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Juniper chefs add a big dash of passion to their roles

20 Oct 2025

Across Juniper, there is an incredibly talented cast of chefs, and we have put two in the spotlight to celebrate International Chefs Day 2025.

As well as working together in the same busy kitchen at Juniper Chrystal Halliday in Karrinyup, chefs Abhi Bhatnagar and Tushar Sharma also share other common bonds. The dynamic duo is pictured above with colleague Angelica Flores.

Both Abhi and Tushar were born and raised in India’s capital of New Delhi and both moved to Australia to further their careers – Abhi in 2012 and Tushar in 2016.

Abhi’s love of food dates back to his childhood and he has fond memories of cooking with his mother as well as letting his father know that he wanted to become a chef when he was just a youngster.

“When I was a kid, I would go to a lot of hotels and restaurants, which made me very inspired and motivated,” Abhi said.

After a career of working in restaurants, hotels and resorts, Abhi regards being a Juniper chef as “one of the best things” he has done in his life and considers it an honour to cook for residents.

“It’s about engaging with people, I love this kind of lovely, homely and caring environment – it’s a passion job for me.”

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For Tushar, it was the inspiration of his mum’s cooking that spurred him on to take up the profession, and he went on to study and work in hospitality in India.

After moving to Australia, he met his wife-to-be, worked in the mining hospitality sector and started cooking at aged care sites on his days off. According to Tushar, he quickly discovered the meaningful nature of working in aged care.

“What I love most is connecting with residents, learning their stories, and preparing meals that make them smile,” he said. “Their gratitude and appreciation mean more than words can express.”

When asked what each of these super chefs would whip up to celebrate International Chefs Day on October 20, the duo both opted for a sweet treat.

Abhi said it was hard to go past a coffee cake as everyone loves coffee, while Tushar singled out the Aussie favourite of lamingtons.

Since 2004, International Chefs Day has provided an opportunity to celebrate the culinary profession, share the joys of cooking, promote sustainable cooking, and inspire the next generation of chefs.

“What I love most is connecting with residents, learning their stories, and preparing meals that make them smile.”
Juniper Chef Tushar Sharma

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Juniper acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the Lands on which our services operate throughout Western Australia. We pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging. We are committed to walking alongside all Aboriginal people on our journey of reconciliation.

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