Quick Info
| Profession | Chef |
|---|---|
| Nationality | Nepalese, American |
| Birthplace | Kathmandu, Nepal |
| Date of Birth | 16/01/1980 |
| Age | 46 years |
Latest News about Suresh Sundas
15/05/2025
Suresh Sundas was awarded the Rising Culinary Star of the Year at the 43rd annual RAMMY Awards in Washington, D.C., celebrating his contributions to the city's culinary scene. The award highlighted his restaurant Daru's consistent recognition by the New York Times and its Michelin Bib Gourmand status.
20/04/2025
Suresh Sundas became the first Nepalese American finalist for the prestigious James Beard Award in 2025, marking a historic milestone for Nepalese cuisine in the United States. The award recognizes excellence in the culinary industry, and Sundas was honored for his innovative work at Daru and Tapori, which blends Nepalese and Indian street food traditions.
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Bio/Wiki
| Suresh Sundas is a Nepalese-American chef known for reimagining South Asian and Nepalese flavors with a focus on street food and tandoor cooking. He is the executive chef at Tapori and Daru in Washington, D.C., and was the first Nepalese American to be named a finalist for the James Beard Award. |
Physical Stats & More
| Eye Color | Black |
|---|---|
| Hair Color | Black |
Educational Qualification(s)
| School | Panchayat Higher Secondary School, Dharan, Sunsari |
|---|---|
| College/University | Tribhuwan University, Nepal |
| Degree | Bachelor of Commerce |
Personal Life
| Food Habit | Non-vegetarian |
|---|
Relationships & More
| Marital Status | Married |
|---|---|
| Marriage Date | 06/12/2008 |
Family
| Siblings | 2 Brothers |
|---|---|
| Spouse | Susmita Pariyar |
| Children | 1 Son, 1 Daughter |
Career
| Start | Suresh Sundas launched his culinary career at Rasika West End, a renowned Indian restaurant located in Washington, DC. |
|---|---|
| Partnership | In 2012, he collaborated with Dante Datta, where he specialized in tandoor cooking while Datta handled mixology. |
| Restaurant | In 2021, they established Daru near H Street NE. Initially aiming to create a bar with snacks, they shifted focus to serving substantial meals due to pandemic circumstances. |
| Vision | Sundas envisions Daru as a welcoming space for quick visits and special occasions alike. |
| Menu | His menu showcases unique dishes inspired by Indian street food, featuring creative and personal flavors that reflect his Nepali roots. Signature offerings include Black Garlic Lamb Chops and popular main courses like Wild Mushroom Biryani and Chicken Tikka Masala. |
| Awards | His restaurant gained acclaim, being recognized by the New York Times as one of the top 50 eateries in 2022 and winning the Michelin Bib Gourmand award consistently. In 2025, he was honored with the Rising Culinary Star of the Year award at the 43rd annual RAMMY Awards, celebrating excellence in Washington, D.C.'s culinary scene. In 2025, he became the first Nepalese American finalist for the James Beard Award. |
| Seasonal Focus | He emphasizes using seasonal ingredients to create vibrant, nature-inspired dishes. |
| Experience | He has over 17-18 years of culinary experience. |
Favourites
| Food |
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Social Media
| https://www.instagram.com/suresh_sundas/ | |
| https://www.facebook.com/suresh.sundas.7 | |
| https://www.linkedin.com/in/suresh-sunda-5a562362 |
Some Lesser Known Facts
| 1. Suresh Sundas began his career as a chef at Rasika West End, a well-known Indian restaurant in Washington, DC. | |
| 2. He met his business partner Dante Datta at work in 2012. | |
| 3. Initially, they aimed to open a bar with snacks but pivoted to focus on food due to the pandemic. | |
| 4. Sundas aims for Daru to be a welcoming spot for everyone, whether for a quick bite or a special celebration. | |
| 5. The restaurant’s menu highlights dishes inspired by Indian street food, underlining Sundas' creative culinary approach. | |
| 6. They have created signature dishes that are celebrated for their unique flavors, particularly the Black Garlic Lamb Chops that showcase his expertise in tandoor cooking. | |
| 7. His dishes are characterized by a connection to nature, being colorful and reflective of seasonal produce. | |
| 8. He is an executive chef at Tapori and Daru. | |
| 9. He is the first Nepalese American to be a finalist for the James Beard Award. |