At the heart of The LaLiT Mumbai’s vibrant and ever-evolving culinary landscape is Executive Chef Ameet Rane, a passionate gastronome whose journey is as soulful as the dishes he creates. As the Executive Chef, he has redefined the fine dining experience by seamlessly blending tradition with innovation, crafting menus that are as evocative as they are refined.

With a career shaped by deep-rooted values of sustainability, inclusivity, and creativity, Executive Chef Rane brings more than just skill to the table… he brings a conscience. His philosophy transcends technique, focusing instead on storytelling through food, evoking emotions and creating lasting memories for every guest. Whether it’s reimagining a cherished Indian classic with a contemporary twist or infusing Mediterranean flair with hyperlocal produce, his dishes reflect a deep respect for heritage and an eye for the unexpected.

Beyond the plate, Executive Chef Rane is a leader who believes in nurturing talent, celebrating individuality, and fostering a culture of collaboration in his kitchen. Under his stewardship, The LaLiT Mumbai has become not just a place to dine, but a destination for immersive, thoughtful, and meaningful culinary experiences.

Driven by curiosity and guided by purpose, Executive Chef Ameet Rane continues to push boundaries… from embracing zero-waste cooking and championing local produce, to exploring ancestral grains and fermentation. His vision is bold yet grounded: to establish The LaLiT Mumbai as a culinary landmark that leads with heart, creativity, and authenticity. Here in an exclusive interview, Executive Chef Ameet Rane talks to Sumita Chakraborty, Editor-in-chief, TheGlitz, about The LaLit Mumbai’s food culture, flavours, sustainability practices and more…

Over To Executive Chef Ameet Rane, The LaLit Mumbai

You’ve had an incredible culinary journey… how has your role as Executive Chef at The LaLiT Mumbai shaped or evolved your approach to food and hospitality?

My journey at The LaLiT Mumbai has been both humbling and transformative. Leading a kitchen in a property that celebrates inclusivity and individuality has taught me to not just cook for an audience but to cook with a conscience. It’s made me more mindful — about ingredients, about stories behind every dish, and about the emotions food can evoke. This role has deepened my belief that food isn’t just about technique, it’s about creating memories and conversations that linger long after the meal is over.

The LaLiT Mumbai has a distinct reputation for both grandeur and innovation, how do you blend tradition with modern tastes in your menus?

I believe food should respect its roots while embracing the present. At The LaLiT Mumbai, we honour age-old recipes by retaining their authentic essence but present them with a modern, sometimes playful, interpretation. It could be something as simple as a classic kosha mangsho reimagined as sliders or a traditional modak infused with unexpected flavours. It’s about striking a fine balance between nostalgia and curiosity on every plate.

What’s the one dish on The LaLiT Mumbai’s menu that you feel perfectly represents your culinary style… and what’s the story behind it?

It has to be our signature Burrata with Pickled Jamun Compote and Basil Oil. It’s an unexpected pairing — the creaminess of burrata with the sharp tartness of jamun, a fruit that’s inherently Indian and deeply nostalgic for me. This dish speaks of my love for Mediterranean cuisine while paying homage to local, seasonal produce. It represents my culinary philosophy — simple, soulful food that surprises and comforts in equal measure.

Sustainability and conscious cooking are buzzwords today, how are you incorporating eco-conscious practices in your kitchens at The LaLiT Mumbai?

For me, sustainability isn’t a trend — it’s a responsibility. At The LaLiT Mumbai, we’ve actively moved towards zero-waste cooking, sourcing hyperlocal produce, using whole ingredients, and minimizing single-use plastics in our kitchens. We also have a concept titled WE SERVE WHAT WE GROW where every hotel property within the Group has its own gardens where the produce is utilized towards cooking our handcrafted delicacies giving the guest a taste of everything that is healthy and organic served fresh from our gardens.I personally believe small, consistent steps create a big impact, and every dish served with mindfulness is a step towards a better future.

You work with a diverse team in a high-energy environment, what’s your leadership mantra in the kitchen, and how do you keep your team inspired?

My mantra is simple — lead with humility and passion. A good kitchen thrives on camaraderie, respect, and shared pride in the craft. I encourage my team to bring their heritage, ideas, and individuality into our food. We brainstorm together, learn from each other’s mistakes, and celebrate every success. The joy of creating something meaningful together is the biggest motivator.

Mumbai is a melting pot of cultures and flavours. How does the city influence the culinary offerings at The LaLiT?

Mumbai is magic on a plate — it’s bold, diverse, and unapologetically experimental. The city’s energy pushes me to keep evolving. Whether it’s incorporating street food-inspired canapés at an upscale event or adding an heirloom Goan curry to a global menu, Mumbai’s spirit of inclusivity and vibrancy echoes in everything we serve at The LaLiT Mumbai.

With evolving guest expectations, especially in luxury hospitality, how are you curating unique and immersive dining experiences for your guests?

Today’s guests seek more than just a meal — they crave a story, an experience. We focus on personalized dining journeys, from curating secret off-menu dishes to hosting interactive chef’s table dinners with menus inspired by a guest’s memory or a destination. Food is an emotion, and at The LaLiT Mumbai, we aim to strike a personal chord with every dining experience.

Looking ahead, what’s your vision for The LaLiT Mumbai’s culinary journey and are there any upcoming trends or personal projects you’re particularly excited about?

My vision is to firmly place The LaLiT Mumbai as a culinary landmark that champions innovation rooted in authenticity. I’m particularly excited about exploring fermentation techniques with indigenous ingredients and reintroducing forgotten Indian grains and recipes in a contemporary avatar. The future of dining is inclusive, experiential, and responsible — and I’m thrilled to be a part of that evolution.