How do our food experts cook and eat? Professional chef, Shenal, takes our Q&A!

An underrated ingredient you can’t live without?  
That’s a tough one but maybe celery? I think it deserves so much more than being left to wilt in the fridge or dry out on a plate of crudités. A mix of gently fried celery, onions and carrots forms the foundation of many great stews and soups, not to mention great flavour in many other dishes as well.

The most exotic food you’ve eaten? 
When I was in the Middle East, I tried a lot of exotic foods but nothing tops camel meat! Such an unusual texture and flavour. 

What got you into cooking professionally?
I come from a family that is always into food, no matter the occasion; whether it’s a party or a home meal – we always have a full spread on the table. That got me curious about cooking and here 
we are!

What’s your cooking ritual?
I prefer to get everything in order before I cook as it saves time and I know all the ingredients that are required.

What is a 5-star meal you would make with Rs. 500?
Hmm... Breadfruit Scotch Eggs would make the perfect meal with a nice garden salad just on the budget of Rs. 500. This is such an underrated combination by so many! 

Your dream dinner-party guests?
Without even thinking twice I would say, my grandfathers and my two grandmothers. I sadly was never able to meet my grandfathers and heard so many fun stories and would love to have a chat with them over dinner. 

If you could only cook one cuisine for the rest of your life?
Western cuisine, preferably steaks. 

Your proudest food invention?
My Irish Lamb Pie with tender lamb meat, slow-cooked in its own jus and some root vegetables to add in the flavour and topped off with natural herbs and a splash of Red Wine. 

It’s your last day on earth, where are you?
At home having a home-cooked meal by my mum and dad who has always been an inspiration to us in their partnership while being surrounded by my entire family. 

An easy meal to impress someone? 
My special marinated and grilled meats with garlic mashed potatoes and a hearty salad. 

Your favourite odd food pairing?
Dark chocolate and Parmesan cheese tucked in between two waffles, and before anyone judges me for this, let me tell you WOW! Both ingredients are sharp, nutty and slightly bitter and when you melt them together between the waffles, you’ve got yourself a winning sandwich! 

A dish you’d love to relive for the first time?
Sushi! The thought of eating raw fish for the first time was icky but when I actually had my first bite – it was a whole new perspective! 

What was your favourite childhood meal?
Always my mum’s home-roasted chicken with baked potatoes! It always brings back memories of how my brother, Sandesh and I used to fight over the bigger piece of chicken and just to punish us for fighting over it all the time, once our parents roasted two separate full chickens and made sure we ate it till we were full- I guess this explains both our sizes!!

What does the restaurant of your dreams look like? 
My sister Michelle always talks about how I should open up my own restaurant and one day, I’d like that very much – just to open up my own cosy restaurant serving up all my curated dishes in an open space with a more natural environment to keep my guests in comfort while enjoying every bite they dig in to.