Cyrus Todiwala: A Chef’s Spicy Tales

From the history of the spice trade resulting in Goan vindaloo to the source of chillies and black cardamom, Chef Todiwala’s knowledge and love of food is enthralling. And yet, his humility belies his award winning, world renowned reputation.

Chef restaurateur Cyrus Todiwala may have started life in Bombay and now lives in London but his heart is firmly in Goa. ‘The River Restaurant’ by Acron, is the only restaurant in India right now established by UK MasterChef Cyrus Todiwala. In fact, Cyrus is the Chef patron of ‘The River Restaurant’ at the Acron Waterfront Resort in Baga, and Cafe Spice Namaste, Mr Todiwalaʹs Kitchen, and The Park Café in London.

What inspires you about Goa?

In the early seventies as a young college lad one of the places I visited was Goa. My friend’s family owned a bus service that ploughed between Bombay and Goa. The best about Goa is its people, its easy attitude and the fun and music which made me fall in love with this place at once. In those days the Goa government marketed it as… Read more

If you could become king or queen of Goa, what would you change about it?

A lot of things. But first and foremost, I would ask the people to take a look at themselves and find out where that love for Goa and all things Goan has gone. If I can change people’s perception and ask them to value Goa and its soil again I will bring the biggest changes to Goa. Conservation, local produce, more farming and… Read more

If you could throw a party and invite any 5 people in the world, living or dead, who would they be?

Prince Charles will be the first person because I think he is a true son of the soil and I can converse with him at length and get inside his mind a bit more to see what makes him tick and his ultimate passion for his land.
Sir David Attenborough and by Jove will I have some conversation… Read more

What drives you in life?

Everything. Passion for many things, life in general and the lack of time to achieve and learn and do as much as I can and leave a fabulous legacy behind…the last being my greatest drive.

What are your hopes and dreams for Goa?

I am hoping that the destruction of Goa stops immediately. The people come together and rebuild goa into a destination for the good and the great and not the bad and the rubbish. That Goans learn to respect themselves and realise that this is the place of their forefathers; they need to… Read more

Please tell us a secret or some secrets about yourself?

Nonsense! I am a married man. I have no secrets. Love rubbish too…biscuits knowingly bad for me but I cannot resist. I dream a lot and my wife says I snore too. I do not need much sleep but do need a five-minute nap… Read more

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