At what age did you decide you wanted to cook for a living?
At the age of 19, I joined a hotel as a waiter where I did my best in providing the best possible service. There I would often watch the chefs and get very inspired by what they did. There was this one day I realised that I wanted to be in the kitchen, because without a chef there is no food and without food to serve there is no need for good service. I asked to be transferred to the kitchen and that for me was a turning point in my passion for cooking.
Why did you enter the competition?
I am keen to highlight my passion for cooking and being a chef. I am keen to support the industry as it recognizes our talent. I believe this competition is going to give me a chance to prove myself and show my creativity, and I am very excited to be part of this.
So after a long work day in the kitchen, do you cook when you get home or order takeout?
I enjoy cooking so when I get some time I usually cook. There are a few days that I order in as well.
What’s your least favourite food?
I would specifically say two vegetables actually – turnip and bitter gourd.
Who’s your culinary hero?
Everybody names big chefs, but I would like to say chef Pamela, chef de cuisine at St. Regis Saadiyat Island. She inspires me and every day I learn something from her. She is my hero at work.
