An avid traveller, passionate chef, writer, food stylist, consultant and photographer. Mumbai-based Celebrity Chef Michael Swamy securely balances multiple roles. He has been awarded as one of the top 50 chefs in India by the Indian Chefs Association. His books, The East India Kitchen & Easy Guide to Pairing Indian Food and Wine has received many accolades.
In an exclusive interview with Salt and Sandals, Chef Michael Swamy answers a few rapid fire questions.
More about Chef Michael Swamy –
Upon graduating from Le Cordon Bleu Culinary School (London, UK), Chef Michael Swamy trained under Michelin Star chefs, which prepared him extensively for his chosen niche of author, food stylist and food consultant.
He went on to work with the Taj Group of Hotels (Mumbai), Bombay Brasserie (London), Kuwait Airways (Kuwait) and consulted with the British High Commission at Mumbai. He has had the privilege of having cooked & served several personalities like Sir G.K. Noon, Sir Andrew Pagewood and Prince Charles amongst other dignitaries.
Amogh Tiwari (AT) :How did your journey into the food industry start?
Michael Swamy (MS) :I always wanted to be a T.V chef but I was told to be a chef first. So I got enrolled in Le Cordon Bleu Culinary school and took training under various Michelin star chefs.
AT :In the midst of such a hectic schedule, how do you manage to relax?
MS :By Travelling.
AT :Who has had the deepest influence in your life?
MS :Chef Raymond Blac and Chef Anton Mossiman, two icons of French Cuisine
AT :What are the future projects in the kitty?
MS :Youtube Videos and Cookbooks
AT :Is there a change in the palate of an average Delhi clientele ?
MS :There are two sides to the coin. The pros being the fact that more restaurants are opening up which attracts more people. The cons being when your culture is getting diluted and everybody is not able to adjust with the change.
AT :What will be your ideal meal?
MS :Lamb Chops, Pasta and Tiramisu
AT :Which chef’s food would you go back for tasting again and again?
MS :The Langham and Wong Kei in London
AT :Mention one project which is very close to your heart?
MS :Book projects, as it is my way of leaving my legacy behind.
AT :Vikas Khanna or Sanjeev Kapoor and why?
MS :Sanjeev Kapoor because he is the first Indian Celebrity chef and an inspiration to millions.
AT :Jamie Oliver or Gordon Ramsay and why?
MS :Gordon Ramsay because he is focused.
Team Salt and Sandals (Amogh and Sudipto) with Celebrity Chefs -Chef Michael Swamy and Chef Romy Hardeep Gill
