Executive Chef of the Year - Vote NOW
Hailing from Nepal, Bishal Moktan is the Head Chef at Karma Kafé by Buddha-Bar Ras Al Khaimah, located at Hampton by Hilton Marjan Island, a position he has held for over a year. A master of the wok and with 14 years of experience in the F&B sector in hotels and resorts under his belt, Moktan brings unrivaled expertise in fusion Pan-Asian cuisine to Karma Kafé by Buddha-Bar’s kitchen.
Driven by a passion for creating memorable experiences through food, Moktan journeyed through the finest kitchens across Qatar and the UAE. He began his culinary career as a Commie Chef for Qatar Airways in 2007. In one short year, he was positioned at Fusion in Le Royal Meridien Resort & Spa as a Chef de Partie, where he worked for four years and began his vocation in Pan-Asian cuisine as he tended to room service for 500 rooms. He continued to hone his skill in the art of Pan-Asian cuisine at Sontaya in St Regis Saadiyat Island Resort & Spa between 2012 and 2013, where he reported directly to the Executive Chef.
After a spell at Noche Chill Out Lounge at the Hilton Capital Grand, Abu Dhabi, between 2013 and 2014 where he specialized in Latin American cuisine, Moktan returned to Sonaya to pursue his passion for Pan-Asian cuisine.
In 2016, Moktan dabbled in Thai cuisine when he took on the role of Sous Chef at Fuchsia Restaurant as he handled its pre-opening, further expanding his already impressive arsenal in Pan-Asian cuisine. Two years later, in 2018, Moktan transitioned to a position at Buddha Bar in Grosvenor House the Luxury Collection Hotel Dubai, where he served the hotel’s 750-room capacity and developed the venue’s menu and recipes.
Moktan’s formidable experience in Pan-Asian cuisine soon led him to supervise the pre-opening for Karma Kafé by Buddha-Bar Ras Al Khaimah in August 2021, but this time as a Head Chef – a role he has embraced tremendously as he shares his vast understanding of Pan-Asian food with his team to deliver the highest quality and standards to the Marjan Island’s guests.
In addition to his extensive experience and deep understanding of Pan-Asian cuisine, Moktan was also trained in European cuisine by the Michelin three-star chef 'Gary Rhodes 2010' at Le Royal Meridien Beach Resort & Spa, Dubai.
