Stay Calm and Just Be a Learner for the Life - Chef Ajai Sharma (Chef, Author, and Host )

I’m a Host of a Podcast show “Bite in with Bawarchi” the podcast featuring many chefs and hospitality professionals started in the lockdown, besides that, I’m an author of the book “The Culinary Epic Of Jeddah” which was appreciated by Celebrity chef Vikas Khanna. 

1. Tell us about your background and journey. 

Hi, My name is Chef Ajai Sharma, age 23. I’m a Host of a Podcast show “Bite in with Bawarchi” the podcast featuring many chefs and hospitality professionals started in the lockdown, besides that, I’m an author of the book “The Culinary Epic Of Jeddah” which was appreciated by Celebrity chef Vikas Khanna. 

Born in Meerut, UP and raised in Saudi Arabia for 14 years, graduated from Welcomgroup Graduate School of Hotel Administration, Manipal University, and Now doing my associate's degree in Culinary Arts from The Culinary Institute of America in New York City. 

I have worked in many named hotels like the Taj Mahal Palace Mumbai, Hilton hotel, Qatar, and Park Hyatt, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Besides this I have been featured in many national newspapers for my work in a culinary field through my book I have interviewed chefs talking about their journey. 

2. What led you to take up this career path? 

Being a creative head since the beginning I always wanted to do something out of the box, though my plan was to be a cardio surgeon they say that if you’re a planner there’s a bigger planner above you, with growing up I had many other occupations until in 2010. 

The first-ever MasterChef India aired and I was fascinated with the white chef coat besides this in my family everyone just enjoys feeding people and I have always enjoyed being in the kitchen alongside my mother. 

3. Does one's approach change when cooking professionally and at home? 

Certainly, when you’re cooking in your Chef whites the whole things change, the way you walk, the way you shake hands the way you think. You're more focused on you’re planning and organization, you talk the “kitchen Language” but at home, you’re at ease and being lazy also at home you’re not paid or being judged for the kind of food you cook! 

4. What is the Bite in with Bawarchi podcast all about? 

This Podcast features Chefs, Foodies, and Hospitality people who share their experience working in the industry, their food memories, and have lots of fun conversations with them. 

This was planned during the Lockdown as we couldn’t meet and I believed that people had a lot in their head and wanted to speak about the professional ups and downs in this lockdown. 

5. Is there a dish you particularly associate yourself with? 

Aloo Paratha, my most comforting go-to food with Adrak Ki Chai. 

6. Can cooking be learned at culinary schools or natural talent is required? 

No not at all, cooking can be learned at a culinary school no natural talent is required, talent comes along with hard work so I must say you must learn the best from the resources.

7. What has been the biggest learning from your job? 

Stay Calm, Be humble, keep your head down, and just be a learner for the life. 

8. Which is your favorite book and why? 

My Current Favourite is The Travelling Belly By Kalyan Karmarkar, it is currently my favorite as I'm very much into the depth of Indian food and this book showcases the unheard stories of Indian cuisine. 

Website link - https://ajaisharma.com/

Chef Ajai Sharma

Chef, Author, and Host of The Podcast "Bite in with Bawarchi"

Interviewed By - Sandeep Virothu