FROM THE RADISSON HYDERABAD, HITEC CITY.......3

GOD LOVING CHINESE CHEF

 

                                                

"I am thankful to God, what else, so far God has been so kind; God will protect in future also. More than anything, it is the embarrassingly superlative comments of the esteemed guests" says Ho Shao Nam popularly known as Chef Ahnam, when asked about the enviable success of his specialty Chinese Restaurant- THE ORIENTAL BLOSSOM.

This 75 seater fine dining restaurant specializing in Chinese-Cantonese and Schezwan had won the TIMES FOOD AWARD, three times in a row; for being the best Chinese Restaurant in Hyderabad; not over, it has been nominated for the same award once again. God willing, for the fourth time also.......

Son of a cook-carpenter dad, Chef Ahnam (43) had a stint with Oberoi Group for nine years at the Oberoi New Delhi. He worked in the Chinese Restaurant here. Hotel Kempinski, at St Petersburg, Russia has been his next stop. This Chinese culinary artist has been with Radisson Hyderabad, Hitec City since the pre-opening days. He joined this hotel in Jan 2011. For the next three years, he ensured that the title-best Chinese Restaurant of the city-remained with him.

All his four elder brothers also are Chinese Chefs. Of this, three are running Chinese Restaurants in the capacity of owners.

He is married to Mandira Ho, who runs a Beauty Parlour in the city. Blessed with two daughters-Alice Ho (19) is second year BTech student, while Adlim Ho (17) is planning to become a Medical Doctor.

"I do not bother about what my competitors are doing; I just focus on my work. I believe in myself. Soon, we will be retooling the menu of The Oriental Blossom Restaurant. There is nothing to hide; I willingly share all that I know with my juniors; even sharing the recipes with the guests, I am game for it" says Chef Ahnam.

All experiments related to the Chinese food happen more at home. His kitchen is packed with Chinese condiments and ingredients. Cooking at home and feeding his two daughters is his main hobby.

"At our home, we eat only Chinese food" says Chef Ahnam.

Text and Pictures: R Kesava Mallia in Hyderabad.