Chef Rohan Malwankar On His Grandmother’s Curries And His Success Mantra

Rohan Rajan Malwankar is the Executive Chef at Courtyard by Marriott Bengaluru Hebbal and has been a part of the industry for over 13 years. He brings to the table an extensive body of work experience having worked with various brands across the Marriott International portfolio as well as Hyatt hotels, at iconic properties across Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Jaipur. With his well-versed experience in the culinary arts, he has been a pivotal team player in ideating and launching new F&B concepts, driving revenue, and meeting guest satisfaction. When away from work he loves to play cricket and also hone his passion for photography.

•    What made you foray into the kitchen? And what have been your worst experiments?

As for my worst experiments, they usually happened when I tried to combine too many flavors or ingredients that didn’t work well together. However, such experiences taught me which flavors complement each other and how to create unique dishes without overcomplicating them.

•    What is your favorite time of the year when you look forward to seasonal produce?

As a Chef, I relish the challenge of working with a diverse range of ingredients that vary according to the seasons. It provides me with an opportunity to not only hone my culinary skills but also discover new dishes. Among all the seasons, winter is my favorite because of the unique ingredients available during this time. I am particularly fond of working with parsnips, berries, and citrus fruits, which offer a range of flavors and textures that inspire my creativity in the kitchen. 

•    What it takes to sustain the competition

In today’s fast-paced and dynamic business environment, it takes more than just hard work and dedication to stay ahead of the competition. Companies need to be innovative and creative in order to sustain the competition. This means embracing new technologies and strategies, such as AI-driven automation, data analytics, and customer experience optimization. It also requires having a clear understanding of the customer journey and the ability to adjust quickly when needed. By leveraging the right tools and strategies, organizations can ensure that they remain competitive in their respective industries

•    When dreams meet reality, there are both happy and challenging times! How was it for you

Dreams are something we all aspire to achieve, and when they meet reality, it can be both a happy and challenging experience. For me, it was a mix of both. On one hand, I had the opportunity to pursue my dreams and make them come true. On the other hand, I faced challenges that I never expected or prepared for.

The journey was filled with moments of joy and excitement as well as moments of doubt and fear. But with hard work and perseverance, I eventually overcame those challenges and achieved my goals. It was an incredible experience that taught me so much about myself and made me appreciate the power of dreaming big!

•    What has been your source of inspiration?

Inspiration can come from many different sources. It can be found in books, movies, conversations with friends, nature, and even within ourselves. We all have our own unique source of inspiration that helps us to create something new and different. Personally, I find my inspiration in stories of people who have achieved success despite the odds stacked against them. By hearing their stories, I am reminded of the power of hard work and determination to succeed in life. Additionally, reading about successful entrepreneurs and their journeys also serves as a source of motivation for me to pursue my dreams with conviction and passion

•   What is your idea of innovation when it comes to food?

I love experimenting in the kitchen, it’s my holy grail. The idea of innovating and discovering new perspectives that expand the definition of my food knowledge, and ultimately translate to something special making its way into the menu and meeting the diner’s appreciation is what makes me the happiest  

•    What are your favourite spices to work with?

Spices are an essential element of cooking, as they add flavor and aroma to dishes. They can also be used to create unique flavors and textures in food. From mild to spicy, there is a wide variety of spices available that can be used in different recipes. My favorite spices to work with include cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric, and cardamom. Each of these spices adds its own unique flavor and aroma to dishes, making them more interesting and delicious. Additionally, I also use garlic powder or fresh garlic for an extra kick of flavor.

• What are some of your earliest memories of food?

The earliest memory I have of being introduced to the art of cooking has been in my hometown of Malwan where I would be curious about the prep that my grandmum would do for the delicious feasts that she had ready for us during our visits. It is with her that this bond with cooking had initiated.

•    What does success mean to you as a chef?

As a chef, success means more than just creating delicious dishes. It is about creating an experience for the customer that goes beyond the food itself. It is about providing an atmosphere and ambiance that makes customers feel comfortable and welcome in your restaurant. It also means having the ability to manage a kitchen efficiently and effectively, while still being able to provide top-notch customer service. Success as a chef means having the confidence to take risks in order to create something extraordinary, while also staying true to yourself and your vision for your restaurant.