Remembering Ajit Mehra: The quiet force behind Dubai’s home-grown dining scene

Mehra leaves behind his wife Binoo Mehra, their children Nikhil Mehra and Mamta Mehra, and their families. Relatives, friends and colleagues have been remembering a man whose quiet influence underpinned many of the UAE’s most popular food and beverage concepts.

From Mumbai to the UAE

Originally from Mumbai in Maharashtra, Mehra arrived in the UAE in 1977. Starting from modest beginnings, he rose to become a respected entrepreneur in the hospitality sector. He founded Royal Orchid Hospitality in Dubai, building a portfolio of home-grown brands that include Chhappan Bhog, Koko Bay, The Tap House, Royal Orchid, Asia Tang and SOY, among others.

With each new venture, Mehra sought to push the boundaries of what the city’s food and beverage landscape could offer.

A legacy of warmth and detail

“At the heart of each concept was exceptional food, always crafted with the guest at the centre. Each carried his signature blend of creativity, warmth and meticulous attention to detail, leaving diners with experiences that felt both exceptional and personal,” his family said in a tribute shared with Gulf News.

Away from business, Mehra was known as a warm, sociable person who built deep connections. “He took great joy in spending time with family, friends and members of the hospitality industry, building relationships that went far beyond business and lasted through decades of shared experiences,” the family added.

Despite his achievements, Mehra remained humble. His family described him as a man of integrity, honesty and quiet generosity, always ready to support others without seeking recognition. “He served others in silence, guided by kindness rather than applause,” they said.

Family and tributes

Above all, Mehra was the heart of his family: a devoted husband, loving father and cherished grandfather of three. His family said he was the pillar on whom they stood, and that his courage, sacrifice and vision changed the trajectory of his immediate family and generations to come. “Once in a lifetime, a person arrives who transforms the destiny of an entire family; Ajit Mehra was that person,” they said.

His son, Nikhil Mehra, will carry the legacy forward at Royal Orchid Hospitality. Nikhil has been with the company since 2005 and became its Chief Operating Officer in 2024. The family said Ajit Mehra’s legacy will live on in the brands he created, the people he mentored and the countless lives he touched across the hospitality community.

Several members of the food and beverage sector have also paid tribute. A group of close friends — Ravi Verma, Ali Asgar Mir, Ashok Ramchandani, Rohit Anand, Parvez Ansari and Nakul Rajiv Meherish — remembered him fondly. “His friendship has been a constant source of strength, warmth and joy in our lives. His generosity, wisdom and presence touched everyone who knew him, and his absence leaves a void that cannot be filled,” they said. “We will always cherish the times we shared, the conversations, the laughter and the unwavering support he gave us. He will be deeply missed and remembered with love and respect.”