Sid is widely regarded as one of New Zealand’s most talented chefs and has been consistently recognised with numerous awards and accolades over the years. Sid was born in Chandigarh, India in 1980.The son of an Indian army general, Sid credits his father’s army discipline to his detailed approach to his work. At the age of 14 he went to hospitality school in Chennai followed by a short period of work experience in the Middle East (Oman) where his family was based at the time. Moving to New Zealand in 2000, Sid opened his first restaurant, Sidart in 2009 (sold 2021), Cassia in 2014 and acquired the iconic French Café in 2018. Renowned for his innovative and inspirational cooking, exposure to international cuisines influences chef’s desire to constantly push the boundaries of flavour, texture and artistic presentation.