Manzil Downtown Executive Chef Guarav Gulati, an Indian national, has 37 years of culinary experience, 14 of which are in the UAE.
Can you give us a glimpse of your career journey so far?
After finishing my Hospitality Management degree, I decided to join the culinary world. I started out as a management trainee and worked with top chain hotel brands such as Le Royal Méridien, Hilton Abu Dhabi, Hilton Dubai Jumeriah, Qatar Airways, The H Resort Seychelles, Bulgari London, The H Dubai and Emaar Hospitality.
So far, I’ve had an amazing culinary journey in different parts of the world, and it’s bound to get even better. I’ve never stopped learning and developing; I learn something new every day, whether it’s a dish or a skill.
What’s your favourite dish to eat and why?
A good piece of tender beef steak cooked perfectly, medium with jus, would be my ideal meal. I’m a meat lover, and no menu would be complete without steak on it.
What are you cooking up today? Tell us more about the dish.
I’m cooking pan-seared black cod, with cauliflower, coconut potato foam, white asparagus, edamame, dill oil and flax seed chips. This is an amazing flaky fish, cooked with herbs, garlic and butter, fresh green vegetables and a foamy puree.
It’s a French cooking-style dish with a balance of starch, vegetables and protein, keeping the real texture and flavour of the fish itself. At the same time, I’m giving the dish a modern approach by using flax seed chips and the foamy puree.
As a chef, what are the top ingredients and products you’re using these days?
I’m using many greens, vegetables, herbs and a variety of lettuce in my dishes and keeping it simple and healthy.
What are some of the most recent, important food trends you can tell us about?
Using healthier, low fat, low carb ingredients: I see a lot of people moving towards a healthier lifestyle and switching to vegan options.
What would you advise suppliers and foodservice professionals who are looking to offer their best to the market and meet demand?
Innovation is the key to success. Keep developing new products as the market and trends continue to evolve.
