Rohit Singh
Chef turns award-winning entrepreneur
Award-winning entrepreneur, Rohit Singh, is the person behind Ba’s first dessert, pizza and burger café – Indulge Designer Cakes and a successful graduate of the Fiji National University (FNU).
The young FNU alumnus won the Rookie Youth Entrepreneur of the Year award at the Fiji Development Bank’s (FDB’s) 2019 National Small Medium Enterprise (SME) Awards under the Empowerment Award category.
“I felt lucky to be nominated in the first year of starting my business, and was very happy when I won the award. It was even more special to have received the award which was sponsored by my alma mater.”
Singh’s journey in the food industry began in 2011 when he enrolled in the Trade Diploma in Culinary Arts programme at FNU’s College of Business, Hospitality and Tourism Studies (CBHTS) at the Namaka Campus, after completing high school studies.
“I chose FNU because it was close to home, so I was able to travel daily. Also, I knew that FNU had produced several well-known chefs who were working in the Pacific and beyond.”
It didn’t take Singh long to land a job. He started working at SSS Manhao Hotel in Nasau, Nadi as a Trainee a few months after enrolling in the Trade Diploma programme. He switched to a part-time student to balance his studies and the new job.
After serving at the hotel for a year, he joined Sonaisali Island Resort, now known as DoubleTree Resort by Hilton Hotel Fiji – Sonaisali Island as a Trainee where he quickly made his mark and attained the title of Demi Chef.
During this time, Singh completed the requirements of his programme at FNU and graduated with a Trade Diploma in Culinary Arts in 2013.
He joined Castaway Island Resort that year and four years later was offered the opportunity to work at the famous five star Likuliku Lagoon Resort. He joined the resort as a Senior Sous Chef and after some time, welcomed a rare career change opportunity by becoming an Executive Pastry Chef.
He realised his true calling was in the field of pastries, where he could demonstrate and explore his creative skills. Singh finehorned his pastry skills at Likuliku Island Resort but started thinking about going back home to share his creations with his community in Ba.
He took the bold step in 2019 when he returned to Ba and set up his own business, Indulge Designer Cakes, with six employees. Besides serving desserts, pizzas and burgers, the company also caters and hosts celebrations, such as birthdays, dinners, engagements, product launches and so on.
“It was a huge risk, but one I am glad I took. The company has been a great change to the food scene here. It offers customers from as far as Tavua a whole new variety of mains and gourmet desserts that were previously only available in Lautoka and Nadi. Prices are affordable, and customers don’t have to travel far.”
Singh dedicates his success to his parents. “Where I stand today is because of full support and blessings from my parents.”
The successful entrepreneur believes that people must do what they love to reach greater heights. His advice is, “Choose a career in the field which interests you. Only then you will love your job and be able to excel in it.”
“I always wanted an interesting career in which I could learn something new every day and one which would allow me to be creative. As a child, I used to cook with my granny as a hobby. I decided to combine my hobby and interest and became a chef. This way, I look forward to working every day.”