[8] Roshan Kalra (Saif Ali Khan) is a chef whose passion for his career supersedes everything else in his life, including his family.

Raja Sen of NDTV gave the film a rating of 2 out of 5, saying that, "Saif Ali Khan and the actors try hard, but lazy writing and direction make Chef a flavourless and bland meal".

[9] Meena Iyer of The Times of India praised the performance of the lead actor Saif Ali Khan and gave the film a rating of 3.5 out of 5, saying that, "Chef is predictable in parts, the journey is an enjoyable one.

"[11] Sukanya Verma of Rediff.com gave a rating of 2.5 out of 5 and said that, "In a premise begging for food porn, there's a shocking scarcity of sensory pleasure or vision.

"[13] Rajeev Masand awarded the film 2.5 out of 5, saying that, "Chef isn't perfect; it lags in places, offers quick-fix solutions to characters’ problems, and feels wholly familiar.

But at a little over two hours, it doesn't ask much of you, and offers some pleasure in Saif Ali Khan's return to form as an actor hard to look away from.