As chefs go, a great compliment is when your dinner guest goes for seconds. Chef Sweety Singh urges you to even have thirds.

A maestro in Punjabi cuisine, Chef Sweety Singh will be at Le Jardin for a Punjabi Food Festival till 19 November at The Oberoi.

Where did you grow up?

I was born and raised in Delhi.

What led you to becoming a chef?

I was inspired by my father and inherited his culinary skills.

How long have you been a chef?

For 25 years.

What do you enjoy more? Cooking or creating?

In my trade the greatest joy comes from feeding people and seeing them smile and come back for a second and third helping.

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

It is very important to preserve the authenticity and lineage of any cuisine. I like cooking like our grandmothers and mothers do, or used to.

What dish do you like eating the most?

Homestyle Punjabi food is still my favourite.

What’s your least favourite dish?

Personally I am not very fond of red meat. I find it too rich and fatty.