Chef Ramesh is in the city promoting Sheraton Grand Bangalore’s Sri Lankan food festival. Being from Kandy, he loves spices and flavours and so Bangalore will love him. In conversation with Explocity.

Where did you grow up?

I was born and brought up in the beautiful large city, Kandy situated in the heart of Sri Lanka, the land of spices.

What led you to becoming a chef?

I had my own spice garden from my younger days and I loved the smell and flavours of spices, which I still do. I have grown my own spices in this garden which inspired me to become a chef. I completed my hotel management course from Colombo Intercontinental Hotel and started my career as a young chef in 1994.

How long have you been a chef?

I started my career as a young chef in 1994 and never looked back. It’s been a journey of over 22 years. In my career, I have worked with the Metropolitan Group of Hotels U.A.E and then moved to Saudi Arabia’s Rosewood Chain Hotels and then Muscat Intercontinental since 2001-2013. In between I worked for Jordan Intercontinental; Senor Pico Restaurant Intercontinental Muscat, from there I moved to Moevenpick Hotel and Resort Albida and worked there for 3 years. Currently I’m working for the biggest chain of hotels Marriott; from there I worked for St .Regis Vommuli Maldives as task force for 6 months.

What do you enjoy more? Cooking or creating?

I am having an incredible culinary journey and I enjoy cooking and creating new dishes. I love to create new dishes and that is why I moved to my native country, Kandy. I feel it is always a good gesture to share your experience and knowledge with others especially when it comes to cooking and serving food. I love sharing and guiding the young generations.

Do you feel there is virtue in preserving the authenticity of cuisine?

Yes, it is very important to preserve the authenticity of a cuisine. Food is the most powerful word that connects everyone in the world. These days, global travellers prefer trying out new cuisines and expect authenticity of the particular cuisine they are having in whichever part of the world they are.

What dish you like eating the most?

I love my mother and grandmother’s home cooked food and nothing can beat that, be it simple rice and curry or a traditional family recipe of chicken or fish.

What’s your least favourite dish?

I love food and it can be anything. There is no specific dish that I don’t like, I love experimenting so I try all kinds of dishes/cuisines.

How long have you been in Bangalore? Do you like it here?

I’ll be staying for 12 days in Bangalore and yes, I would like to stay here for few more days, I do enjoy the weather and the food here.