Varun Totlani, Head Chef at Masque, Mumbai, discovered his passion for cooking at an early age, often watching cooking shows and videos as a child, hoping to inspire his mother to try new recipes. Eventually, he took matters into his own hands and started cooking himself, setting the stage for a career in the culinary arts. After completing his studies at the Culinary Academy of India in Hyderabad, Totlani further honed his skills at the prestigious Culinary Institute of America in New York.
Upon returning to Mumbai, Totlani joined the opening team of Masque in 2016 as a commis chef. Over the years, he rose through the ranks, gaining extensive experience and running the pass before being appointed Sous Chef in 2021, and Head Chef in 2022. Known for his expertise with the grill and passion for barbecue, Totlani’s cooking is characterized by a perfect blend of technique and intuition. His culinary focus lies in showcasing India’s rich produce and traditional techniques while evolving them for contemporary dining experiences at Masque.