Priya Barve has a tough job to do. She's representing India in the very first season of MasterChef Asia. We spoke to the 39-year-old marketing professional and amateur cook about life and the show:
Describe your experience in MasterChef Asia.
It's a once-in-a-lifetime experience, with unparalleled exposure to different kinds of techniques. Yes, it's tougher than I expected. The pressure of working in an unfamiliar kitchen gets to you.
What's your strategy?
See, the show is meant to take you out of your comfort zone. My comfort lies in cooking Indian food, but thankfully, because I've travelled a lot, I have been exposed to other cuisines as well. So the only thing I can do is keep my cool, listen to the briefs and do my best.
Who is your favourite judge out of the three?
I'm the closest to Audra Morrice. Being a former MasterChef (Australia) contestant herself, she has a lot of empathy for us. From the time she participated three years ago, she's been running a successful catering business and written many books. I have so much to learn from her.
Your 5 favourite food destinations
Apart from India, my favourites are China (I love the authentic Chinese fare in Hong Kong and the local food in the mainland), Vietnam (for its fresh produce and great flavours—I like it more than Thailand), Spain, Italy (for its diversity) and Turkey (for Middle Eastern comfort food, which reminds me a lot about Indian food).
Where do you source your ingredients from?
I live in Singapore, so I mainly go to Tekka Centre to buy Indian as well as Western vegetables—such as purple carrots—meat and fish. For Indian spices, it's Mustafa in Little India, and for Western ingredients, I head to any of the Cold Storage supermarkets.
Who's your biggest inspiration?
Before I got married, it was my mother and grandmother, but now it's my husband. He's as passionate about cooking as I am; in fact, my fondness for cooking grew more after he entered my life. We cook together whenever we can.
Favourite restaurants in India?
In Mumbai, Britannia & Company, The Konkan Café, and really sad that it's now closed, Samovar Café. Hope it opens again. And whenever I'm in Pune, I head to Shreyas for its authentic Maharashtrian food.
Favourite restaurants in Singapore?
Din Tai Fung, Crystal Jade, No Menu for its Italian fare, and Jumbo and Long Beach for their chilli crab.
What do you love cooking for your family?
Desserts—I'm always trying to learn new stuff here. This Christmas, I made a three-layer panna cotta: gingerbread crumble at the bottom; then, spiced orange panna cotta with nutmeg, cinnamon and mace; and on top, mulled wine and cranberry jelly.
Your message to culinary aspirants, including those eyeing MasterChef?
Just go for it! Keep cooking what's you—what defines you and what forms your background.
Watch MasterChef Asia from Mondays through Fridays at 9pm on Star World and Star World HD