Ranveer Brar - I Do Make It A Point to Spend Time With My Family As Well, Especially My Parents and Ishaan My Son (MasterChef, India)

Chef Ranveer Brar

Indian cuisine in general and home cooking, in particular, have been quite the game changers for ages. We are just beginning to explore and appreciate them more now. Our cooking has always been pretty evolved, with our pantry being nothing short of an apothecary.

Tell us more about yourself and your journey.

I was born and grew up in Lucknow and now, when I think about it, there couldn’t have been a place more apt for my culinary journey to begin. And it’s been quite an interesting one too! It started with culinary explorations in the streets of my Lucknow (where I grew up) that gradually grew into a passion. I have worked at multitudes of hotels and restaurants in various capacities, including curating the Indian cuisine counters for Royal Caribbean ‘Voyager of the Seas’. Currently, I have my hands full developing my own food shows for my YouTube channel and social media and collaborating with several brands as a culinary advisor.

Who is your biggest inspiration? What does food mean to you?

I was and have always been inspired by the late Charlie Trotter. In fact, I used to nurture a secret desire to cook for him one day, but sadly that couldn’t happen. Food to me is a giver. I’ve always believed that if you dedicate yourself to learning this art, or any art and are passionate about it, then it always gives back.

How would you describe your cooking style? How has it evolved over time?

I would call my cooking style experiential. Over time I’ve also learned & understood that, as with life, so with food, to keep it simple. The beauty of some of the best dishes is that the ingredients are not over complicated.

From being a Master Chef judge to having the fastest growing YouTube channel, how has your journey been? Is there any special story you would like to share with us?

Dabbling with the visual and digital medium has always been an interesting challenge for me. These mediums allow me to reach a larger audience and that in itself is highly gratifying. And when it comes to my YouTube channel, I listen to my viewers (Yep, I personally read and engage with their comments) and trust my instincts. I wanted to be a storyteller, using food as a medium. My motive was that people should take back more than just a recipe at the end of it.

What do you think makes Indian cuisine different from other cuisines in the world? Is there a dish you particularly associate yourself with?

Instagram - @ranveer.brar

Indian cuisine in general and home cooking, in particular, have been quite the game changers for ages. We are just beginning to explore and appreciate them more now. Our cooking has always been pretty evolved, with our pantry being nothing short of an apothecary. Almost every ailment has an answer in our spice box alone! Take Khichdi for eg, I can have it for breakfast, lunch and dinner. It is wholesome, has the necessary nutrition you need, is easy to digest and if you are adding vegetables, becomes wholesome too.

What does your typical day look like? Do you have other hobbies or pastime activities you like to do?

Most of my time goes into research, prep and shooting for my YouTube and Brand videos. That said, I do make it a point to spend time with my family as well, especially my parents and Ishaan, my son. I and Ishaan sometimes play the keyboard together. I also love to catch up with my book reading, I am a voracious reader.

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

I’d say, it’s more a combination of Passion, dedication and perseverance, than just talent. While a basic knowledge and knack of cooking are helpful, professional culinary education helps hone the skills further, making you industry-ready. Especially if you are a student aspiring to be a part of the hospitality industry holistically, culinary schools help prepare and educate you w.r.t the different verticals and parallels of the profession and not just cooking.

2 quick Ranveer Brar tips for cooking.

- If you are looking you are not cooking, give the food the time it needs to cook.

- Keep tasting as you go, especially if you are just starting out with cooking. That way you’ll be mindful of the flavours, spice proportions and how much more the dish needs to cook. 

Interviewed By - Anushka