SHAlINI SAKSENA speaks with chef Alvin leung about judging the Canadian version of MasterChef and why he is called the demon chef. Excerpts
What made you say yes to judge MasterChef CanadaIJ
When I saw the American version, I was very impressed by the quality of the programme and it’s such an amazing opportunity for aspiring home cooks to realise their dream of becoming a chef. So, I really wanted to be a part of that. It was an amazing opportunity for me to convey how much cooking means to me.
There has been a lot of fusion in foods lately. Is this a good trendIJ
It’s like living in Canada and Toronto in particular, we have so many cuisines here. I live in the most multicultural city in the world and I think that we have so many immigrants here who are connected by food and who bring their food to our country, to our city. This is what makes the city very exciting, as there are so many cultures happening here. I think fusion is a great cuisine. I think it brings a lot of different nationalities together. As long as you respect the origin of the ingredients, you know where they come from, you understand how its going to work together. I think then fusion can be a very exciting cuisine. I think, in India there are so many different styles of cooking which really works out for them there.
What is it that you are looking for when you judge such showsIJ
I am looking for the cook that just won’t give up. The one who has really exciting attitude, a very exciting spirit. Someone who’ll get back up and bow down. Someone who is confident. Somebody who will never give up. Who can pass a universal message to everyone watching the show that if you believe in yourself, you can go very far.
What has been the best dish that you have judged this far on the showIJ
I have to say its Marida’s Caribbean style cooking that she gets in the show. It’s incredible, incredible spice, a very exciting cuisine, very extravagant flavors. I really enjoyed her cooking tremendously.
Why are you also known as the Demon ChefIJ
Probably because I am the toughest of the judges on the show. I think a lot of it is because I am an Asian. Whether you are a boss or a parent, Asians are generally tougher people.