AboutChefRasel
Syed Rasel Ahmed, known as Chef Rasel, is executive chef at AVA Steakhouse & Grill in Romford, east London. Twenty-three years through the city's most prestigious hotels and some of its most demanding kitchens.
- Twenty-three years
- Mayfair Chef, 2007
- Halal fine dining
He began at The Biltmore London Mayfair under Brian Turner and Paul Bates, building a foundation in classical cuisine and the standards of a Grosvenor Square hotel. He also holds an NVQ Level 3 in professional cookery, pastry and confectionery, from Thames Valley University.
In 2007 he was named a Mayfair Chef winner. From there he moved through several of London's five-star kitchens: The Dorchester, InterContinental London Park Lane and Hilton London Park Lane. A spell alongside Gordon Ramsay sharpened the speed. Along the way he has cooked for members of the Royal Family.
Today he is executive chef at AVA Steakhouse, one of London's best-known halal fine dining steakhouses, where he runs the menu, the brigade and the suppliers. He cooks across Pan-Asian, classic French and modern British, and his pastry training shows on every dessert menu he writes.
Training
- Trinity College, LondonHND, Tourism and Hospitality Management, 2008
- Thames Valley University, EalingNVQ Level 3, Professional Cookery, Pastry and Confectionery, 2006 to 2007
- Professional Skills Development Institute, BangladeshNVQ Levels 1 and 2, Catering and Hospitality, 2004
- Food Hygiene and Safety, Level 3HACCP trained
Recognition
Questions about Chef Rasel
Short answers to what people most often ask.
Who is Chef Rasel?
Chef Rasel is Syed Rasel Ahmed, executive chef at AVA Steakhouse & Grill in Romford, east London. He has spent twenty-three years in professional kitchens, including The Dorchester, The Biltmore Mayfair and Gordon Ramsay Restaurants.
Every kitchen, in order →Where does Chef Rasel cook now?
At AVA Steakhouse & Grill, 222 South Street, Romford RM1 2AD, where he has been executive chef since 2025. He runs the menu, the brigade and the suppliers. Tables are booked through AVA's own website.
See the dishes →Where did Chef Rasel train?
He learned the trade at The Biltmore London Mayfair under Brian Turner and Paul Bates. He holds an NVQ Level 3 in Professional Cookery, Pastry and Confectionery from Thames Valley University, and an HND in Tourism and Hospitality Management from Trinity College, London.
What awards has Chef Rasel won?
He was named a Mayfair Chef winner in 2007, early in his career at The Biltmore London Mayfair. Years later, as senior sous chef at The Biltmore Mayfair, he was named team member of the month, back of house.
See the awards photographs →What food does Chef Rasel cook?
Steak over the open grill, Pan-Asian plates, classic French and modern British cooking. His pastry training shows on every dessert menu he writes.
See the dishes →Is AVA Steakhouse & Grill halal?
Yes. AVA Steakhouse & Grill in Romford is one of London's best-known halal fine dining steakhouses, and Chef Rasel is its executive chef.
Can I book Chef Rasel for private dining, an event or consultancy?
Yes. He writes menus for private dinners and events, from birthdays to corporate dinners, agreed in advance. For restaurants and hotels he offers menu writing, brigade training and kitchen set-up.
Send an enquiry →How do journalists contact Chef Rasel?
Use the contact form on this site and choose Press and media, and Rasel will come back to you.
Press and media →
