A bold new culinary direction rooted in Goan soul, live-fire cooking, and ingredient-first philosophy

May 4th 2026, Goa, India: The Astor Goa announces the appointment of Chef Pradeep Kumar Thakur as Executive Chef, marking a decisive step in shaping the hotel’s next culinary chapter. With over two decades of experience across leading hospitality brands, Chef Thakur brings a refined, ingredient-led approach and a strong command of Indian regional cuisines and live-fire techniques.

Over the course of his career, Chef Thakur has held key roles with renowned hospitality groups including InterContinental, The Lalit Resort Goa, Club Mahindra, Kenilworth Resort & Spa, Lemon Tree Hotels, ibis Hotels, ITC Fortune Goa, and Marriott International. His journey from commis chef to executive leadership reflects a deep commitment to craft, discipline, and innovation.

At The Astor Goa, Chef Thakur will lead the culinary vision with a focus on ingredient-first cooking—where technique enhances, rather than masks, natural flavours. His style blends the depth of Mughlai traditions with the vibrancy of Goan cuisine, elevated through global finesse and brought alive via charcoal grills, slow cooking methods like dum-pukht, and live-fire experiences.

His approach will centre on celebrating Goa’s rich culinary heritage through seasonal, locally sourced ingredients—from fresh Nerul catch and kokum to toddy vinegar and regional spices. In alignment with Deck 88’s coastal philosophy, the menus will spotlight seafood-forward offerings, immersive formats like chef’s tables and live grills, and a conscious zero-waste ethos. Each dish is designed to tell a story—of place, memory, and technique.

Commenting on the appointment, Mr. Vaibhav Gupta, General Manager at The Astor Goa said: “We are delighted to welcome Chef Thakur to The Astor Goa. His deep-rooted expertise in Indian cuisine, particularly Awadhi traditions, combined with his contemporary approach, aligns seamlessly with our vision of delivering authentic yet elevated dining experiences. His leadership will play a key role in strengthening our culinary identity and enhancing guest experiences across the property.”

Chef Pradeep Kumar Thakur, Executive Chef, The Astor Goa, added: “Goa offers an incredible culinary canvas—rich in culture, produce, and stories. At The Astor Goa, I look forward to crafting menus that celebrate local ingredients and traditional techniques, while introducing a sense of theatre through live-fire cooking and interactive dining. The focus is simple: honest food, layered with flavour, memory, and a strong sense of place.”

With Chef Thakur at the helm, The Astor Goa is set to evolve its gastronomic identity—balancing comfort with innovation, and tradition with precision—offering guests a dining experience that is both rooted and reimagined.