Chef Chamlong Pewthailong, the new Thai chef at the JW Marriott, Mumbai has a yen for churning out new and innovative dishes and hopes share his passion with India.
What are your main responsibilities in your role as Thai chef at the JW Marriott?
My responsibilities include serving authentic Thai cuisine at the Spices restaurant and Lotus Cafe at the JW Marriott Mumbai. They also involve training staff about Thai specialty cuisine. I was introduce the Indian palate to masterful Thai cuisine. Thai cusine enthusiasts will be pleased.
What qualities do you have that make you the right choice for this role?
I have 100% passion to serve the best food I possibly can to the customer. I also have various certificates in food carving, hygiene, health and safety from renowned hotel and tourism training institutes.
What is the most challenging part of your job?
The most difficult part is innovation in food creation. I have organised many grand events, catering to the likes of the royal family and the President of Panama and as such do not forsee a problem in handling large events here in India.
You have worked extensively as a chef in Thailand and all over the world. What differences do you perceive?
The two countried are totally different. My job profile remains the same, but the people and culture provide me with exciting opportunities to learn and imbibe new things.
What do you enjoy about working in this industry?
The hotel industry has provided me with numerous challenges, trials and tribulations. I enjoy overcoming challenges at work.
What have been the most unusual strangest experience of your career?
All the mistakes I have made in the kitchen have been unusual and strange. But I have emerged wiser nevertheless.
If you could work in any country and in any property in the world, where would it be?
I have worked at places such as Jordan and am open to travelling to different countries, mingling with different people and imbibing different cultures. I still have too much to learn and do.
Away from your work, what do you do to relax?
I usually hang out with my friends. I enjoy listening to music and play some sports and I enjoy experimenting with different cuisines and browsing through cook books.
