Le Cordon Bleu mulling India entry

Dinkar Farwaha - Mumbai

(L-R)): Restaurateur Prahlad Kakkar, Chef Yann Barraud and Anil Malik, general manager ITC Hotel, The Grand Central

Chefs have a reason to delight, for Le Cordon Bleu, the leading culinary arts' school is considering India as a possible location. Yann Barraud, head technical chef, Cordon Bleu revealed this in an exclusive with Express Hospitality. "We have narrowed down on three locations (India, Malaysia and Singapore) and will be opening our culinary school in one of these countries soon," he informed.

The institute has not ruled out an alliance for its debut in these countries. Barraud said a tie-up with a hotel chain for its foray is possible.

Le Cordon Bleu is already present in Asia in Korea and Japan. It recently announced its plan to enter Thailand (Bangkok) by tying up with Dusit Hotels and Resorts, a Thailand-based hotel company. The Thailand school is expected to open this year.

Le Cordon Bleu was founded in Paris in 1895. In 1933, the school went international by establishing its presence in England (London). Since then, it has forayed in to five continents in 30 countries. The institute, whose unique feature is a hands-on approach to teaching, caters to French techniques of cuisine and patisserie. It offers both graduate and post graduate degree programs.