This week it’s the turn of Barendre Singh, chef at Spice in Victoria Road.

Call 01793 529114

When did you first take an interest in cooking, and when did you decide you wanted to become a chef?

When I was 17 years old. I followed in the footsteps of my brother and my father, who were both chefs, and it was they who gave me inspiration

Where did you do your training?

I trained first at the Eppolo Restaurant in Bombay, India, for four years, which was a three star hotel, and then at the Oberoi Hotel, which was a five star restaurant. I was there for 20 years before I came to Engalnd. I have been here at Spice since we opened together one month ago.

How would you describe the style of food served in your restaurant?

We serve proper modern Indian style food.

Do you have a signature dish? If so, what?

Lamb Sajani is my speciality. It is lamb cooked in an onion sauce with special Indian spices.

What would you order from your own menu?

There are all so good I can not choose.

Your favourite vegetable, and why?

Broccoli. I like broccoli because with cheese you can make a nice starter and it is also versatile in making many different vegetarian dishes.

And favourite dessert?

Pineapple Makina

Do you cook a lot at home? What sort of food?

Yes, I cook at home with my wife. We cook traditional Indian food and I like to try to cook Italian and Mexican food. We also try out new dishes together. If we create something special then I take it to the restaurant.

Where else locally do you like to eat?

I have only been here a month so I am still looking, but any good Indian restaurant.

Why should people come to Spice?

When I prepare our meals I don’t use too much oil or butter so the dishes are healthier. I use traditional but modern Indian methods of cooking. It is all cooked in proper Indian style and when people come in and try it once they will want to come back again.