Executive Chef Nathaniel Malone, PCIII, presented at the 27th annual Worlds of Flavor Conference where he was honored as a Kitchen Collaborative Flavor Champion by Flavor & The Menu for his innovative Chaat Lentil Waffle with Tikka Lamb Ham. Inspired by a 2024 research trip to Mumbai, where he immersed himself in Indian street food culture, Malone developed this new dish that merges the comforting format of a waffle with the vibrant flavors of chaat, a family South Asian street snack that combines sweet, sour, spicy, and tangy tastes.
“This dish is an attempt to be respectful of the rich culture of food in India, while showcasing a unique way of bringing those flavors to the breakfast segment and appeal to American diners,” he explains. The dish features lentils in both the waffle batter and a crispy hash with lamb ham, potatoes, and spices, finished with tamarind syrup, coriander chutney, and a generous sprinkle of chaat spice.
Kitchen Collaborative, created by Summit F&B in partnership with Flavor & The Menu, is a menu ideation program designed to spark creativity and innovation among culinary professionals. Now in its sixth year, the 2025 program invited chefs to submit original menu concepts, with 12 winning chefs—including Malone—earning an enviable culinary experience: a trip to Dubai and attending the world-renowned Gulfood Show in early 2026.
“The most exciting part will be learning, exchanging ideas with other chefs and bringing those insights back to inspire the programs we create at Creative Dining Services,” says Malone, who views the experience as an opportunity to sharpen his creativity and expand his culinary toolbox while staying agile in thinking about cost, scalability, guest appeal, and storytelling all at once.
Corporate Executive Chef Nathaniel Malone
