Once, he washed dishes for a living. Today, he is a Padma Shri winner and entered world records for cooking 617 dishes in a day. Who is Chef Damu?
Published on: June 28, 2026, 3:38 p.m. | Source: The Economic Times
From washing dishes to earning a Padma Shri, Chef Damodharan's journey is an inspiration. This culinary maestro, a PhD holder in culinary arts, is celebrated for his mastery of Tamil cuisine, from Chettinad's spices to traditional vegetarian fare. His passion led to a Guinness World Record for cooking 617 dishes in 24.5 hours. Chef Damu's dedication has put local Tamil dishes on the global stage, solidifying his legacy.
