Banquet Chef at The Breakers Palm Beach
Chef Bala Ayyanar has served as Banquet Chef at The Breakers Palm Beach since 2017, bringing refined craftsmanship and operational excellence to the iconic resort’s acclaimed culinary program. In close collaboration with Executive Chef – Banquets Jeff Simms, Chef Ayyanar plays a pivotal leadership role in delivering thoughtfully crafted menus for premier meetings and celebrations of various sizes—each recognized for exceptional precision, polish, and distinction.
With experience spanning diverse international cuisines and event formats, Chef Ayyanar leads a talented team dedicated to consistency, creativity, and meticulous execution. His directive ensures that every occasion—from intimate gatherings to grand galas—reflects the highest standards of luxury hospitality.
Renowned for elevating and modernizing Indian cuisine within the banquet landscape, Chef Ayyanar works closely with clients to design bespoke menus that honor individual preferences and showcase the rich epicurean traditions of Northern and Southern India. His approach is rooted in authenticity, featuring freshly toasted and hand-ground spices, house-made masala curry pastes, and select ingredients sourced from India. These time-honored elements are reimagined through a contemporary lens, helping establish The Breakers as a prominent destination for large-scale cultural weddings and milestone social affairs in South Florida.
A graduate of The Culinary Institute, where he earned top academic honors and competitive scholarships, Chef Ayyanar has continually evolved his skills through extensive travel and immersive engagement with global gastronomy. This breadth of experience has shaped a versatile style—one that adapts effortlessly to discerning palates while maintaining depth of flavor, technical precision, and artistic integrity.
Throughout his professional journey, Chef Ayyanar has embraced opportunities for growth while remaining deeply committed to giving back through community service. Grounded in family, faith, music, and mentorship, he is passionate about developing the next generation of culinary professionals and fostering a kitchen culture defined by excellence, respect, and continuous learning.
Photo Link: Chef Bala Ayyanar