Meet Your Local Chef: Rakesh!

Meet Your Local Chef: Chef Rakesh

Chef Rakesh’s culinary journey is a blend of diverse cultural influences, family traditions, and a passion for authentic cooking. Originally from England and later living in Australia, his family settled in California, where his love for food blossomed. His heritage from Northern India and the Fijian Islands, along with his experiences traveling the world, have shaped his unique cooking style—one that combines English, Indian, Island-style, and Californian American flavors.

Growing up, Chef Rakesh was surrounded by amazing cooks—his Mum and aunties, who showed their love through delicious homemade meals. Inspired by cooking shows like Jacques Pepin and Julia Child, he decided to pursue a career in the culinary world in his mid-20s. His first job was at a steakhouse in Los Gatos, California, which, despite being ironic since he doesn’t eat beef, gave him the confidence to continue in the industry.

Family traditions, especially Sunday Roasts and holiday gatherings, shaped Chef Rakesh’s love for cooking. These meals were an opportunity to connect with family and share stories, with dishes like Roast Lamb and Tandoori Chicken always at the center. These experiences continue to influence his cooking today.

At the Co-op, Chef Rakesh has created several standout dishes, including the Sticky Asian Chicken and Peruvian Roast Chicken with Aji Verde Sauce, both of which have become customer favorites. He takes pride in the Co-op’s commitment to making most dishes in-house, ensuring that every meal reflects his dedication to authentic, heartfelt cooking.

When he’s not in the kitchen, Chef Rakesh enjoys spending time with his partner and two cats, staying active with sports, and exploring his creative side through drawing, painting, and photography. His passion for food, family, and community is evident in everything he does, and we’re proud to have him as part of our team! Thank you, Rakesh, for all you do at the Co-op! We appreciate you. 

Stay tuned for more stories from our talented chefs in the Meet Your Local Chef series!