Vivek Singh (born 6 May 1971) is an Indian-born British chef and restaurateur. He is the Executive Chef and CEO of the Cinnamon Collection, a group of modern Indian restaurants in the United Kingdom. Singh is a regular guest on the BBCâÂÂs food programmes, including Saturday Kitchen.
Vivek Singh was born and raised in a coal-mining community in Asansol, West Bengal, India, where his father worked as a mining engineer. He attended St. PatrickâÂÂs School in Asansol.
He studied at IHM Pusa, New Delhi, from 1990 to 1993. In 1993, he was selected for the Oberoi Centre for Learning and Development, receiving culinary training at the Maidens Hotel and Oberoi flight services.
Singh began his professional career at Oberoi Flight Services in Mumbai and later worked at the Oberoi Grand in Kolkata. He oversaw operations at Gharana, a restaurant specializing in royal Indian cuisine.
In 1998, Singh became Executive Chef at Rajvilas in Jaipur, where he met restaurateur Iqbal Wahhab. Their collaboration led to the launch of The Cinnamon Club in London in 2001.
In 2001, Singh opened The Cinnamon Club in Westminster, London. The restaurant became known for reinterpreting traditional Indian dishes using modern techniques. Reviewing shortly after its opening, The Guardian called it âÂÂa stylish dining experience with serious culinary ambition.â In later years, The Telegraph praised the restaurant's blend of fine dining and Indian regional flavours.
Cinnamon Kitchen & Anise opened in 2008 in the City of London. Reviewing the restaurant, Evening Standard critic Fay Maschler described Singh as âÂÂa gifted cook creating striking and exciting dishes.âÂÂ
Cinnamon Bazaar opened in Covent Garden in 2016. In 2017, it was awarded a Bib Gourmand by the Michelin Guide.
In 2018, Singh opened Cinnamon Kitchen Battersea in the redeveloped Battersea Power Station in London. The restaurant serves contemporary Indian cuisine.
In 2025, Singh expanded the Cinnamon Kitchen brand to Leeds, opening in The Queens Hotel. The menu draws inspiration from Indian railway journeys.
Cinnamon Bazaar Richmond opened in 2024 in southwest London as a second location of the Bazaar concept.
Cinnamon Kitchen Oxford opened in 2017 and was SinghâÂÂs first restaurant outside London. It closed in 2021.
Singh has made frequent appearances on BBCâÂÂs Saturday Kitchen and Channel 4âÂÂs My Kitchen Rules UK.
Singh has presented at international culinary events including Gourmet Abu Dhabi and a collaborative journey on the Maharajas' Express.
Singh has supported charitable organisations including Action Against Hunger and Find Your Feet. He has hosted annual Diwali fundraising events and participated in the Curry for Change campaign.
He has collaborated with the PrinceâÂÂs Trust and the Mosaic Network to mentor young people from disadvantaged backgrounds. He has also worked with the UK governmentâÂÂs Asian Restaurant Skills Board.
Singh is married and resides in South London.