Sofitel Mumbai BKC appoints Sidney Dcunha as Culinary Director

Sofitel Mumbai BKC has appointed Sidney Dcunha as the new Director of Culinary. 

Having grown up in the busy metropolis of Mumbai city, the charming Sidney developed his interest in food and cuisine during his childhood summer holidays in Mangalore, where he curiously watched his family’s bakery business, specializing in plum cakes, especially during Christmas.

Having worked with some of the leading Michelin star venues in New York, under celebrity Chefs such as Michel Roux Snr, Floyd Cardoz, and Hemant Oberoi in India, Sidney brings over 18 years of experience in the culinary space. His last assignment was with The Conrad Hotel in Pune, first as Executive Chef before becoming Culinary Director in January 2022.

He first began his culinary journey in 2002, training at properties like the ITC Grand Maratha, Sheraton and The Oberoi, Mumbai before joining the Taj Management Training Program, working at Taj hotels in Delhi and Chennai during this time.

Sidney then joined The Taj Mahal Palace & Tower in Mumbai, as Junior Sous Chef at Masala Kraft Kitchen, in 2006. This was followed by a year spent at The Taj Pierre New York and The Taj Boston, where he introduced Indian food to the hotel menus, as a specialty Indian chef. In 2008, D’Cunha returned to The Taj Mahal Palace & Towers in Mumbai, this time as Sous Chef (CDC) at Masala Kraft. In March 2012, he switched culinary focus and joined Golden Dragon as Sous Chef. 

Throughout his career, D’Cunha has developed rich culinary experience and the ability to cater to both Indian and international palates. He also brings with him a deep knowledge of structuring culinary teams, launching new culinary concepts, and working with large-scale banqueting, all while keeping an eye on the bottom line.