

Building on the success of The Cinnamon Club, Singh expanded his culinary ventures with the opening of Cinnamon Kitchen & Anise in 2008, followed by Cinnamon Soho in 2012. Each new restaurant demonstrated his mastery of flavors and a relentless pursuit of innovation. Guy Dimond, a food critic at Time Out, hailed Singh as a "master of flavor" and praised his highly innovative approach to cuisine.

In 2016, Cinnamon Bazaar opened its doors in Covent Garden, drawing inspiration from the bustling bazaars of antiquity and the vibrancy of modern markets. The restaurant received a Bib Gourmand from Michelin, a testament to its commitment to offering high-quality, yet affordable, food.

The Cinnamon Collection reached new heights in 2017 with the opening of Cinnamon Kitchen Oxford. This milestone marked Singh's first venture outside of London, further solidifying his culinary legacy across the UK.

Television Stardom and Advocacy

Beyond his restaurant success, Vivek Singh has become a prominent media personality, captivating audiences with his charm and culinary expertise. He is a regular face on BBC's Saturday Kitchen, sharing his culinary wisdom with a nationwide audience. His talent has also earned him guest appearances on various television shows, including Madhur Jaffrey's Curry Nation, At Home with Rachel Allen, NDTV Good Times – Will Travel for Food, and My Kitchen Rules UK.

Singh's dedication to philanthropy is equally commendable. He has been actively involved with several charities, making a positive impact on society. His collaboration with Wooden Spoon, a rugby charity supporting disadvantaged children, helped raise funds for their noble cause. Additionally, Singh's involvement with Action Against Hunger dates back to 2002 when he began hosting an annual Diwali Charity Event to aid their initiatives.

He is also a supporter of Find Your Feet and passionately contributes to their Curry for Change campaign, raising awareness about global food poverty. The Prince's Trust charity, Mosaic Network, also benefits from Singh's commitment to inspiring young people from deprived communities to realize their potential.

Controversial Culinary Feat

In 2008, Virgin Media approached Vivek Singh to create the world's hottest dish to commemorate the launch of their Bollywood movies channel. His entry, "The Bollywood Burner," stirred controversy as several curry house owners claimed their curry was the hottest. Singh defended the title, stating that taste perception varied among individuals, making it challenging to determine the "hottest" curry objectively. Despite the commotion, his fiery creation earned a spot in the Guinness Book of World Records.

Personal Life

In May 1997, Vivek Singh married Archana in Bilaspur, India, and they have two children together, Eshaan and Maya. The family resides in South London, where Singh's culinary journey and dedication to enriching British heritage continue to unfold.

Vivek Singh's innovative take on Indian cuisine, culinary achievements, television stardom, and philanthropic endeavors have solidified his place in the annals of British culinary history. His relentless passion for gastronomy and his commitment to social causes make him a true culinary icon and a cherished contributor to British heritage.