Indian Chefs go around the World - Press Article in Hindustan Times

Friday, April 21, 2006 Mumbai

Your family maharaj is all set to be a globetrotter this summer. With Indian food gaining popularity abroad and more Indian tourists overseas, Indian chefs are suddenly in demand, especially in the holiday season. Europe (Holland, France Italy and Switzerland in particular), New Zealand and Australia seem to be hot destinations this summer. Speciality co oks catering to Gujaratis, Jains and South Indians are prized property.

Chef Nilesh Limaye, executive sous chef, InterContinental The Grand says the demand for chefs at high-end hotels and cooks in midlevel hotels is at an all-time high. “In dians aren’t very adventurous when it comes to food. Even when they travel abroad, they still want Indian food.” Mumbai cook Ramesh Nath, who has worked for Disney Land and hotels in Frankfurt, Germany, Interlaken and Mt Titlis in Switzerland, says, “Indian chefs are in great

Indian Thali

demand and more respected than even managers abroad.” But most cooks do not like the idea of staying away from their families and hence return home at season-end. Summer assignments, however, bring in 1,000-1,500 euros (plus tips).

Subhash Motwani, director Compact Travels, thinks having an Indian chef abroad is more economical than ferrying one for a tour. “Indian food is easily available abroad now. Earlier, tour organisers took cooks with large groups, but there is no need for that with so many Indian cooks abroad.” Hotels are going a step ahead: Getting Indian cooks to train their chefs. So no matter where you go, you’ll never be far from the food you love.