What’s Cooking at voco Jim Corbett? Inside the Culinary Mind of Chef Sandeep Juyal
Let me tell you about a time I met a chef who could talk about turmeric as if it were a rare spice from Mars. Oddly enough, Sandeep Juyal isn’t just another chef collecting kitchen accolades – he’s now heading up the culinary charge at voco Jim Corbett, India’s nature-cloaked wellness resort. I’ve followed his career (and his Instagram food photos) for years, and now, with his recent appointment, everything’s about to get even more interesting for guests who care as much about their salad as their spa treatment. Chef Sandeep Juyal: The Story Behind the Apron When I think about what makes a dining experience at a wellness resort truly memorable, it’s not just the setting or the service—it’s the story behind the food. At voco Jim Corbett, that story now begins with Chef Sandeep Juyal, a name that’s become synonymous with holistic health cuisine and mindful dining across India’s top wellness retreats. With over 18 years spent shaping luxury menus, Chef Juyal’s journey is as rich and layered as the dishes he creates. His professional path has taken him through the kitchens of Dharana Shillim Wellness Retreat, Vana Retreat, Modi Yoga Retreat in Rishikesh, and The Roseate Ganges. Each stop along the way has given him a unique perspective on what it means to cook for well-being, not just for taste. From Wellness Retreats to the Heart of Jim Corbett Chef Sandeep Juyal’s career has always been about more than just food. It’s about creating a connection—between guests, local culture, and the natural world. At every wellness retreat in India where he’s worked, he’s made it a point to champion local ingredients, working closely with farmers and producers to source the freshest, most seasonal produce available. He doesn’t just follow culinary trends. Instead, Chef Juyal brings a thoughtful blend of tradition and innovation to his menus. He draws inspiration from both local flavors and global influences, but always with a focus on mindful, health-forward cuisine. Research shows that this approach—rooted in both heritage and creativity—can help guests feel more connected to the place they’re visiting, and to their own well-being. Leadership Rooted in Experience It’s not every day you meet a chef with such a deep background in wellness resorts. Chef Juyal’s leadership at some of India’s most acclaimed retreats has shaped his philosophy: food should nourish body and soul. He’s known for curating menus that celebrate the bounty of each season, often highlighting ingredients that are native to the region. 18+ years of hospitality experience Leadership roles at Dharana Shillim Wellness Retreat, Vana Retreat, Modi Yoga Retreat (Rishikesh), and The Roseate Ganges Expertise in crafting menus that blend local and global culinary traditions His commitment to wellness isn’t just about what’s on the plate. It’s about the entire dining experience—how it feels, how it connects people, and how it reflects the landscape around it. At voco Jim Corbett, nestled in a lush mango grove and surrounded by the serenity of the Kosi River, this philosophy finds a perfect home. Advocacy for Local and Seasonal Flavors One of the things I find most compelling about Chef Juyal is his advocacy for mindfully created cuisine. He believes every ingredient tells a story, and that story is best told when it’s rooted in the land and the season. As he puts it: ‘Food is the first step toward well-being – every ingredient tells a story,’ – Chef Sandeep Juyal This isn’t just a slogan. It’s a guiding principle that shapes every menu he develops. Whether he’s designing a wellness-focused breakfast or a celebratory dinner, Chef Juyal makes sure that local farmers and artisans are part of the process. The result is a dining experience that feels authentic, nourishing, and deeply connected to the region. Beyond the Kitchen: A Chef on the Move Interestingly, Chef Sandeep Juyal’s passion for discovery doesn’t end in the kitchen. He’s an avid driving enthusiast, often hitting the road—sometimes on two wheels, sometimes four—in search of new flavors and regional ingredients. This sense of adventure keeps his cooking fresh and inspired, and it’s not unusual for him to return from a trip with a new idea for a dish or a unique local ingredient to showcase. In a world where culinary trends come and go, Chef Juyal’s approach stands