Reena Pushkarna (Israeli Celebrity Chef) Biography

Quick Info

Profession	Celebrity Chef
Nationality	Israeli
Date of Birth	10/02/1958
Age	68 years
Birthplace	New Delhi, India

Latest News about Reena Pushkarna

20/06/2026

Reena Pushkarna, known as the 'Curry Queen of Israel', curated a special kosher vegetarian menu for Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his historic visit to Israel in June 2026. The meal was prepared at the residence of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, highlighting the deep culinary diplomacy between the two nations and showcasing Pushkarna's continued role as a cultural ambassador.

15/05/2026

Reena Pushkarna was featured in a major international profile celebrating her 43-year journey in the Israeli culinary scene. The article highlighted her founding of PRESCO Food Industries in 2003, her expansion of restaurant empires to Singapore and Macau, and her recognition with the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award in 2023 for her contributions to Indian culture abroad.

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Bio/Wiki

Nickname	Curry Queen of Israel
Known For	Preparing meals for world leaders Curating special vegetarian menu for Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his visits to Israel (2026) Introducing Indian cuisine to Israel through her restaurant empire Building cultural bridges between India and Israel through food diplomacy

Physical Stats & More

Height	5' 4" (163 cm)
Eye Color	Black
Hair Color	Light Ash Brown

Personal Life

Religion	Hinduism
Heritage	Mother is Iraqi-Jewish; Father is Sikh

Relationships & More

Marital Status	Married
Marriage Date	1975
Spouse Details	Vinod Pushkarna, Captain in the Merchant Navy

Family

Father	Col. Arjun Singh
Mother	Matilda
Siblings	Anil Rita Anita
Spouse	Vinod Pushkarna
Children	Kunal Pushkaran Sarina Pushkaran

Career

Overview	Reena Pushkarna, a prominent chef and restaurateur, has played a significant role in introducing Indian cuisine to Israel. Her journey began with her formal establishment of restaurants that catered to both vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes, highlighting the rich culinary traditions of India. She has expanded her business empire to Singapore and Macau, and produced kosher Indian food products for international markets.
Achievements	Opened Ichikadana, the first South Indian restaurant in Israel in 1983, which faced initial challenges but laid the groundwork for her subsequent ventures. Established Tandoori restaurant in 1984, which quickly gained popularity and expanded to multiple locations. Pioneered fine dining Indian cuisine in Israel, educating locals about Indian culture through food and hospitality. Grew her restaurant empire to include several establishments across Singapore, Israel, and Macau. Founded PRESCO Food Industries in 2003, introducing Indian kosher ready-to-eat meals to the Israeli market, working with well-known brands and institutions. Recognized in 2023 with the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award for her contributions to Indian culture abroad. Opened Ichakdana, the first South Indian restaurant in Israel in 1983, which faced initial challenges but laid the groundwork for her subsequent ventures. Established Tandoori restaurant in 1984 in Jerusalem, which quickly gained popularity and expanded to multiple locations across Israel. Grew her restaurant empire to include eight Indian restaurants and seven fast-food establishments across Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, and Herzliya Pituach. Expanded internationally by opening Pita Pan, an all-vegetarian Mediterranean restaurant at Marina Bay Sands Singapore in 2011, with additional locations in Macau. Founded PRESCO Food Industries in 2003, introducing Indian kosher ready-to-eat meals to the Israeli market, supplying to the Israeli Army, El Al Airlines, Korean Air, Air India, Unilever, and international markets. Recognized in 2023 with the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award from President Draupadi Murmu and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar for her contributions to Indian culture abroad. Served as India consultant for Marina Bay Sands senior management, assisting in establishing Indian offices and organizing major events. Hosted diplomatic dinners and peace talks, including Israeli-Palestinian peace negotiations facilitated by Norway in 1993 at her Tel Aviv restaurant. Cooked approximately 400 kilograms of biryani for Israeli soldiers near the Gaza border.

