Amaad Amin

Amaad Amin’s life reads like a novel - one filled with rich chapters of ambition, reinvention, and heart. From learning to fly planes with the Royal Air Force in England to training under world-renowned chefs in Sydney, from managing high-stakes projects in London to running ultramarathons across the globe, Amaad has lived many lives. But it was the pull of his family legacy, the memory of his father, and a deep love for food that finally brought him home - to Aminia.

Today, as the culinary force behind Aminia Dubai, Amaad fuses his international training with the traditions of his Kolkata roots to serve food that tells a story. But his journey to the kitchen wasn’t linear. It was built on courage, curiosity, and a refusal to live a life that didn’t align with his purpose.

Early Life: Leadership from the Start

Amaad was born and brought up in the UK where he quickly stood out as a natural leader. In school, he was House Captain, a cadet in the Royal Air Force, and eventually learned to fly planes as part of the Royal Air Force’s program. These early experiences taught him discipline, strategy, and courage - values he would carry with him throughout his life.

He went on to study Politics and Economics at the University of Leeds. But university for Amaad wasn’t just about academics. It was about leadership, connection, and building communities. He was elected President of the Conservative Society and served as the Social Secretary of the Trading and Investment Society, where he curated professional and social experiences for hundreds of students. He also ran for local council while still at university, proving early on that he was never afraid to take the lead in spaces that demanded intellect and presence.

Between terms, Amaad organised adventurous trips and expeditions across America. He hiked, skied, explored the outdoors, and immersed himself in diverse cultures. While studying in the United States at Northern Arizona University, he discovered not only the art of slow-smoked barbecue in Texas but also the value of experiential learning. His time in America deepened his appreciation for hospitality, culture, and cuisine - all while pushing the boundaries of his own endurance and perspective.

The Corporate Chapter: Success on Paper

After graduation, Amaad joined Accenture in London, one of the world’s leading global consultancy firms. Here, he excelled - working on projects with large-scale operations and understood how financial services are built. His corporate life was fast-paced, prestigious, and promising. On paper, he had “made it.”

But Amaad felt something was missing. In the heart of one of the world’s busiest cities, amidst meetings and deadlines, he realised he had strayed too far from what mattered most to him: authenticity, creativity, and purpose. The boardroom didn't feel like home. The suits didn’t feel like him.

A Life-Changing Leap

Amaad made a bold decision. He left behind the security of his high-flying finance career and moved to Sydney, Australia to follow his lifelong passion for food. It was a leap that many called reckless. But for Amaad, it was a return to truth.

In Sydney, he enrolled at the prestigious Le Cordon Bleu and immersed himself in the world of classic French cuisine. He studied techniques that demanded precision, artistry, and patience. He trained with Michelin-caliber chefs and competed for perfection in every cut, sauce, and service.

Upon graduating, Amaad landed a position at Kiln, the rooftop restaurant of the Ace Hotel Sydney - an establishment known across the culinary world and helmed by Chef Mitch Orr. Under Orr’s mentorship, Amaad honed his craft in an environment that celebrated innovation without compromising tradition. He worked shoulder to shoulder with some of the brightest culinary talents in Australia. He also connected and shared his passion for food with contestants and winners from MasterChef Australia.

But even in Sydney’s thriving food scene, the voice of home was loud.

Returning to His Roots

In 2023, Amaad returned to Kolkata to join his brother Asil at Aminia. Their father had passed, leaving behind not just a business, but a dream that now belonged to his children. For Amaad, returning to India wasn’t just about taking on a family responsibility. It was about channeling everything he had learned - from French kitchens and corporate boardrooms to fine dining experiences - and using it to reimagine Aminia for a new generation.

While Asil focused on structure and operations, Amaad brought the fire and finesse to the food. Together, they began work on a bold new venture - Aminia’s first international outpost in Dubai.

A Dream Born from Two Worlds

At Aminia Dubai, Amaad doesn’t just cook. He creates. Every dish carries the story of his family’s 100-year-old legacy, but also the confidence of a chef who has walked through fire to find his place. He experiments while preserving authenticity. He sources the best ingredients and curates menus that honour tradition while celebrating innovation.

He is also committed to wellness in the hospitality space - a belief rooted in his own lifestyle. Amaad is a dedicated athlete who believes that a healthy body leads to a healthy mind. He runs ultramarathons and is currently training for both a full triathlon and soon, an IronMan.

His races have taken him to cities across the world - Abu Dhabi, Sydney, Queenstown, London, and Kolkata - each finish line reminding him of the resilience that has brought him here. Whether he’s running 45 kilometers through desert landscapes or rising at dawn to train before a full day in the kitchen, Amaad lives with intention. He treats his body with the same care he gives to his food: mindful, balanced, and always in pursuit of excellence.

The Entrepreneurial Mindset

Amaad’s experience extends far beyond cooking and fitness. He is an entrepreneur at heart, currently a member of TiE Dubai, a global network of high-impact business leaders and startup founders. Through this platform, he connects with other visionaries, shares his learnings, and explores new ways to expand Aminia’s presence while staying rooted in its values.

He was recently invited to speak at the Fast Food & Café Convention, where he shared his insights on modernising heritage brands and navigating the F&B industry with integrity. His perspective - fueled by experience across cultures and continents - resonated with entrepreneurs, chefs, and business leaders alike.