
From a young cook inspired by his mother to an award-winning chef with an international pedigree, Chef Pawan Dutta has carved a career defined by adaptability, creativity and care for his team. In this profile, he tells Crumb Wire how those values underpin both his menus and his vision at The Royce’s Showroom Bar in Melbourne.
What first sparked your love for food, and how did you get your start in the industry?
Really, it was watching my mother cook with such joy that sparked my early passion for all things culinary. That inspiration led me to pursue a B.Sc. in Hospitality and Hotel Management, where I realised this pathway was definitely for me. I was lucky enough to receive a few awards early on, which also inspired me.
What’s been your journey so far – from your first job to where you are now?
After completing my degree in Hotel Management, I began my career at Taj Fort Aguada in Goa. I then moved to Dubai to gain international experience at Madinat Jumeirah, followed by a role at Sharq Village and Spa by Ritz-Carlton in Doha.
I was fortunate to then join ‘The World‘, a mega-luxury residential yacht. Sailing globally for five years as the Head Chef of two of its seven restaurants. This was followed by stints at Conrad Maldives and Conrad Tokyo, after which I relocated to Australia. Here, I worked at Grossi Grill and ParkRoyal Monash before joining The Royce almost three years ago.
What have been some of your greatest achievements and challenges along the way?
I was the first first-year student to win a university-level culinary competition, and was then also awarded the Best Student Award in Culinary Arts. A career highlight includes leading a team that won ‘Best Restaurant in the World’ for Ithaa at Conrad Maldives at the World Luxury Awards in 2017, and most recently, being honoured as ‘Chef of the Year’ at the 2025 Victorian Accommodation Awards.
Joining The Royce in its refurbishment stage, with no equipment, no staff, no anything really – was quite the learning curve. Pretty proud of where we are now.
And while not a challenge in the traditional sense, the constant need to reinvent and innovate is one of the most engaging and rewarding aspects of the role.
Outside your property/properties, what are your current favourite food joints?
Some of my most memorable recent dining experiences in Melbourne have been at Philippe, Byrdi and San Telmo.
Which chefs and cuisines inspire you most – past or present?
My greatest inspirations have been the chefs who taught me foundational skills early in my career, as well as flavours and foods I’ve encountered on my extensive travels.
Having worked alongside chefs from such diverse countries and backgrounds has given me a really broad culinary perspective. This is reflected in my cooking, where I deliberately avoid being confined by traditional rules. So it’s probably a combination of those things.
My menus draw influences from a wide range of flavours, spanning Europe, South America, and Asia, while also doing justice to Australian produce – such as Moreton Bay bugs.
How do you think Australia’s food culture has evolved in recent years?
Australia’s food scene is always evolving, obviously fuelled by diverse cultures and the fresh, exciting produce and flavours accessible across the country. I think people are interested in the origin of their food and the process behind its creation.
I do feel that Melbourne is tending back to a little more high-end refinement in the whole dining experience too. Which happens to be a good thing for our Showroom Bar here at The Royce – where we tend towards opulence!
Any exciting food trends you’ve tried at home – or sneaked onto the menu?
At the hotel, we recently introduced a Hibachi grill, which I’m loving. It’s opened exciting opportunities through live-fire cooking – such as our Rock Lobster risotto.
Lately, at home, I’ve been exploring some plant-based cooking, experimenting with bold flavours and a more sustainable approach to food.
And finally, what do you love doing when you’re not in the kitchen/at the venue?
When I’m not in the kitchen, I find time to relax at home with my family and our gorgeous pet birds, catching up on favourite shows, sampling and savouring a good glass of wine or trying to find some time to hit some dining spots on my list. I’m also always up for a local travel adventure too, whenever I get the chance. Most recently, I’ve explored the Grampians, Mt Gambier and Phillip Island.
Find more food and drink updates on Crumb Wire.