Chef Bal Ajagaonkar
Chef At Home in Vancouver
Get to know me better
“Modern Indian chef, creating personalised, innovative culinary experiences at your place”
Born and raised in the coastal town of Malvan, India, I developed a passion for cooking at a young age, inspired by the flavours and traditions of my mother’s kitchen. After earning my degree in Hotel Management, Catering Technology, and Tourism, I embarked on a culinary journey that has taken me through several prestigious five-star hotels and restaurants.
Currently based in Vancouver, Canada, I serve as the Executive Chef at Desi Lounge, where I also offer private dining services and modern indian cuisine at your home. I craft dishes that blend locally sourced ingredients with ethnic spices to create harmonious and memorable flavours. With over 15 years of diverse experience, I specialise in Indian, French, and Italian cuisines, and I am passionate about developing innovative menus that delight the senses.
My culinary skills have been recognised with numerous awards—including four Gold Medals, three Silver Medals, and one Bronze Medal—at competitions such as the Great India Culinary Challenge, the Indian International Culinary Classic, and the Vancouver Curry Cup, where I was honoured as the People’s Choice Winner in 2025. Recently, I have won a Bronze Medal in the KP Vancouver Competition. I was the first Indian restaurant chef participating in the Great Kitchen Party Vancouver.
Throughout my career, I have had the privilege of working alongside celebrity and Michelin-starred chefs, refining my skills and expanding my culinary knowledge. I’ve held key roles in renowned establishments, including The Oberoi Mumbai, Hyatt Regency, and various prestigious high-end restaurants across India and Canada. My work emphasises quality, safety, and presentation, and I take pride in leading teams to deliver exceptional dining experiences.
My goal as a chef is to bring creativity, passion, and love to every dish I create, striving to leave a lasting impression on every guest and continuously push the boundaries of culinary excellence.
More about me
For me, cooking is...
For me, cooking is a creative journey that blends tradition, innovation, and passion to create memorable, flavorful experiences.
I learned to cook at...
I learned to cook from my mother; professionally, I worked under renowned Michelin-starred chefs to refine my skills.
A cooking secret...
My secret in the kitchen is my homemade spices, which bring unique flavor to my Indian cuisine.
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