Chef Nalan, whose real name is Shine Vijayan and who is also known as Nalan Shine, is a Kerala-based chef, culinary entrepreneur and food educator known for promoting traditional Kerala cuisine with a contemporary approach. He was born in Kollam, Kerala, in 1977. His professional identity as Chef Nalan grew from his passion for Kerala’s food traditions and his desire to preserve recipes and cooking techniques that are gradually disappearing.
Interestingly, reports state that the name “Nalan Shine” was given to him by actor Mohanlal. Nalan has said that his interest in cooking originated in childhood, particularly from watching and experiencing his mother’s cooking. However, he did not immediately make cooking his full-time profession; according to a profile about his career, he seriously pursued his childhood passion professionally at around the age of 39.
Culinary Style
Chef Nalan specialises particularly in traditional Kerala food, but often introduces creative presentation and contemporary elements. His philosophy places considerable emphasis on the connection between food, wellness and traditional knowledge, including influences from Ayurvedic food traditions. His official website describes food as something that can restore balance and wellbeing rather than simply satisfy hunger.
Some dishes associated with him include Vazhappoovu Biryani, Fish Dhamaka and Ambrosia Tea, along with traditional Kerala preparations such as red rice, kanthari chammanthi, muthassi rasam and ethakka pulissery. Many ingredients used in his cooking are sourced from his own organic farm, reflecting his interest in farm-to-table and sustainable cooking.
Chef Nalan Culinary Academy
A major part of his work is the Chef Nalan Culinary Academy & Hospitality at Manarcad in Kottayam. Through the academy, he teaches culinary skills and promotes Kerala’s traditional recipes among aspiring chefs and hospitality students.
In 2024, The New Indian Express highlighted his efforts to preserve Kerala’s culinary heritage, particularly recipes and traditional techniques that he believes are disappearing because of changing food habits. He has argued that preserving authentic Kerala cuisine could also contribute to food tourism in the state.
His academy has also attracted students from outside Kerala. In 2024, hotel-management students from Tamil Nadu visited the academy to learn preparations including kanthari-manga chammanthi, chakka avial, muthassi rasam and ethakka pulissery.
Public Presence
Beyond his academy and culinary ventures, Chef Nalan has built a strong public presence through television appearances, interviews and social media food content. He gained further recognition through his involvement in the Malayalam television cooking-entertainment show Comedy Cooks, where his culinary expertise and entertaining personality introduced him to a wider television audience.
His distinctive appearance and presentation, often combining traditional Kerala attire such as the mundu with a contemporary style, have also become part of his public identity. His television exposure, particularly through Comedy Cooks, helped establish him as a familiar personality beyond the professional culinary world.
Overall, Chef Nalan is known not only as a chef and television personality but also as an advocate for Kerala’s traditional culinary heritage. His work brings together cooking, entertainment, culinary education, entrepreneurship and efforts to preserve traditional Kerala recipes for younger generations.
Frequently Asked Questions About Chef Nalan
Chef Nalan, also known as Nalan Shine, is a Kerala-based chef, culinary entrepreneur and educator specialising in traditional Kerala cuisine with modern influences.
Chef Nalan’s real name is Shine Vijayan. He is widely known professionally as Chef Nalan or Nalan Shine.
Chef Nalan was born in Kollam, Kerala. His culinary academy and hospitality venture are currently based in Manarcad, Kottayam.
He is particularly known for preserving traditional Kerala recipes and presenting them creatively. Signature creations associated with him include Vazhappoovu Biryani, Fish Dhamaka and Ambrosia Tea.
Chef Nalan Culinary Academy & Hospitality is his culinary training initiative in Manarcad, Kottayam. It provides culinary education while placing special emphasis on Kerala’s traditional food, cooking techniques and culinary heritage.