Minal Patel is the Head Chef of award-winning Indian restaurant Prashad, leading the team for over 20 years. She blends traditional Gujarati and family recipes with her flair for all things fine dining.

Prashad shot to fame in 2010, finishing runner-up on Ramsay’s Best Restaurant UK, after which Minal had the opportunity to train under Michelin-starred chefs Gordon Ramsay and Atul Kochhar.

Under Minal, Prashad has been awarded The MICHELIN Guide’s Bib Gourmand for the last 13 years, alongside two AA Rosettes. They are one of only two restaurants in Yorkshire to be awarded both.

She was also the first female chef to win the coveted ‘Chef of the Year’ award at the 2025 Oliver Awards.

Minal represented the North East and Yorkshire on the 2025 season of Great British Menu, impressing veteran judge Michael O’Hare with her authentic Gujarati cuisine. Prashad has also been featured on the likes of the BBC’s ‘Hairy Bikers Go Local’ and ‘The Hidden World of Hospitality’ with Tom Kerridge.

For more of Minal’s recipes and kitchen secrets, check out [@Prashad_Veggie](https://www.instagram.com/prashad_veggie/) on Instagram.