Chef
Niven Patel
- Discipline
- Chef
- Based in
- Miami, Florida, United States
i. Biography
Food & Wine named Niven Patel a Best New Chef in 2020. The recognition pointed to a Miami practice built around Modern Indian cooking, farm-to-table sourcing, bold traditional flavors, and produce grown at Rancho Patel, his two-acre organic farm in Homestead, Florida.
The Climb
Ingredient-led coastal cooking formed an early part of the discipline, with Niven Patel cooking as chef at 3030 Ocean Restaurant at the Harbor Beach Resort and Spa in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The current work spans multiple Miami operations: Executive Chef of Ghee Indian Kitchen, Executive Chef of Mamey, Executive Chef of Erba, and Executive Chef of Aya Hospitality Group.
The Work Today
Farm proximity drives the menu structure at Ghee Indian Kitchen, where much of the produce comes from Rancho Patel. That supply shows up in dishes such as Backyard Pakoras, crunchy chickpea flour-battered fritters, and biryani made by cooking down farm produce and layering it with rice. “I want my guests to walk into Ghee with the sense of entering my home. I want them to feel at home. I want them to smell the aromas and spices... And get more engaged in their meal.” “More people are aware of what’s going into their bodies, and it helps position chefs and restaurants like us. People are seeking out quality over quantity.” “For me, it’s consistency and quality. And that’s what Niman offers—that quality year-round, and in quantity. That’s usually the hardest part about working with small farms.”
Honors
The published recognition includes Food & Wine Best New Chefs (2020) for Niven Patel.
Profile updated July 2026
FAQ
Asked of Niven
What role does Niven Patel hold?
Niven Patel is chef and owner of Ghee Indian Kitchen.
Where did Niven Patel work before?
Earlier in their career, Niven Patel worked at 3030 Ocean Restaurant at the Harbor Beach Resort and Spa.
What recognition has Niven Patel received?
Food & Wine Best New Chefs (2020).
