Nikhil Naiker
Chef Nikhil Naiker has never lived far from the ocean. Born in Fiji and raised in coastal California, he graduated from Johnson & Wales University, planting roots in the Providence culinary community, where he continued his education discovering the abundance of high quality produce and seafood available in Rhode Island.
His cooking explores the intersection of Fijian Indian flavors through the local produce in New England. He started his first project, Nimki, in 2024, which led to a James Beard nomination for Emerging Chef. Nimki is currently operating out of Courtland Club, with plans of opening a brick-and-mortar restaurant coming into focus.
Related Event
Join us for an unforgettable Jacques Pépin Foundation benefit dinner at Oberlin, where we invite chefs of Rhode Island to come together for an evening of culinary brilliance. Each course will be crafted by a different local chef, each with their own unique take on what it means to cook in Rhode Island. It’s not just a meal—it’s a celebration of creativity, community, and the power of food to change lives.