Gurjyote - North India
Cooking with Gurjyote
When you meet Gurjyote you will be put at ease with his big smile and sense of humour. Gurjyote (a.k.a Chef GJ) pulls the curtain back so we can see into his family kitchen, learning the recipes that he grew up on, the recipes of his Grandmother. The marrying of the traditional North Indian dishes with those from Indonesia as Gurjyote's Grandmother was from Indonesia. Chef GJ is a seasoned Chef, before he left India Chef GJ was executive chef for Taj hotel and is now a restaurateur here in Vancouver, B.C
I was born in New Delhi India.
My great grandfather immigrated from Pakistan to India when partition happened in 1947. My Grandmother is from Indonesia and this influenced her cooking.
I used to watch my Grandma cook. My Grandpa was the eldest of 8 siblings, and everyone would come to our house and my Grandma would cook for everyone. I remember the aromas, the style and the dishes.
The first dish I learned to cook was when I was when in grade 8. It was a non vegetarian dish: Murgh musallam. A whole chicken marinated and stuffed with boiled egg and seasoned with spices.
It was at this time in grade 8 when I decided I wanted to be a chef. I worked part time in my Father's business and full time achieving my passion. I was very lucky, my parents encouraged me. As the eldest son, I would normally be expected to take over my Father's business. My parents gave me the liberty to live my dreams.
When I cook I am filled with more love. I love feeding people who are hungry. I like to make sure they eat with their eyes first and than fill up their stomachs!
When I cook, I feel more energetic. When I am in action cooking, I am always smiling. You can talk to me about food the whole day, and I will always be smiling.
I feel food should be shared, I am happy when people are sharing food; family style. Family style of eating spreads love. The Sikh community always serves food family style, it is community food and spreads the love.
Northern India
Gurjyote
“ When I cook I am filled with more love. I love feeding people who are hungry. I like to make sure they eat with their eyes first and than fill up their stomachs!”