Patel’s culinary journey began in the American South, where he was raised in a traditional Indian family. As a child, he spent hours preparing meals for his Gujarati-born parents, crafting menus that sparked his creativity and laid the foundation for a celebrated career. He pursued his dream at The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale’s Culinary Arts School, where he trained under Chef Dean Max at the renowned 3030 Ocean, a mentorship that shaped Patel’s understanding of flavor, technique, and kitchen management.
Patel’s farm-to-table philosophy took root during his time at The Brasserie in the Cayman Islands. There, he worked closely with the restaurant’s farm and fishing boats, experimenting with ingredients like wahoo and yellowfin tuna, which fueled his passion for sustainability and seasonality. By the time he returned to Miami, Patel was ready to bring his vision to life.
In 2017, Patel opened Ghee Indian Kitchen in Downtown Dadeland, which quickly earned Eater Miami’s Restaurant of the Year. With its focus on fresh, local ingredients, Ghee became a culinary destination, earning a Michelin Bib Gourmand.
Over the years, Patel’s talent has been widely recognized and he is described by The New York Times as “one of Miami’s best-known and promising young chefs.”
Restaurants
Ghee Indian Kitchen is the beating heart of Patel’s Feal Hospitality Group, celebrated for its bold, modern take on Indian cuisine. Tucked into a bustling shopping mall in Kendall, Ghee offers a menu rooted in Patel’s Indian heritage while championing South Florida’s seasonal produce. Named after clarified butter, a staple of Indian cooking, Ghee embodies the philosophy of ‘purity’ in its warm, welcoming dining room. The open kitchen and sleek interiors invite diners to witness dishes like smoky roasted vegetables and fragrant curries come together. Publications such as The New York Times and The Infatuation have praised the restaurant for its innovative, ingredient-driven approach, dubbing it “Indian food done Miami style.”
Patel and restaurateur Mohamed Alkassar have extended the Feal Hospitality ethos to several other ventures. Inspired by Patel’s time in Florence, Erba showcases handmade pasta, focusing on seasonal, local ingredients. NiMo Coastal Mediterranean highlights fresh seafood with breezy, coastal-inspired dishes. Orno, a New American concept, serves as a neighborhood hub, while Paya explores the diverse cuisines of the Caribbean, Southeast Asia, and Spain’s islands.
Much of the venture's produce comes directly from Rancho Patel, Patel’s farm in Homestead, reflecting the group’s dedication to sustainability. Their commitment earned Feal Hospitality a James Beard Award semifinalist nod for Outstanding Restaurateur, cementing their role in shaping Miami’s culinary landscape.
Recipes and dishes
At Ghee Indian Kitchen, Patel reimagines Indian cuisine with Miami’s tropical bounty, creating bold, ingredient-driven dishes deeply rooted in tradition and seasonality. Sourcing much of his produce from his Homestead farm, Rancho Patel, Patel crafts a menu that evolves with what’s freshest, earning accolades from critics and the Michelin Guide, which described his offerings as “flavor-packed.”
Patel’s signature dishes highlight his ability to merge Indian flavors with South Florida’s vibrant ingredients. Vibrant street snacks get a local upgrade with chutney, avocado, and raw tuna, while his Kerala lamb curry, infused with tomato and coconut, delivers layered, satisfying flavors alongside fragrant basmati rice. Roasted vegetables, kissed with smoky char, reflect his farm-to-table philosophy, allowing the natural quality of his ingredients to shine.
Sustainability is at the core of Patel’s culinary ethos, with Rancho Patel playing a pivotal role in supplying his restaurants. Beyond Ghee, this philosophy extends to his other ventures, including Erba and NiMo, where Patel continues to push boundaries and highlight his culinary versatility. By combining Indian traditions with Miami’s tropical landscape, Patel has set a new standard for modern Indian dining, blending heritage and innovation in every bite with yet more new ventures promised.