Chef Abdel Wahed

Sheraton Sharm Hotel, Resort, Villas & Spa, Egypt (Guest Chef at Sheraton, Bangalore for Persian Food Festival)

Who inspired you to cook?

My mother. I started cooking with her since the age of ten. At that time I didn’t know what the future had in store for me but looking back she has been my inspiration.

What is the first thing you learnt to cook?

Syrian Salads are what I learnt first. The taboule salad was the first dish I made.

What do you hate most about cooking?

When I intend to make something and do not have the right ingredients or tools around me, it irritates me a lot.

What’s the one distinguishing factor about your cooking?

I feel I have a unique sense of taste which I bring into my dishes.

What are some of your favourite things to cook?

Mixed grills and Kebbeh (a meat and lamb preparation with onion and Arabic spices)

What is comfort food for you?

Arabic food is comfort food for me.