From Pokhara to the World: My Culinary Journey with Love and Process

Howdy folks,

It's me, Binod Baral here to share a bit of my culinary journey.

You might say food is in my blood. I hail from the beautiful tourist city of Pokhara, Nepal, but for the past 25 years, I've been on a global food adventure, racking up stamps from a whopping 79 countries!

From Michelin-starred kitchens to sizzling street festivals, I've cooked it all. I even had the privilege of serving as the group executive head chef for companies like The Bombay Bicycle Club and Clapham House Group Plc. But fancy titles ain't what drives me.

My secret sauce?

It's a two-ingredient recipe: process and love.

Yep, you heard me right. Sure, having organized systems is key, especially when juggling different cuisines. But the real magic happens when I channel the love for this craft and the desire to connect with folks through food.

When things get tricky, especially during recipe development, I take a deep breath and close my eyes. I imagine myself back home in Pokhara, picturing my mum whipping up a feast. Then, I channel that same love and care, pretending I'm cooking for my own family.

This approach has led to some pretty incredible experiences. Take the time I competed against a Japanese delegate's personal chef on an airline catering gig. My Chicken Katsu Curry wasn't exactly "authentic," but the delegates loved its unique flavor and umami punch. They chose mine over the "real deal"!

Similar stories go for my Arabic Machboos, which even won over a Sheikh, despite the presence of his personal chef's dish. These early wins solidified my belief in the power of food to connect, bridging cultures and creating memories that last a lifetime.

Today, I'm still learning and growing, drawing inspiration from everyone and everywhere. My colleagues, diverse restaurants, good ol' Uncle Google, and even YouTube all play a part in my continuous learning and evolution. That's what keeps me confident and sharp in this ever-evolving culinary world.

So, there you have it, folks. My story is a testament to the powerful combination of passion, process, and a whole lotta love for food.

I'm proud to be a culinary ambassador, bringing people together one delicious dish at a time!