out for its authenticity and depth. At voco Jim Corbett, his arrival signals a renewed focus on holistic health cuisine—one that honors tradition, embraces innovation, and always puts well-being at the center of the plate. Wellness Cuisine at Its Core: A Look at Chef Juyal’s Philosophy When I think about mindful dining, Chef Sandeep Juyal’s approach at voco Jim Corbett immediately comes to mind. His philosophy is rooted in the belief that food should be as restorative as it is delicious—a principle that shapes every aspect of the resort’s culinary experience. For Chef Juyal, wellness cuisine isn’t a passing trend or a restrictive diet; it’s a way of life, one that celebrates seasonal cuisine, local ingredients, and a holistic approach to nourishment. Menus Designed for Balance: Taste Meets Holistic Health Chef Juyal’s menus are tailor-made to spotlight nutrient-rich, seasonally inspired dishes. It’s not just about what’s on the plate, but how each ingredient comes together to create a balanced, health-forward meal. Nearly 90% of the menu at voco Jim Corbett incorporates produce that’s in season, ensuring that every dish is as fresh and flavorful as possible. This commitment to seasonal cuisine means that the offerings evolve throughout the year, reflecting the bounty of Uttarakhand’s fields and forests. I notice that the menu isn’t limited to salads and steamed vegetables. Instead, there’s a vibrant array of Indian salads, turmeric-laced broths, and wild-foraged herbs. Each dish is crafted to nourish both body and soul, blending the best of local produce with global culinary influences. The result is a dining experience that feels both familiar and exciting—one that’s deeply rooted in the region, yet open to the world. Local Ingredients: Sourcing from Uttarakhand’s Farmers and Foragers Chef Juyal’s dedication to local ingredients is more than just a nod to sustainability; it’s a cornerstone of his culinary philosophy. By partnering with Uttarakhand’s farmers and foragers, he ensures that the kitchen is stocked with the freshest possible produce. Research shows that sourcing locally not only supports the regional economy but also enhances the nutritional value and flavor of each dish. There’s a sense of connection in knowing where your food comes from. At voco Jim Corbett, that connection is tangible. From the crisp greens in a morning salad to the earthy mushrooms in a warming broth, each ingredient tells a story of the land and the people who cultivate it. This focus on local sourcing also means that the menu is constantly changing, shaped by what’s available and at its peak. Dining as Sensory Therapy: Nourishing Body and Soul Dining at voco Jim Corbett is more than just eating—it’s a sensory experience designed to restore and delight. Chef Juyal treats every meal as a form of therapy, where the sights, smells, and flavors work together to create a sense of well-being. The philosophy here is simple: food should be a source of joy and healing. ‘Cooking mindfully is my way of caring for guests – food should restore as much as delight.’ – Chef Sandeep Juyal This approach is evident in the way meals are presented and enjoyed. Whether it’s a leisurely breakfast overlooking the Kosi River or an alfresco dinner under the resort’s giant mango tree, the setting is carefully chosen to enhance the experience. The ambiance, the company, and the food all come together to create a moment of mindful dining—one that lingers long after the meal is over. Fusion of Local and Global: A Signature of Destination Dining in India One of the things I find most compelling about Chef Juyal’s style is his ability to fuse local produce with global culinary ideas. He doesn’t see holistic health cuisine as restrictive; instead, he embraces color, texture, and bold flavors. The menu might feature Mediterranean touches or classic Indian kebabs, but the heart of every dish remains true to Uttarakhand’s traditions. This blend of influences makes voco Jim Corbett a standout for destination dining in India. Guests can expect familiar comforts alongside new discoveries, all anchored by a commitment to mindful, health-conscious cooking. The partnership with local farmers, the ever-changing seasonal menu, and the sensory approach to dining all reflect Chef Juyal’s belief that food is a powerful tool for wellness. Beyond the Kitchen: Personality, Passion, and a Touch of the Unexpected