Cooking Is Science & Tech; Requires Dedication To Detail: Anil Kumar, Head Chef, Royal Plaza

Chef Anil Kumar has been making every day more delicious for over two decades as a personal chef, caterer, culinary instructor, recipe developer, food stylist, and media spokesperson. He is a professional chef and food & lifestyle expert with vintage flair. In an interview with BW Businessworld’s Sunday special column, Chef Kumar - Head Chef of Hotel The Royal Plaza, shared insights into the culinary industry and his personal journey as a chef.

How did you get inspired to be a chef, where did you get trained and previous experience? 

I was inspired to become a chef from a young age, back when I was in seventh grade. It all started when I participated in a cooking competition at school, and I had the opportunity to work with several chefs and hotels. During this time, I was particularly inspired by the cooking techniques of Chef Imitiaz Qureshi and Chef Hemant Oberoi, who left a lasting impression on me. From that moment on, I knew that I wanted to pursue a career in the culinary arts.

What is your personal philosophy regarding cooking, and success in this profession?

In my opinion, cooking is a combination of science and technology that requires consistent effort, hard work, and patience to achieve success in this profession. Every dish is like a science experiment, with precise measurements and cooking techniques needed to create the desired outcome. It takes dedication and discipline to master the culinary arts, and attention to detail is essential to achieve consistency in every dish. I believe that with the right mindset and a willingness to learn and improve, anyone can excel in this field.

What is your strength – savouries or desserts? And which cuisine? 

I consider my strength to be in creating savoury dishes, as they often set the tone for a meal course. I particularly enjoy working with Indian cuisine, which happens to be my favourite. Indian cuisine is known for its bold flavours, intricate spices, and diverse regional dishes, which offer endless possibilities for creativity and experimentation. With my passion for cooking and my love for Indian cuisine, I strive to deliver flavourful and authentic dishes that will leave a lasting impression on anyone who tries them.

What work goes into deciding the menu? Any regional/ international cuisine that the restaurant is renowned for?

In my opinion, the knowledge of ingredients and cooking techniques plays a crucial role in determining the menu of a restaurant. It's essential to understand the flavour profiles, textures, and cooking methods of various ingredients to create well-balanced and flavourful dishes. When it comes to Italian cuisine, for example, we have a reputation for delivering exceptional dining experiences through our mastery of classic dishes and techniques. By using high-quality ingredients and authentic cooking methods, we aim to create dishes that are not only delicious but also showcase the rich culinary traditions of Italian cuisine.

Or a unique dish that is much talked about at the hotel?  

The mutton biryani and veg galouti kebab are among the most talked-about dishes at our hotel. Our mutton biryani is prepared with fragrant basmati rice, succulent mutton pieces, and a blend of aromatic spices, resulting in a flavorful and hearty dish that is a favorite among our guests. Our veg galouti kebab, on the other hand, is a vegetarian delight that is made with a blend of minced vegetables and spices, cooked to perfection on a traditional griddle. Both dishes showcase our commitment to quality ingredients, authentic cooking techniques, and exceptional flavor profiles that keep our guests coming back for more.

How do you incorporate local and seasonal produce in your cuisine? 

At our restaurant, we take great pride in our use of in-house prepped spices, which add a unique and authentic flavor to our dishes. By incorporating locally-sourced and seasonal produce, we are able to create dishes that are not only flavorful but also showcase the freshest ingredients available. Our commitment to using high-quality, fresh ingredients and spices is what sets us apart and keeps our guests returning for more. By taking the time to carefully select and prepare our ingredients, we can ensure that each dish is made with the utmost care and attention to detail, resulting in a dining experience that is truly exceptional.

Are any special food events/ menus that you offer thematically, round the year, to celebrate different occasions?

We take pride in offering a range of special menus and dining experiences throughout the year. Our Navratri thali, Valentine's Day specials, Christmas and New Year's Eve dinners, and Sunday brunch buffets are just a few examples of the unique and memorable dining experiences that we provide to our guests. We believe that food is not just about nourishment but also about bringing people together and creating unforgettable memories. By offering special menus and dining experiences, we aim to provide our guests with a chance to celebrate and enjoy special occasions in style. Whether it's a romantic dinner, a festive feast, or a casual brunch, we strive to deliver exceptional food and service that exceeds our guests' expectations.

To ensure hygiene standards, what steps are taken, especially post-Covid? 

