Ajay Chopra - With a Positive Attitude, the Right Skill, and Good Knowledge One Can Become a Successful Cook (Chef From India)

To learn cooking it is not necessary to join hotel school, to learn anything you would require three things: Right attitude, discipline, and commitment. And with a Positive attitude, the right skill, and good knowledge one can become a successful cook.

1. Tell us about your background and journey.

I was born in Lucknow, my childhood was spent in Alwar and Sonepat as my father had a transferable job, I have studied at IHM goa, before joining OCLD I worked as a prep cook at TGI Friday's, and Oberoi's Cecil Shimla, after graduating from OCLD I was posted to The Oberoi's New Delhi to look after Banquets and Kandhar Restaurant after that worked with JW MARRIOTT Mumbai as a sous chef for Lotus Cafe ( the busiest coffee shop in Mumbai) and Saffron ( Indian Speciality Restaurant), I got an opportunity to work as a head chef for Mint leaf, London to manage two of its Restaurant.

I spent two years in London, I came back to India as executive chef for Marriott Goa, My next stint was at The Westin Mumbai Garden City as Executive chef, there I was managing 5 outlets including banquets and 2 Speciality Restaurants, 2015 I decided to quit hotels and become an entrepreneur and started a venture BURGUNDY BOX which was basically a DIY kit to cook Restaurant style meal at home, the business didn't sustain, I guess the concept was way ahead of time in 2015. In 2016 I started Zion Hospitality a restaurant Consulting firm and we did around 24 Restaurants and food and beverage outlets in the past 4 and half years.

2. What led you to take up this career path? What does your typical day look like?

 

Passion to cook, and the love for food. It starts with a morning prayer and a family breakfast, A typical day occupies most of my time shooting, consulting Restaurants (virtually since the pandemic started) and I wind up my day spending time with my boys and my wife

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

It's the same, I believe in the concept of cooking with love. At home generally, I cook a simple comforting meal, occasionally I cook Restaurant style.

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

Dimsum and dumplings are my weakness, it's simple yet very complex, I can probably live on Dimsum.

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

To learn cooking it is not necessary to join hotel school, to learn anything you would require three things: Right attitude, discipline and commitment. And with a Positive attitude, the right skill, and good knowledge one can become a successful cook.

I have spent almost two and half decade learning the skills of cooking and I want to share my knowledge with those who want to learn cooking, very soon am launching a cooking academy for those who want to learn from basics to the progressing stages.

7. Which is your favourite book and why?

I read the Holy Bible every day, I am a firm believer in Lord Jesus, and Bible gives me wisdom and strength. 

Ajay Chopra - Chef

Interviewed By: Vanshikha Bagga