Legendary chef Imitiaz Qureshi passed away at the age of 93 on February 16. According to the family, Chef Qureshi passed away due to age-related ailments. He had been in the hospital for the last 14 days and due to some complications he died early morning on Friday. Chef Imitiaz Qureshi left behind a massive legacy and fans who will forever remember him as the original Master Chef of India!
Imitiaz Qureshi Passes Away At 93, Leaves Behind An Unparalleled Legacy
The Indian culinary scene lost a gem on February 16 when Padma Shri Imitiaz Qureshi passed away in Mumbai. As per Chef Qureshi’s son Ishtiyaque Qureshi, he had no specific health condition. Although he was diabetic and had several problems related to that. His age has been attributed as the main reason for his demise.
Born in Lucknow in 1931, Chef Imitiaz Qureshi had an illustrious career. He is known for reviving the ‘Dum Pukht’ cooking tradition and bringing Awadhi cuisine into the spotlight. He was the Master Chef at ITC Hotels and built the culinary brand – Bukhara during his time there. The extremely famous Dal Bukhara, Dum Pukht Biryani, Kakori Kebab, and Warqi Paratha are some of his popular creations at Bukhara. In 2016, he was honoured with the Padma Shri for his culinary contributions to India. Chef Qureshi became the first chef ever to win this award in this category.
Tributes Pour In For The OG Master Chef Of India
As the news of his demise broke out, tributes and condolences for Chef Imtiaz Qureshi and his family poured all over the Internet. Many celebrities and popular chefs shared anecdotes of their meeting with the legendary chef. Heartfelt messages and tributes flooded social media.
Deeply saddened on hearing the heartbreaking news of the demise of Padma Shri Chef Mr. Imitiaz Qureshi. 💔
Your culinary creations inspired many people and will forever be a source of comfort. Rest in eternal peace, Chef. Your legacy will never be forgotten. 🕊️#rip #peace… pic.twitter.com/RbnZQiZIvD
— Sanjeev Kapoor (@SanjeevKapoor) February 16, 2024
Rest In Peace Imtiaz Qureshi who,in his years at @ITCHotels, transformed North Indian restaurant food by popularising the haute cuisine of Awadh and who invented the Dum Pukth biryani that is still the model for all North Indian biryani served everywhere in the world pic.twitter.com/8fUinVQmcs
— vir sanghvi (@virsanghvi) February 16, 2024
With great sadness and a heavy heart, I regret to inform you of the heartbreaking news of the passing of Padmashree Chef Mr. Imtiaz Qureshi, who departed from this world earlier this morning. His culinary legacy and contributions will forever be remembered and cherished. May his… pic.twitter.com/o4NE0dAPg7
— Kunal Kapur (@ChefKunalKapur) February 16, 2024
Chef Ranveer Brar talked about having Imtiaz Qureshi’s food for the first time and how his food changed the culinary landscape of Indian restaurants.
As a Lucknow boy with dreams of becoming a chef, the folklore of Imtiaz Qureshi is something I grew up with.
It was around 1998-1999 when I was working as a trainee chef at the Taj Palace in Delhi.
I remember once taking the Rs. 612/- I had earned to ITC Maurya next door and… pic.twitter.com/XaICbf2T3j— Ranveer Brar (@ranveerbrar) February 16, 2024
Sad to learn that Padma Shri Master Chef Imtiaz Qureshi has passed away.
He was a culinary genius & a man full of zeal for life!! He was also the modern day father of Awadhi Cuisine & his Biryani was legendary amongst everything else he fed the world…My deepest heartfelt… pic.twitter.com/vh4llMdINX
— Adnan Sami (@AdnanSamiLive) February 16, 2024
Legendary chef and Padma Shri recipient Imtiaz Qureshi passes away. His contribution to Indian cuisine is unparalleled. He revived the Dum Pukht tradition and reintroduced so many great dishes to Indian food lovers be it Sikandari Raan or Dal Bukhara.
May his soul Rest in… pic.twitter.com/iBNYx04EmI— Tara Deshpande (@Tara_Deshpande) February 16, 2024
Rest in peace, Chef Qureshi! Your genius has inspired many and left a generation of chefs trying to replicate your signature dishes. Our condolences to the chef’s family and friends.
Cover Image Courtesy: X/@ranveerbrar & website/India Today
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