Born and raised in Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum), Kerala, India, Chef Hemant Kishore began his culinary journey at the age of 18, defying family expectations to follow his passion for cooking. He earned a degree in Hotel Management and trained at some of the finest luxury hotels in India before moving to New York to study at the prestigious Culinary Institute of America. While in culinary school, he honed his craft in several Michelin-starred restaurants, developing a refined approach to flavor and presentation.

Chef Hemant's career has spanned diverse roles, including Executive Pastry Chef at a beloved downtown Las Vegas coffee shop and at one of the city’s top catering companies. In recent years, he has curated exclusive pop-up dining experiences, collaborated with renowned chefs, and earned recognition in major food publications for his bold reimagining of South Indian cuisine.

Now, with Toddy Shop® – The Little Indian Bar, Chef Hemant brings the soulful, spice-laden drinking culture of Kerala to Las Vegas in a vibrant, contemporary setting. As the first Toddy Shop® in the United States, his vision combines authenticity with innovation—introducing a unique culinary and cultural experience to the American bar scene.