Cuisine control

Mona

Advertisement

Hers is a journey from a small town to following her dream in the United Kingdom. Not only is Romy Gill passionate about working as a chef but also being a marathon runner who supports the cause of clean water and food for everyone in the world.

Romy made a flying visit to the Capital lately, and, merrily chatted about a journey she has enjoyed every bit of.

Who initiated you into cooking?

My love affair with food started while growing up in West Bengal. My dad worked in a steel plant and people from all parts of India worked there. I loved the way my mom and my friends’ moms would cook the same vegetables so differently. Moving to the UK, I determined to cook for people and give them the joy of our rich cuisines.

From missing home delicacies to opening Romy’s Kitchen, how challenging was the journey?

Opening Romy’s Kitchen was a huge challenge, logistically. Three banks refused me the loan. But finally Natwest believed in me and I could get started. To make customers walk in and keep the staff together is a daily challenge I face.

Did being a woman in this largely male dominated field made this inning easy or difficult?

Being a self-taught woman, opening a small independent restaurant was no mean feat. And, alongside I am a mother, a wife, a marathon runner for charities too. Support of my husband, daughters, my neighbours and friends made a huge impact on my journey. I got an amazing support from other chefs I came across in this journey.

Do you come to India often? Do you see any significant change?

I love the rapidly changing India and I want to contribute to its growth. I was in Mumbai marathon January this year. I also did the full 26 miles marathon to raise funds for Bristol-based Frank Water Charity that works in India for clean water. I am one of the ambassadors for the charity as water is more important than food, I believe. What I don’t really appreciate is the way fast food is replacing Indian food.

You are writing your first book. What is it about?

It’s going to be my journey from being a small town girl to living in the UK and following my dream. Each recipe tells a story, recipes I grew up eating or I created after losing weight and then cooking for my kids according to their likes and dislikes.

What’s next?

I am going to Myanmar on a cycle expedition with 13 other chefs from the UK to raise money for ‘action against hunger’ in September. I love challenges and raising money for people in need. I would love to travel across India and make a series about the tribes of India someday.