Ajay Walia

Chef Founder

Ajay Walia inherited his entrepreneurial spirit and tenacity from being born into a family of self-starters and risk-takers. After completing his MBA, he excelled in a successful career in finance at J.P. Morgan and Deloitte.

Relocating to the Bay Area in 2000, Ajay pursued his dream and opened Saffron Indian Bistro, which has delighted its community with quality, comforting Indian food for over two decades. In 2014, Ajay opened RASA, a bold and modern take on coastal and South Indian cuisine, which earned a Michelin star in 2016.

In 2022, RASA evolved into the Saffron group as Saffron Burlingame, and in 2024, Ajay proudly brought RASA back, reinvigorating the brand with even greater enthusiasm and vision.

Ajay now joins Amara as CEO alongside Reena Miglani, the founder and his wife, bringing his decades of success and passion for hospitality to this exciting new venture.