'My fave meal is the one I make for myself after a long day at work'

Your favourite food memory.
While in college, I stayed in a hostel that served a delicious variety of vegetarian meals. I will never forget that amazing vegetable biryani they served. I can still taste it whenever I go down memory lane.
What's the most challenging part of your job?
It is important to me to make sure that all my guests enjoy a variety of food on our menu - especially since the UAE is such a cosmopolitan country. I am constantly challenging myself to create new dishes that will impress and satisfy our guests.
If you could cook for a high-profile personality, who would it be and what would you serve him/her?
I would like to cook for Michelin-starred chef Massimo Bottura, and serve him one of my favourite Italian dishes: Veal Ossobuco Tortellacci with truffle Parmesan fondue. He has greatly inspired me through his achievements, which include opening a diverse portfolio of award-winning signature restaurants and creating classic recipes such as Parmesan Balsamic.
How often do you eat out? What's your favourite place around town?
I try to eat out as often as possible, as I love to try different cuisines and keep myself up to date with all the new restaurants in Dubai. Morimoto Dubai is one of my favourites. Best known as Iron Chef, Chef Morimoto is known for his outstanding and unique style of presenting food as well as for creating a great harmony between authentic Italian and Asian cuisine.
Favourite comfort food?
Crab curry, South Indian-style.
You're asked to invent an unusual dish - what would it be?
I would like to create a dish that combines the simplicity of Italian cuisine with the complexity of Indian flavours.
One ingredient/ dish you can't stand, and why.
Fish sauce - because of its strong taste and smell.
After cooking all day, do you cook for yourself at home too?
Yes, indeed! I love to cook for myself - even though my days are busy at the hotel. I like to spend time in my own kitchen after work and it is the meal of the day that I enjoy most.
If you could choose a last meal, what would it be?
I would love to have pan-seared branzino. It's a very healthy fish that can easily be incorporated into a tasty, homemade Indian dish as well.
Who do you admire most in the culinary world, and why?
I really admire Chef Uwe Micheel, president of The Emirates Culinary Guild, as I started my career under his visionary leadership. I will always be thankful for his tips and the guidance he gave me throughout that time.
Your favourite culinary destination, and why?
Malaysia - the street food is an absolute temptation, a must-try for anyone with a taste for all Asian flavours.
Where can we find you when you're not in the kitchen?
Somewhere that lets me enjoy the sandy beaches in Dubai.
- Staff reporter