HEROES FROM NORTH EAST INDIA.......5

DIM SUM KA DADA

Kamal, what is his name?

The Japanese couple were really dazzled and delighted by the food in the

Xiao Chi, Chinese Restaurant at The Westin Sohna Resort and Spa, Gurgaon.

They bounced this question to Kamal, the Team Leader, F&B. They were eager to know the name of the Chef who had whipped up the food for them.

The chef is none other than Darjeeling born Shishir Rai (29).

                                                    

Just tenth pass Shishir Rai, today is running a Chinese Restaurant in a five star hotel... as the CDP of this restaurant, he has proved his mettle once again…everything has been happening just like that for the Dim Sum Chef .....

Krishna, his father's brother brought him to Delhi in 2005; (Krishna owns two Chinese Restaurants in Delhi, plus five road side eateries)his elder brother Chinese Chef Suren taught him the primary lessons of Chinese cooking... Dim Sums have been his specialization; he had sharpened his skills on Dim Sum presentation... which is why the transition from "Memories of China" to the Dynasty Fine Dining Restaurant has been a smooth transition for Shishir, also a Karate Master.

The association with Chinese Chef Jing Dimi in the Nooba Restaurant had really helped him to acquire more skills on Chinese Cuisine.

Finally providence brought him to Westin Sohna in Nov 2010. Since then he never looked back...in flat one year he pocketed his promotion as CDP.

"I have no stress at work. The atmosphere, the greenery on all sides is very calming. I am very confident at whatever I am doing. I was not at all interested in studies when I was in school; but, I thoroughly enjoy my work as a Chef in charge of a restaurant".

He is married to Deepa and is blessed with a daughter who is just eight months old. Her name: Preangel.

"When guests directly praise me at my face, it gives lots of satisfaction. But when appreciation is thru writing or email, the joy is more, the feeling is something totally different." Says Chef Shishir who also happens to be a football player.

TEXT AND PICS BY R.KESAVA MALLIA in Gurgaon