At bonappétit.mu, we’re all about spotlighting the best talent in the industry. While big names often steal the limelight, there are many under-the-radar chefs who are equally deserving of recognition. One such chef is Rajiv Tapsee. With over two decades of experience in the culinary craft, Rajiv has mastered the art of turning simple ingredients into truly authentic dishes. And we believe it’s our duty to honour him today!
The Mauritian-born chef started his journey long before most of us even knew how to boil water. Rajiv began cooking in his family kitchen, whipping up snacks and appetisers from a super young age. His early creations quickly gained popularity among relatives, leading him to take on small orders and catering for local events which made him fall in love with the whole scene. No wonder he decided to take this passion to the next level and enrolled at École Hôtelière Sir Gaetan Duval right after school. This move opened doors for him to intern and work in some of Europe’s most prestigious kitchens and five-star hotels in Mauritius, including Beachcombers, Constance Prince Maurice, Maradiva, and Westin hotels.
Deciding that professional kitchen is exactly where he wants to be, Rajiv later joined Medley Cuisine, where he got to showcase his skills across a range of cuisines. COVID marked a new chapter for him, where he saw the opportunity to teach and inspire the next generation. It was a hit, and he has since decided to dedicate his time to both guiding and cooking. As a lecturer in culinary arts at Polytechnics Mauritius and co-founder of HappyFood—a catering service dedicated to showcasing Mauritian food culture—his name is definitely one to remember. You don’t land such a position without a fair amount of talent and skill, which Chef Rajiv certainly isn’t short of!
In the short time we spent with him, he turned up the heat and amazed us by cooking with high-quality products from BrandActiv. He clearly demonstrated how selecting quality products could enhance dishes and cater to diverse tastes. Keep your eyes peeled—his name will definitely be in the spotlight again!
