“In the kaleidoscope of my first camera’s lens, I glimpsed the captivating world of culinary artistry—a journey that began decades ago and still dances on today. From humble beginnings catering at the British and American consulates to earning several prestigious awards, Cottagechef embodies a fusion of passion and creativity. Alongside Mugdha Savkar, we’ve traversed con
tinents, documenting food traditions, penning enchanting cookbooks, and founding a Boutique Media House. Travel to food and wildlife, what we capture is a vibrant narrative, weaving tales of culture, flavor, and innovation. And through workshops, we kindle the flames of inspiration in people and brands, guiding them to craft their own legacies. Cottagechef isn’t just a brand, it’s a symphony, a celebration of the timeless connection between food and the human spirit. What you are about to see is just a brief overview of our work.”

An acclaimed chef, author and wildlife enthusiast Michael Swamy, whose in depth study of the history of several cuisines has earned him the distinction of being called “the historian chef”. His love for nature and wildlife is also reflected in his style of cooking which makes maximum use of local ingredients at hand that can be made on a crackling bonfire in the middle of a jungle as well. Having studied at the prestigious Le Cordon Bleu in London, he is a Gourmand Award-winning author himself, Chef Michael believes in taking food and cuisine beyond the confines of a dinner table. His culinary journeys have had him cooking in the mountains and jungles of India. From Bush cooking to regional cooking and all presented in a new avatar each time.
Conceptualised and Headed Food teams on various food shows
• Star TV. Masterchef India Season I & II
* Sony TV Sanjeev Kapoor Ki Khiladi
* BBC Ravinders Kitchen Season II
• TLC Stay Home Chef with Rishi Desai
* FOX Life Twist of Taste Season 3 & 4
• Canadian High Commission
* Whirlpool Appliances
• Pesca Fresh
* Yahoo Cuisines
• India Food Network
* Australia Broadcast Channel 2007

Curated Events
• Mahua Festival With Pugdundee Safaris in Madhya Pradesh 2024
• Bhutan to Hindustan with Veen Water & Accor group A 4 city Festival 2024
* Anglo Indian and Indo-Portuguese Popups at Roseate Hotel Delhi 2023
• Indo-Portuguese Popups at Trident Gurgaon 2022
• Food Media Workshop for National Geographic 2022
• Indian Food Festival Miami 2016
• The IZUZU Food Festival Mumbai 2019
• SAAG Food For Thought Festival Delhi & Ahmedabad 2018-2024
• Cooking Wild & Earthen @ Japalouppe Equestrian Centre
* Jim’s Jungle Retreat Corbett & With Pugdundee Safaris Madhya Pradesh
• Pairing food with wine With Pernod Ricard A 5 city tour 2013-2014
• Cooking with beer Marriott Courtyard
• Indo-French Cuisine & South American Cuisine Events In Delhi
• Art & Food Workshop in Delhi 2019
• Ambassadors dinner in Delhi & Mumbai
Consultant Past & Present
• JKR Resorts & Spa
• Camp Utsav Sariska
• VEEN Water
• Te Aroha Dhanachuli
• Pugdundee Safaris: Kanha | Pench | Satpura | Bhandhavgarh | Tadoba
• Hindustan Unilever Mumbai
• Kelloggs India
• Chef Patron Nueva Delhi
• Peppermill Cafe Bangalore
• Marriott Group India
• South Asian Association For Gastronomy
• Bowl House
• Bharat Petroleum

Awards
• 2023 -Best Travel and Food Photographer “Better Kitchens”
• 2016 – Gourmand Award Best Food Photographer – India
• 2014 -Gourmand Award for ‘Easy Guide to Pairing Indian Food &
Wine’ in the category ‘Best Matching Food & Drinks Book’ (India).
• 2013 & 2014-Featured as one of India’s 50 Master Chefs in a book
compiled by the Indian Culinary Forum and Better Kitchens Maga
zine.
* 2012-Gourmand Award for ‘The East Indian Kitchen’ in the category
‘Best Indian Cookbook’

Educational & Professional Associations

* Guest Faculty for Food Media
* WGSHA Manipal | Symbiosis
* Canadian High Commission
* Peru & Chilean Consulates
* Brand Ambassador
* Veen Water
* Publishers
* Bloomsbury | Om Books International | Westland| Penguin | Wilco
* Editor
* Finedining Indian | Samyati Magazine