Professor / Consultant Chef
Mr. Viswanatha K. Iyer has graduated in Science (Chemistry) from the University of Kerala and has completed his Diploma in Hotel Management and Catering Technology from the premier Institute of Hotel Management, Mumbai in 1980 (previously known as Dadar Catering College). He is one of the best hospitality educators, having a post-graduate Diploma in Teachers’ Training, D. O. T. and D. T.S.
His project on ‘Eggless Mayonnaise’, submitted as part of curriculum in Teachers’ Training Course, won the gold medal in 1988.
After completing his studies, Chef Iyer has worked in the industry abroad for 6 years, in Algosaibi Grandmet Catering Services a leading Catering Services Company in Saudi Arabia in various positions starting as Asst Chef, Chef Supervisor, Junior manager and resigned as Training Manager, after which he joined IHM Mumbai in 1986 as teaching faculty in Food Production. In his vast experience of more than four decades, he has successfully designed and implemented various courses like the ‘Post Graduate Diploma in Fast Food Operations’, and ‘Niagara on the Lake (NOTL)’ course in collaboration with Niagara Culinary School – to name a few.
He is an expert in the field of “Meat Cookery”
Chef Iyer has been awarded the “Bharat Vidya Ratan Award” by International Business Council for his ‘outstanding achievements and remarkable role in the field of education, and the Indian Solidarity Council has awarded him with Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam Education Excellence Award – for outstanding achievements and remarkable role in the field of education.
He is also an active member of the Western India Culinary Association (WICA)
After superannuation in 2016, he has joined Sheila Raheja Institute of Hotel Management – Mumbai (Bandra) as a Consultant Chef as was working as Dean of Culinary Arts, till 2021.
A fantastic student mentor, he has successfully guided many students in their Research projects, Theme dinners, Buffet assignments, Chefs’ Competitions, Onam and other festivals conducted in the Institute. A hands-on professor, he has accompanied students on foreign work cum study tours and assignments like “Travel Corporation of India- Indian Food Festival along Rhine River Cruise Lines’ in 1993 and ‘The Dubai Air Show” in 2003 and 2009. He has trained several of today’s illustrious chefs who have made a name for themselves in different parts of the world.
He strongly believes that academic excellence in not the only criteria for being successful in life. Hence, he encourages his students to actively participate in extracurricular activities like cultural programs and sports too. He was an active member as well as a participant of these activities in college.
Furthermore, believes that he is not a king but a kingmaker and his favourite quote is “Chef is always right”.