CHEF OF THE WEEK

Published by
Sharmila Chand

He started his career with the Oberoi New Delhi at the prestigious Travertino restaurant. From there Chef Amit Singh moved on to Le Meridien New Delhi and then a short stint at Hilton Dubai.  Then he came back and worked at The Leela Palace New Delhi at Le Cirque followed by the Imperial New Delhi. Working in European kitchens gave him the experience to lead the team at Ophelia.

In a candid conversation, he talks more about himself and his work: 

How do you define yourself? 

I define myself using my faith. I always want to learn new things. I try to analyse the situation and do what is right and try to treat people with respect and give everyone a fair chance.

What are you passionate about?

 I am passionate about food, learning, eating, gathering experiences, cook well, enjoy food and travelling to various places to try new dishes.  I also love to share my learnings with the new generation of chefs, to pass that love and passion further.

Your philosophy on food?

Go organic, use seasonal fresh ingredients. 

Your favourite cuisine?

European cuisine.

Your idol?

Alain Passardis, a French chef and owner of the three Michelin star restaurant l’arpege in Paris. He started off as a saxophone artist at a restaurant and was much influenced from the chef. That’s how he started of his journey as a chef himself. I got a chance to work with this culinary maestro at The Leela Palace, New Delhi when he came down for a weeklong pop-up at Le Cirque.

Your favourite spice?

Juniper berries.

Your hot-selling dish?

Chilean sea bass, purple potato mash, cherry tomato puttanesca.

Lessons learnt in the 

kitchen?

Respecting employees, hygiene and safety utmost.

How do you like to de-stress?

By cooking more.

Last meal on earth, what would you choose?

French onion soup      

Recipe:

Duck Pate

120 gm Duck

5 gm Marjoram

5 gm Thyme

5 gm Sage 

5 gm Basil

10 gm Cinnamon stick

10 gm bayleaf

Peppercorn to taste

35 gm Cranberries

35 ml cream

20 gm Soft Butter

Method

Cook the whole duck by using all herbs like thyme sage marjoram 

Add all together to influence the flavour of duck by using braising method of cooking.

Blend them all together and keep it aside to set.

Once the pate is set keep the pate cover by orange glaze and serve with thick toast.

 

Sharmila Chand

Published by
Sharmila Chand

Recent Posts

In clash between competing leagues, Indian golfers stand to benefit

Rival leagues trigger players’ suspensions and a legal battle in Indian golf, for now

December 18, 2025

Kejriwal slams Centre, Delhi govt over Delhi pollution

Former Delhi CM Kejriwal criticises Centre, Delhi govt over worsening air pollution, alleges AQI manipulation

December 18, 2025

Delhi Police busts fake engine oil unit in Nangloi, seizes counterfeit goods worth Rs 1 cr

Delhi Police raids Nangloi unit producing fake engine oil, seizes over Rs 1 crore worth…

December 18, 2025

‘Decoding Digital DNA’: a solo exhibition by Mukesh Sharma

Mukesh Sharma reimagines digital components as living matter in his solo exhibition ‘Decoding Digital DNA’

December 18, 2025

Delhi Police busts interstate gangs supplying mule bank accounts to cybercrooks; 9 arrested

Nine accused were arrested in coordinated raids as police uncovered organised networks supplying mule bank…

December 18, 2025

Over 1.56 lakh challans issued in Delhi in two months for PUC violations

Nearly 1.57 lakh PUC challans issued in two months as Delhi steps up GRAP enforcement…

December 18, 2025