FROM FORTUNE SELECT EXCALIBUR, GURGAON

FROM DISHWASHER TO INDIAN MASTER CHEF

                                         

The 15 year old boy, who ran away from home and started his career as a dishwasher in a small Punjabi Restaurant located in Nainital, is today the Indian Master Chef in Earthen Oven Restaurant, at Fortune Select Excalibur, Gurgaon.

It is none other than Harish Singh (41). I had the good fortune of meeting him in person during my visit to Earthen Oven Restaurant last week. I have been staying in this hotel for five days. And for two days, I had my dinner in this restaurant. Thanks to the delectable kebabs and incredibly delicious "Dal Earthen Oven". Brand Master Chef of this hotel Inder Dev who was sitting with me pointed out: "Harishji has been making this Dal for the last sixteen years. Very talented he is".

This comment was volleyed by Chef Inder Dev, with reference to my humble opinion that the "Dal Earthen Oven" tasted better than the "Dal Bukhara" in ITC Maurya, New Delhi.

During my dinner on 19 March 2015 I had sampled as many as seven succulent kebabs; importantly, it was Harish Singh himself who has been serving me. After serving he will wait curiously to know my reaction. It is only when I appreciate him on the taste there will be a glow on his face. That shows the passion of this Chef, who is known for his hard work, dedication and commitment.

9th passed Harish worked as a dishwasher and a helper in his initials days. When he landed Delhi he was just 17. His hard working nature provided him a job as a casual in banquets...from there providence elevated him as a cook in a restaurant in Jaipur...the journey of this dishwasher boy continued like a river with many a twist and turns...

The stint with Rajputana Sheraton( now, ITC Rajputana) lasted four years in Peshawari Restaurant, next 22 months in Taj Fisherman's Cove, then to GRT Grand (both in Chennai, Tamilnadu) and finally as Indian Master Chef in Earthen Oven at Fortune Select Excalibur, Gurgaon.

"To become a soldier was my dream; that never happened. Having said that, I was very fond cooking, especially the tandoor and Indian curries always fascinated me" says Harish Singh. Has visited Baharin and France to showcase his talent as a Chef specializing in North Indian cuisine.

This Chef happens to be a Kabaddi-cricket player; he is fond of old Hindi film songs. Married to Geetha Bisht, is blessed with three children. Gaurav (20) Nidhi (18) and Deepanshi (14). Chef Harish lives in Gurgaon with his family.

Text and Pictures: R Kesava Mallia in Gurgaon