Chef Raj Kumar
Chef • Founder • Flavour Creator
Chef Raj Kumar is the chef and founder behind TAKI, bringing together his Fijian heritage, more than two decades of professional kitchen experience and a career shaped by bold flavour, creativity and culinary leadership.
From Fiji to TAKI
Fiji Roots
Born and raised in Fiji, Raj’s connection to food began early. Growing up close to the coast and surrounded by fresh produce, seafood and family cooking shaped the way he approaches food today — generous, vibrant and full of flavour.
His career has taken him through kitchens in Fiji, New Zealand and Australia before establishing himself in Adelaide’s dining scene.
Leading the Kitchen
Raj spent around six years as Head Chef of Madame Hanoi, where he led the kitchen and helped shape the restaurant’s distinctive French-Vietnamese dining style. During his tenure, Madame Hanoi was named Winner – Asian Restaurant at the 2022 Restaurant & Catering Hostplus Awards for Excellence.
He later took the helm at SOL Rooftop, leading the kitchen through a new culinary direction focused on contemporary Australian dining. Under his leadership, SOL was featured as the 2024 cover restaurant of Adelaide Dining Magazine, showcasing Raj’s modern approach to South Australian produce, flavour and presentation.
Most recently, Raj served as Head Chef of The Kitchen, where he led the kitchen during one of the restaurant’s most significant milestones: The Kitchen was named a MICHELIN Selected restaurant in the inaugural MICHELIN Guide South Australia 2027.
The Next Chapter: TAKI
After years of creating food in professional kitchens, TAKI represents the next chapter.
Inspired by the flavours of Fiji and shaped by Raj’s years as a chef, TAKI brings his approach to flavour beyond the restaurant — through premium spirits, chef-crafted sauces and dining experiences designed to be shared.
For Raj, TAKI is not about recreating restaurant food in a bottle. It is about taking everything he has learned throughout his career — balance, heat, freshness, creativity and generosity — and turning it into something people can enjoy at home, around the table and with good company.
Private Dining & Events
Planning a private dinner, celebration or special event?
Bring Chef Raj’s flavour to your table with a bespoke dining experience created around your occasion.
From intimate dinners to private functions and collaborations, get in touch to discuss what we can create together.
0416 924 608