Overview

Reena Pushkarna, a prominent chef and restaurateur, has played a significant role in introducing Indian cuisine to Israel. Her journey began with her formal establishment of restaurants that catered to both vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes, highlighting the rich culinary traditions of India. She has expanded her business empire to Singapore and Macau, and produced kosher Indian food products for international markets.

Achievements

Opened Ichikadana, the first South Indian restaurant in Israel in 1983, which faced initial challenges but laid the groundwork for her subsequent ventures.
Established Tandoori restaurant in 1984, which quickly gained popularity and expanded to multiple locations.
Pioneered fine dining Indian cuisine in Israel, educating locals about Indian culture through food and hospitality.
Grew her restaurant empire to include several establishments across Singapore, Israel, and Macau.
Founded PRESCO Food Industries in 2003, introducing Indian kosher ready-to-eat meals to the Israeli market, working with well-known brands and institutions.
Recognized in 2023 with the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award for her contributions to Indian culture abroad.
Opened Ichakdana, the first South Indian restaurant in Israel in 1983, which faced initial challenges but laid the groundwork for her subsequent ventures.
Established Tandoori restaurant in 1984 in Jerusalem, which quickly gained popularity and expanded to multiple locations across Israel.
Grew her restaurant empire to include eight Indian restaurants and seven fast-food establishments across Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, and Herzliya Pituach.
Expanded internationally by opening Pita Pan, an all-vegetarian Mediterranean restaurant at Marina Bay Sands Singapore in 2011, with additional locations in Macau.
Founded PRESCO Food Industries in 2003, introducing Indian kosher ready-to-eat meals to the Israeli market, supplying to the Israeli Army, El Al Airlines, Korean Air, Air India, Unilever, and international markets.
Recognized in 2023 with the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award from President Draupadi Murmu and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar for her contributions to Indian culture abroad.
Served as India consultant for Marina Bay Sands senior management, assisting in establishing Indian offices and organizing major events.
Hosted diplomatic dinners and peace talks, including Israeli-Palestinian peace negotiations facilitated by Norway in 1993 at her Tel Aviv restaurant.
Cooked approximately 400 kilograms of biryani for Israeli soldiers near the Gaza border.

Social Media

Instagram	https://www.instagram.com/chefreenapushkarna/
Facebook	https://www.facebook.com/reena.pushkarna.7/

Some Lesser Known Facts

1. Reena Pushkarna was born into a military family in New Delhi, experiencing a pampered childhood.
2. She got married at 16 to a merchant navy officer and became a mother shortly after.
3. Spent nearly a decade traveling with her husband on the seas, enhancing her culinary skills by learning from international chefs.
4. Overcame early setbacks in her restaurant ventures to become a prominent figure in the culinary scene of Israel.
5. Was one of the first to introduce advanced Indian culinary techniques and fine dining concepts to the Israeli public.
6. Reena Pushkarna was born into a military family in New Delhi, with her father being a Sikh army officer and her mother being Iraqi-Jewish.
7. She got married at 16 to Vinod Pushkarna, a merchant navy officer whom she first met at age 12.
8. Spent nine years traveling with her husband on merchant navy ships, enhancing her culinary skills by learning from international chefs from different countries.
9. Her restaurant Tandoori in Tel Aviv served as the venue for Israeli-Palestinian peace talks in 1993.
10. Benjamin Netanyahu had his first date with his future wife Sara Ben-Artzi at her Tandoori restaurant in Tel Aviv in 1990.
11. Joined Prime Minister Ariel Sharon's delegation to India in 2003 and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's visit to India in January 2018.
12. Hosted notable guests including music director Zubin Mehta, actress Sophia Loren, Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin, and President Shimon Peres.
13. Invited to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's swearing-in ceremony in 2014.
14. In 2017, during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Israel, hosted a special kosher vegetarian meal for him at the home of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
15. Her daughter Sarina is based in Singapore and serves as Associate Director of Global Media Communications at Marina Bay Sands.

Reena Pushkarna Celebrity Chef Israeli New Delhi, India