When you think of a luxury hotel in India, you might picture elegant rooms, lush surroundings, and impeccable hospitality. But at voco Jim Corbett, there’s something more simmering behind the scenes—a unique culinary experience shaped by the personality and passions of its new Head Chef, Sandeep Juyal. His story isn’t just about food; it’s about how life outside the kitchen can inspire what happens within it. Chef Sandeep Juyal’s journey to voco Jim Corbett is impressive by any standard. With over 18 years of experience across some of the most respected wellness retreats in India—including leadership roles at Dharana Shillim Wellness Retreat, Vana Retreat, and Modi Yoga Retreat in Rishikesh—he brings a wealth of knowledge and a deep commitment to mindful, seasonally inspired cuisine. But what sets him apart isn’t just his resume. It’s the way he blends his love for adventure with his approach to hospitality. Outside the kitchen, Chef Sandeep is rarely still. He’s an avid driving enthusiast, often found exploring new terrains on both four wheels and two. These journeys aren’t just escapes—they’re sources of inspiration. There’s a certain freedom in the open road, a space where ideas can spark and creativity can flow. As Chef Juyal himself puts it, ‘Creativity isn’t confined to the kitchen – sometimes it begins at the side of the road.’ This philosophy has a tangible impact on the dining experience at voco Jim Corbett. The resort, nestled in a tranquil mango grove with views of the Kosi River, is already a haven for those seeking a blend of nature and luxury. But under Chef Juyal’s leadership, the kitchen has become a place where boundaries are gently pushed and tradition meets innovation. His team is encouraged to think differently, to bring their own ideas to the table, and to experiment with flavors and techniques. Collaborative menu workshops are now a regular event, sparking a new level of creative energy among the staff. It’s not just talk—there are real examples of how Chef Juyal’s passions shape what guests experience. On one memorable solo motorbike ride, he was struck by the beauty of wildflowers growing along the roadside. That moment of curiosity led to research, foraging, and eventually, the creation of a resort salad featuring edible wildflowers. It’s a small detail, perhaps, but it speaks volumes about his approach: always open to the unexpected, always looking for ways to bring a sense of place and adventure to the plate. Balancing the demands of a busy kitchen with a love for exploration isn’t always easy. But Chef Juyal seems to thrive on it. His informal brainstorming sessions—sometimes sparked by stories from his travels—are said to yield as many wild ideas as his journeys themselves. The result is a menu that feels alive, constantly evolving, and deeply connected to both local ingredients and global influences. Research shows that leadership styles like Chef Juyal’s—adventurous, collaborative, and open to inspiration from unexpected places—can have a profound effect on team morale and creativity. At voco Jim Corbett, this translates into a dining experience that’s anything but ordinary. Guests can expect not only the familiar comforts of a luxury hotel in India but also the thrill of discovering something new, whether it’s a twist on a classic dish or a flavor inspired by the landscape just outside the window. In the end, what makes voco Jim Corbett’s hospitality stand out isn’t just the setting or the amenities, though both are exceptional. It’s the sense that every meal is infused with a bit of adventure—a reflection of Chef Sandeep Juyal’s own journey and the passions he brings to the table. His story is a reminder that the best culinary experiences often begin far from the kitchen, sparked by a moment of curiosity or a stretch of open road. As voco Jim Corbett continues to carve out its place among India’s most unique luxury hotels, it’s clear that Chef Juyal’s influence will be felt in every bite. For guests, that means more than just a meal—it’s an invitation to taste a little bit of the unexpected, and perhaps, to see the world (and their plate) in a new way. TL;DR: Chef Sandeep Juyal’s arrival at voco Jim Corbett signals a fresh commitment to wellness-driven, locally sourced dining, merging mindful creativity with the natural beauty of Uttarakhand’s most celebrated resort.
DMCFinder
Jul 9, 2025 • 11 Minutes Read
