Legendary Chef Imtiaz Qureshi Dies at 93

Imtiaz Qureshi, the culinary maestro behind iconic hotels like Delhis Dum Pukht and Bukhara, passed away at 93 due to age-related ailments.

Legendary chef Imtiaz Qureshi, renowned for reviving the old-Lucknowi tradition of dum pukht style of cooking, passed away at the age of 93 in Mumbai's Lilavati Hospital on Friday, February 16, 2023. The culinary maestro, known for his exceptional culinary skills and contributions to the culinary arts, left behind a legacy that will continue to inspire generations of chefs and food enthusiasts.

A Culinary Mastermind

Born on February 2, 1931, in Lucknow, Qureshi was the mastermind behind some of the most iconic hotels across India, including the world-renowned Dum Pukht and Bukhara at ITC Maurya in Delhi. Throughout his illustrious career spanning over five decades, Qureshi had the privilege of serving lavish banquets to prominent figures such as Jawaharlal Nehru and Indira Gandhi in the 1960s.

Recognition and Accolades

In recognition of his exceptional contributions to the culinary arts, Qureshi was bestowed with the prestigious Padma Shri award in 2016, becoming the first chef to receive this honor. This accolade further cemented his status as a culinary legend and highlighted his immense impact on the culinary landscape of India.

Tributes from the Culinary World

The passing of Chef Imtiaz Qureshi left a profound impact on the culinary world, with tributes pouring in from renowned chefs and food enthusiasts. Chef Kunal Kapur expressed his deep sadness and shared his admiration for Qureshi's culinary legacy, while Ranveer Brar recalled his life-changing experience of savoring the legendary Galouti Kebab at Dum Pukht during his days as a trainee chef.

Transforming North Indian Cuisine

Food critic Vir Sanghvi credited Qureshi for revolutionizing North Indian restaurant food by popularizing the haute cuisine of Awadh and inventing the dum pukht biryani, which remains the benchmark for North Indian biryani worldwide. Singer Adnan Sami paid his respects, referring to Qureshi as the modern-day father of Awadhi cuisine and praising his legendary biryani.

A Legacy that Lives On

Chef Imtiaz Qureshi's passing marks the end of an era, but his legacy will continue to live on through the countless lives he touched and the culinary masterpieces he created. His dedication to preserving traditional cooking techniques and his passion for creating unforgettable dining experiences have left an indelible mark on the culinary world. As we bid farewell to this culinary icon, we celebrate his remarkable contributions and the joy he brought to food lovers across the globe.