We take the safety of our guests and staff seriously and have implemented the necessary post-Covid guidelines as directed by the tourism sector and hospitality industry. Our team has taken extra measures to ensure that our facilities are clean and sanitized regularly, and we follow all safety protocols including wearing masks, practising social distancing, and ensuring proper ventilation in our dining areas. We are committed to creating a safe and comfortable environment for our guests and have made adjustments to our services and operations to ensure that we can continue to provide exceptional dining experiences while following all recommended safety measures.

How does the restaurant ensure minimal wastage and work in a sustainable manner?

At our restaurant, we believe in careful planning and preparation, particularly when it comes to event menus. We always take the time to work closely with our clients to understand their preferences and requirements, and to create a bespoke menu that is tailored to their specific needs. By forecasting our menus in advance, we can ensure that we have the necessary ingredients and resources to provide a flawless dining experience. Our goal is to provide our clients with exceptional service and delicious food that exceeds their expectations, and by following a forecasting menu approach, we can ensure that everything runs smoothly and that our guests have an unforgettable experience.

What is the most memorable feedback that you have got as a chef here? 

One of the most memorable feedback I have received as a chef was from a guest who told me that the meal I had prepared for them was the best they had ever had. It was a great feeling to know that my hard work and dedication had paid off and that I had succeeded in creating a memorable dining experience for that person. The guest specifically praised the flavours and presentation of the dish, as well as the quality of the ingredients used. It was a reminder of the importance of attention to detail and the impact that it can have on the overall dining experience. Feedback like this is always a source of motivation and inspires me to continue to strive for excellence in my work.

Can you cite any awards won? 

I am proud to say that I have won several culinary awards throughout my career. These awards have been a testament to my dedication and passion for cooking, and have pushed me to continue honing my skills and exploring new culinary techniques. Being recognized for my work has been a humbling experience, and has encouraged me to strive for excellence in everything that I do. Whether it's experimenting with new ingredients, perfecting traditional recipes, or training the next generation of chefs, I am always looking for ways to push the boundaries of what is possible in the culinary world.

A favourite film or TV programme on chefs?

As a chef, I find "The Final Table" to be an excellent show for chefs and food enthusiasts alike. It provides a unique opportunity to learn from some of the world's top culinary talents and discover new techniques and flavor combinations that I can incorporate into my own cooking. Watching shows like "The Final Table" is a great way to stay current with the latest trends and techniques in the industry, as well as to gain inspiration and ideas for new dishes to add to my own menu. I also appreciate how the show reinforces the importance of preparation, creativity, and adaptability in the kitchen, all of which are critical skills for any successful chef.

What do you like cooking, and eating at home?

I enjoy cooking as a hobby and love to prepare delicious meals for my family and friends during my free time. There's something very satisfying about creating a dish from scratch and seeing the pleasure it brings to others. Cooking allows me to express my creativity and experiment with new flavours and ingredients, and I find it to be a relaxing and therapeutic activity that helps me unwind after a busy day. Whether it's trying out a new recipe or putting my own spin on a classic dish, I always look forward to the opportunity to share my love of cooking with others.

Your favourite pastimes 

I had the privilege of being part of the pre-opening team at Grand Hyatt Mumbai, one of the most prestigious hotels in the city. As a member of the team, I was involved in every aspect of the hotel's launch, from menu development and kitchen design to staff training and guest service protocols. It was a challenging and rewarding experience, and I am proud to have played a role in creating a world-class hospitality destination that continues to set the standard for luxury and service in Mumbai. Working with such a talented and dedicated team of professionals was an invaluable learning experience, and I continue to draw upon the skills and knowledge that I gained during my time at Grand Hyatt Mumbai in my current role as a chef.

One place you would like to visit master that cuisine 

As a chef, one place I would love to visit to master their cuisine is the ITC Maurya Sheraton in New Delhi, India. The hotel is renowned for its authentic and flavorful Indian cuisine, with a focus on traditional techniques and local ingredients. I am particularly interested in learning more about the diverse regional cuisines of India and how to incorporate those flavours and techniques into my own cooking. From the aromatic biryanis and kebabs of the North to the spicy curries and seafood dishes of the South, Indian cuisine is incredibly diverse and rich in flavour. I believe that a visit to the ITC Maurya Sheraton would provide me with a unique opportunity to learn from some of the best chefs in India and gain a deeper understanding and appreciation for this vibrant cuisine.