Johannesburg - Celebrity chef Reza Mahammad is a regular face on Food Network.
First holiday memory?
Gosh, my first holiday memory – that would be going back to India at the insistence of my father. He thought it would be nice for me to go to Delhi, see the Taj Mahal, explore North India and Bombay. I was in India, as a child. But I didn’t have any real memories of it until I went back at 10. I was completely shocked by the poverty. The heat also got to me and I got a Delhi belly. At the same time, I also remember going to see these amazing monuments.
Favourite place in South Africa?
Cape Town. You have the mountain and the sea and the weather is spectacular. Stellenbosch and Franschhoek are amazing. There is so much to do and see; there is the food scene, the night scene and the cultural side. I do like Plettenberg Bay and The Garden Route is lovely.
Best holiday?
I have many best holidays. My first was Munich and then Italy. I remember being in Tuscany and going to Florence. I love the Italians. They are so friendly. The architecture is beautiful, their food is amazing and the language is so animated.
What have you learnt from your travels?
There is so much I have learnt. I feel I am privileged when I go on my travels. I get to see how people live and I’m always so grateful. What I love and have seen is that cultures have very similar principles to other cultures. But it is more niche. And all the paths lead to the same path when you look at any society.
Ideal travelling companion?
My best friends, especially those who enjoy living. I love being around people who complement my personality and who love doing what I do. I love going to the museums, the theatre and the opera. I like food. I prefer to see as much by day as by night. And my ideal companion/s would be someone who complements that.
Beach bum, culture vulture or adrenalin junkie?
I’m more of a culture vulture. While I don’t mind going to the beach for a few days, I don’t want to be there every day. I would get bored. That said, I do remember going to New Zealand, where I was an adrenalin junkie. It depends on my surroundings and what they have to offer.
Greatest travel luxury?
My mosquito repellent. I need to have plenty of it. And lots of hand cream and wet wipes.
Holiday reading?
I love to read a good book – all types of books, especially fiction. If I have work ahead of me, I would do research stuff. I do love to read autobiographies, too.
Which place has seduced you?
Well, I do come to South Africa a lot, don’t I? But, give me any Latin country and I will be seduced.
Worst travel experience?
Egypt Air, I will not recommend it to anyone. You could be waiting two hours for a bottle or glass of water. I remember having a terrible cough that I had to suffer through. I will never travel with them.
Best hotel?
That’s a difficult one. I have been to so many amazing places. When I go to Venice, there are wonderful villas. I loved New Zealand. Australia was fabulous. But that was staying with friends. Funny thing is, I’m a very adaptable person. So when you say best hotel, it’s a tough one. I have stayed at some fabulous hotels.
Favourite walk, swim, ride or drive?
New Zealand. I got myself on a train and went all the way down to Queenstown. Oh my word; when you think of The Hobbit – that was the landscape. You see this beautiful turquoise sea, all these mountains and the sun was kissing them. They had these dusky gold and pink hues. It felt like you were on another planet. It was a good 12 years ago but I still remember that.
Best meal abroad?
I hate you. That is a tough one. That is a a stupid question for someone who does a lot of travel, where every country has something special to offer. You go to Italy, you get the best of the Italian food. You go to India, you are going to have amazing food. You go to Japan or Vietnam, you have fabulous food. Every country represents phenomenal cuisine.
Favourite city?
Oh my Lord, have mercy! That’s another stupid question. How can you ask what is your favourite city. I love Amsterdam. I love Paris. I love Rome. I love Venice. I love Florence. I love Rajasthan. For goodness sake, come on!
Where to next?
I don’t know yet. That’s going to be a surprise. I’m hoping to go to Istanbul. That’s sort of on the agenda.
l Celebrity chef Reza Mahammad is a regular face on Food Network. He currently shares the screen with our very own Jenny Morris for Jenny and Reza’s Fab Food Academy (airs every Monday at 5pm) on Food Network. His career has seen him explore many culinary delights across the globe.
Saturday Star