Ranjeet Kumar Singh, a Bester Koch, born and brought up in industrial town Sindri, Dhanbad, hails from Ballia, Uttar Pradesh. His epicurean taste buds for nothing other than the best foods since his childhood triggered a passion in him to opt for a professional career in hotel management and catering. Having a Diploma from Institute of Hotel Management & Catering Technology, Patna, he started his professional career in 1997 with Hilton Hotels & Resorts, New Delhi. In 1998, he joined InterContinental Hotels & Resorts, New Delhi and shifted to Germany to explore the melange of Indian and European foods. During December 2000 – June 2012, he joined as Cake Chef at Chanakya, an Indian specialties restaurant in Dusseldorf, Germany. Since 2013 he has been driving the catering operations of Kaiserswerther Diakonie Restaurant and Service. Here is a candid interview on the world of foods.
1. What kind of response do you get on Indian cuisines?
Indian curry dishes are varied and veritable in taste, quality, aroma, and gastronomy. The whole world is mad about the six rasas of Indian spices. Moreover, the colour, texture, ingredients, palatability, and presentation of Indian foods can be differentiated from other global food varieties. The combination of vegetarian and nonvegetarian foods also creates a subtle taste provoking and mouth-watering moment for the food lovers.
2. What does German cuisines have in common with Indian foods?
Intense, robust flavours define German cuisine, which are an inherent element of Indian #cuisines as well. The juicy characteristic comes from the fatty meats and the richness is derived from the generous use of butter and cream. In Indian dishes, the richness of foods is also embedded through these elements. The German foods are usually consisted of whole-grain bread, deli meats, sausages, cheese, and warm milk, which are also a regular practice in Indian foods.
3. What are the key differences between Indian and German foods?
The major differences of Indian and German foods are rested on the deserts and cakes. For example, in Germany a wide variety of cakes, tarts and pastries are served throughout the country, mostly made with fresh fruit. Apples, plums, strawberries, and cherries are used regularly in cakes. Cheesecake is also very popular, often made with quark. However, Indian deserts are infinite with the permutation and combination of cheese, khoya, cream, milk, butter, dry fruits and nuts, and fruit extracts.
4. What are the popular Indian dishes in high demand in Germany?
Several Indian dishes such kebabs, garlic naan, lamb korma, butter chicken, chicken masala curry, chicken tikka masala, kadai paneer, shahi paneer, and samosas & lassi are the most favourite among Germans. Not only locals but international tourists gorge on the Indian delicacies.