People in Dubai are food literate, have specific food choices

What is your earliest childhood kitchen memory?
Standing in the kitchen and watching my mum bake cakes. Whilst mum would cook, my sister and I would eat the raw dough mixture. At times, the batter would be consumed right away and the cake would not make it to the oven at all.
What's your favourite cuisine?
Japanese. It's a simple cuisine that revolves around fresh, quality produce.
Any tips for the chefs in making?
You really need to be passionate about the profession. It's a challenging job, which requires immense dedication. Be prepared to spend a lot of time away from your friends and family. The sooner you put your head down and begin to learn, the more success you will find.
What has the UAE taught you about food and cooking?
As chefs, we need to be on our toes all the time. To be able to keep up with the fast-paced life of the city, one needs to offer creative dishes every now and then. The guests in this market are food literate and have specific food choices and tastes. Also, they are able to differentiate a quality dish from a substandard one.
A chef that you look up to?
Chef Nobu Matsuhisa. I have always had high regard for him. He is extremely passionate about his work and hands on even until this day. I was lucky enough to be a part of the opening of Nobu in Dubai (Palm Jumeirah). He is a true inspiration.
Share your culinary philosophy with us.
Only three words come to my mind - Quality, quality, and quality.
Which is your favourite dish?
Mum's special -Sunday Roast. I haven't had it in such a long time. Hopefully, in 2017 I will get a chance to go back to Australia and savour the preparation.
If not a chef, what would you have been?
Tough one to answer! I can't imagine myself being anything else other than a chef. I love food and entertaining guests and friends.
What is your biggest food weakness?
Chocolate. I have a sweet tooth.
Apart from cooking, what else do you like to do?
I love to spend time with the two beautiful ladies in my life - Lalita (wife) and Jade (daughter). Also, I have a customised Harley (Davidson) - so when I get a chance I enjoy the open roads of Dubai.
What is your favourite food destination?
Asia, for its diversity.
- As told to Purva Grover
purva@khaleejtimes.com