Meet Executive Chef & Co-Owner, Simmi Kumar

With over 30 years of experience, Chef Simmi has been perfecting the art of traditional Indian cooking through family recipes passed down from generations of mothers to daughters. Her journey began at just 17, preparing meals for large family gatherings, where she quickly became known for her natural ability to cook from the heart— never relying on written measurements, instead letting instinct and love guide every dish. After immigrating to San Francisco in her early 20s, she not only launched her first business, Simmi’s Boutique, but also remained deeply involved in her children's lives, all while nurturing her culinary talent and soon becoming a staple at school fundraisers and local festivals.

In 2024, Chef Simmi launched Tandoori Life Catering, teaming up with her eldest son, Chef Rohan, who shares her passion for bringing rich flavors and the authentic palates of Delhi to the Bay Area. Together, they create unforgettable culinary experiences, whether catering intimate gatherings or large-scale events. At Tandoori Life, every dish is crafted with instinct, love, and generations of culinary wisdom, making it the go-to choice for exceptional Indian catering.

Meet Our Sous Chef, & Co-Owner Rohan Kumar

Born in New Delhi, raised in San Francisco, Chef Rohan’s culinary journey began alongside his mother, Chef Simmi. Immigrating to the United States at the age of 3, Chef Rohan developed a passion for cooking early on, launching his career straight out of high school by working for one of San Francisco’s most renowned catering companies. With 14 years of industry experience under his belt, Chef Rohan is driven to build and establish Tandoori Life Catering as more than just a family business. As Sous Chef, he is mastering his mother’s time-honored recipes while managing kitchen operations with creativity and dedication.

Chef Rohan's hard work and commitment to showcasing the authentic flavors of Delhi from our kitchen to your workforce are evident in every dish. Alongside his role in the kitchen, he is a proud father of three, balancing family life with his love for cooking. Whether it's perfecting traditional recipes or ensuring the kitchen runs smoothly, Chef Rohan brings both passion and professionalism to every event.