WITH EXECUTIVE CHEF RAJEEV SHRESTHA
ALOFT KATHMANDU THAMEL
With over two decades of culinary expertise, Rajeev Shrestha, Executive Chef at Aloft Kathmandu Thamel, is redefining dining experiences in the capital. Known for curating iconic culinary events like “Let’s Go Lucknowi” and “Fables of Punjab”, his menus seamlessly blend authenticity and innovation. Having represented Nepal at international gastronomy events, Chef Rajeev brings a world-class touch to the plate, also making him one of the country’s most sought-after names for luxury weddings.
In this wedding special edition of WOW, Chef Rajeev shares key elements of a memorable wedding menu, current food trends, Aloft specialties, his signature wedding dish and more. Excerpts:
What is your personal philosophy when it comes to curating wedding menus?
I believe a wedding menu should strike the perfect balance between honouring tradition and creating memorable dining experiences. Food should not just nourish but also tell a story.
How do you balance tradition with innovation in a wedding feast?
I respect authentic flavours and rituals while introducing modern presentation and subtle creative twists. This approach keeps the dining experience fresh, yet deeply rooted in culture.
Can you share a food memory from your own life that inspires how you design celebratory menus?
I am inspired by family feasts where every dish told a story. That sense of warmth and connection influences my goal of making wedding menus deeply personal and joyful.
When a couple approaches you for their wedding, where does the process begin?
I begin by listening to their story, preferences and cultural traditions. From there, I design a menu that feels personal and celebratory, reflecting their journey through flavours.
What are the key elements of a memorable wedding menu?
Balanced flavours, seasonal ingredients, cultural elements, striking presentation, and dishes that truly reflect the couple’s personality.
How do you weave a couple’s story or cultural background into the food?
I incorporate their favourite flavours and family traditions into the menu, ensuring each dish feels meaningful and connected to their heritage.
How do you approach dietary restrictions while staying creative?
I see dietary restrictions as opportunities to innovate. It challenges us to create inclusive dishes that are just as flavourful and beautifully presented.
What wedding food trends are you excited about right now?
I love seeing the rise of locally sourced Nepali ingredients, interactive food stations, plant-based elegance, and fusion flavours that reflect global tastes.
Which Aloft specialties are most popular at weddings?
Couples love our signature fusion starters, live grill counters, modern Nepali delicacies, and refined desserts. They are always a conversation starter.
Are there any under-the-radar ingredients or techniques you wish couples embraced more?
Absolutely! I would love to see more use of local herbs, millet, yak cheese, and slow-cooking techniques; they add incredible depth and a unique Nepali touch.
How do you ensure quality at large-scale weddings?
Meticulous planning, scalable yet refined recipes, specialised chef stations, and a sharp focus on consistency in both taste and presentation.
What’s it like behind the scenes of a 500+ guest wedding?
It’s all about precision: early preparation, a skilled and well-coordinated team, and multiple tastings to ensure that every guest experiences perfection.
Tips for balancing indulgence with health-conscious choices at weddings
Offer a mix of decadent and lighter options, highlight fresh ingredients, and present healthy dishes with the same artistry as indulgent ones.
What’s your signature wedding dish?
Our smoky Nepali lamb chops never fail to impress.
Your advice for couples who want their menu to stand out?
Focus on storytelling, variety and presentation. Guests remember dishes that surprise and delight.
In three words, describe the perfect wedding menu.
Personal, flavourful, unforgettable.
Your secret to ensuring guests talk about the food long after the wedding
Serve bold flavours, beautiful plates, and meaningful dishes that reflect the couple’s love story… those are the details that linger.
Text: Ankita Jain
