Novotel Guwahati GS Road has appointed Cham Hun Chakhap as its new executive chef, the hotel announced Thursday. Chef Cham joins the property following a distinguished culinary career spanning more than two decades in India and across South Asia.
Chef Cham began his kitchen career in 2005 as section coordinator chef at Le Royal Méridien in Mumbai. He held key leadership roles at several high-profile properties, including Renaissance Mumbai Convention Centre, Marriott Executive Apartments, Shangri La Eros New Delhi, Hotel Kiranshree Grand Guwahati, InterContinental Marine Drive Mumbai and The Westin Pune. Most recently, he served as the pre opening executive chef at Vivanta Chitwan in Nepal. His experience covers an expansive range of cuisines, such as Pan-Asian, Indian, Western and Tandoor, and reflects a deep understanding of global culinary trends.
Chef Cham is a graduate of NEIMS College in Assam, combining formal academic training with extensive on the job experience.
Novotel Guwahati General Manager Manmeet Singh praised the new chef. “We are thrilled to welcome Chef Cham Hun to our team,” Singh said. “His passion, innovation and multicultural culinary influences will not only enrich our offerings but also reinforce our commitment to delivering exceptional dining experiences to our guests.”
Originally from Namphake, Naharkatia in Assam, Chef Cham has travelled extensively through China, Malaysia, Myanmar, Thailand, Singapore and Nepal. He draws special inspiration from Thailand’s vibrant street food scene.
The appointment comes amid a period of rapid development at Novotel Guwahati GS Road. In December 2024, the hotel unveiled two new banquet halls and a multi cuisine venue called 188 Down Town. The banquet spaces, named Grand and Royal Celebrations, add 3,800 and 3,000 square feet of event area. The restaurant offers café, restaurant and bar experiences in a single venue.
Novotel Guwahati also earlier introduced sustainability initiatives, such as adding electric vehicles to its fleet and earning the Green Key certification, marking the first EV program at a five star property in Northeast India.
Chef Cham will be responsible for overseeing all culinary operations at the hotel, including menu development, kitchen management and fostering innovation across multiple dining venues, banquet services and in room dining. His leadership is expected to raise culinary standards and enhance guest satisfaction.
Novotel Guwahati GS Road is part of the global Accor network and aligns its culinary team with Accor’s ethos of delivering diverse and immersive guest experiences. The hotel’s culinary vision now reflects Chef Cham’s eclectic style and regional influences against Novotel’s focus on experiential hospitality.
