Our Story
House of Chettinad was born from a land where food is more than nourishment—it is heritage, memory, and reverence.
I grew up in Karaikudi, the heart of Chettinad, where every meal was prepared with care, layered with spices traded across seas, and shared with a spirit of generosity. My earliest lessons came from my family kitchen—recipes whispered from one generation to the next, each dish carrying the essence of our homeland’s bold and intricate flavors.
For centuries, the Chettiar community has been merchants, travelers, and visionaries, bringing back influences from Burma, Ceylon, and beyond. In the same spirit, I carry forward those traditions, reimagining them for today. Every plate at House of Chettinad is both a tribute to my ancestors and a promise to share the richness of this hidden cuisine with the world.
This is more than dining—it is a journey into the soul of Chettinad, told through fire, spice, and memory
Meet Chef Mahendran Gunasekaran
Founder & Executive Chef – House of Chettinad
Born and raised in the culturally rich region of Chettinad, Karaikudi, Chef Mahendran Gunasekaran grew up in a home where food was revered and tradition was honored through every meal. With over 22 years of global culinary experience spanning South India, Dubai, Canada, and the United States, he brings a rare depth of knowledge and technique to every dish he creates.
Chef Mahendran’s journey has been shaped by mentorship under master chefs around the world, which gave him a broad perspective and an appreciation for refined cooking styles. Drawing on this, he launched Neo Chettinad—a modern interpretation of the traditional cuisine of his homeland—introducing diners to bold, complex flavors presented with contemporary finesse.
Through House of Chettinad, Chef Mahendran is on a mission to bring Chettinad’s rich and underrepresented culinary heritage to the forefront of global dining. His menus pay homage to centuries-old recipes while embracing innovation through gastronomic techniques, thoughtful plating, and curated pairings. From rich vegetarian offerings to layered non-vegetarian specialties, his culinary vision is further complemented by a refined, infused mocktail program that elevates and completes the dining experience.
