Chef Duminda has now taken up the challenge to work in the East to boost the Sri Lankan hospitality industry in the East and the North. Chef Duminda is the Cooperate Chef for three Hotels in the North and the East. He wants to help people to forget the terrible experience of the past and to bring a smile to people and make them happy.
TIMES OF YOUTH: For those who do not know you, could you describe yourself and your work in brief?
DUMINDA: I’m a Sri Lankan chef who live in Australia with over 25 years of experience as a chef. I am mainly focused on promoting healthy food culture around the world. I have done several TV programs in Sri Lanka. Moreover I have done many work shops around the world which includes “Sri Lankan food festivals around the world” & programs in Italy, France India and Australia. I have also done 20 programs for Sri Lankan army to train army personnel about healthy food concept. Currently I am working for ”Melbourne Food Network” as a consultant chef.
TIMES OF YOUTH: You’ve been in hospitality industry for over two decades. After having travelled and worked in so many countries, how do you think it has evolved you?
DUMINDA: It’s tough but it feels great to work and share my knowledge and the style of culture with others. It’s all about amazing experience
TIMES OF YOUTH: What has been your most delicious recipe ever?
DUMINDA: Curried Creamy Chicken & Medlankan Chicken Parmy
TIMES OF YOUTH: Being a die hard Sri Lankan, what is the most cherished recipe from your culinary culture, that people should eat atleast once before they die and why?
DUMINDA: Lump rice. It’s a combination of potages and Sri lankan cooking preparation. It’s amazing
TIMES OF YOUTH: Which cuisine do you favor/relate to the most?
DUMINDA: Actually I am good in Sri Lankan and western cooking. So I do lot of “Medlankan dishes“ this style is my own style. “Medlankan“ is a combination of Mediterranean and Sri Lankan cooking.
TIMES OF YOUTH: What do you prefer to do when you’re not cooking?
DUMINDA: Travel and meditation.
TIMES OF YOUTH: Besides your culinary retreats on variegated multimedia platforms, what leisure activities do you indulge in?
DUMINDA: Funny things.
TIMES OF YOUTH: Tell us more about Slow Food Youth Network and your association with it. What have been your aims with respect to this pursuit?
DUMINDA: Right now, the world food culture is in a big trouble. Most of the times people use artificial flavors and chemicals in food. It is a big problem. So, by Slow Food Youth Network I always love to spread knowledge to new generation with regards to healthy food culture.
TIMES OF YOUTH: Which has been the most unforgettable moment/feedback in your scrumptious journey?
DUMINDA: Working with 100 chef in Italy for Slow Food Youth Network.
TIMES OF YOUTH: If you could invite any three people, dead or alive, for dinner, who would they be and why?
DUMINDA: :
1. God – He is the one who helped me to come up to this stage in life. He always filled me with life to make me noticeable to whole world.
2. Abraham Lincoln – One of best character I love.
3. Princess Diana – A lady who loved the whole world.
TIMES OF YOUTH: What advice would you give to young aspiring chefs via TIMES OF YOUTH?
DUMINDA: : Life is not easy, it’s full of challenges. You must win the life. Becoming a chef is a good career choice. The price of success is hard work
TIMES OF YOUTH: Where do you see yourself in next 5 years?
DUMINDA: : As of now I don’t just belong to Sri Lanka, I’m ready to work for the whole world. If some one needs me at any time, I’m happy to be there.
Chef Duminda – Official Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/Cook-with-Chef-Duminda-117703431630321/
