Wyckoff’s
Dining Room

Paying homage to Charlotte Chandler Wyckoff, one of Kodaikanal’s earliest and prominent inhabitants, our restaurant is a quaint, personal, and inviting space. It’s designed to complement the experiential elements of a trip to Villa Retreat. From a dynamic menu to our Chef’s eclectic outlook to the culinary sciences, Wyckoff’s Diner is an extension of the warmth that runs through the property at Villa Retreat.

Meet the Chef

Wycokff’s Diner is headed by our chef, Shadab, who boasts more than 20 years of experience in travel, hospitality and of course, cooking! We caught up with him and he gave us a little glimpse into the kitchen here at Villa Retreat, his influences, beliefs and ideas. Here’s what he had to say!

So, what brought him here?
Let’s ask Shadab!

“Before coming to Kodai, the only thing I knew was that I wanted to be somewhere in the mountains. Most of my options were in the North East, but Zoheb reached out to me after we were put in touch by a mutual friend. He invited me down to Kodai and I fell in love the second I set foot on the property. I was immediately drawn to not just the aesthetics or the vibe of the place itself, but to the opportunity it represented. The seasonal ingredients were key to me and the chance to base and run my own kitchen around the seasonal produce was something I couldn’t pass up.”

From day one, Shadab has been at work, innovating, experimenting and developing the menu here at Villa retreat. When he’s not in the kitchen, he can be seen jamming out with guests. A jovial and expressive person at heart, he wears his heart on his sleeve, and plays a crucial role in shaping the culture here at Villa Retreat

“I believe in cooking, not in cuisine” were the first words Shadab, the head chef at Villa Retreat, had for us.

– Shadab, Head Chef at Wyckoff’s Dining Room

A veteran of the hospitality industry, Shadab has worked with some of the largest hotel groups in the world. From serving in Dubai to some of India’s most prominent restaurants, he’s made a name for himself in the culinary world by virtue of his singular approach to cooking. Now, he’s brought his secrets to Villa Retreat, and he’s ready to share.

The secret – balance. “I believe that food should always be balanced and not overpowering in any one way.” This also alludes to his motivation to come to Kodai, where he gets direct access to seasonal produce that is constantly changing. This lets him experiment, and in the quaint and warm halls of Villa Retreat, he’s found a team and a culture that lets him thrive.