COPILOT SPOTLIGHT: CHEF KUNAL KAPUR, INDIA
The OTPYM Copilot Spotlight navigates into the minds and experiences of travel professionals and professional travelers. Join us in the cockpit with Kunal Kapur – an Indian celebrity chef and restauranteur best known for hosting and judging MasterChef India.
Who: Kunal Kapur
What you do: I am a chefpreneur.
Where was the first place you ever traveled? As I am from India, the first trip I remember was traveling with mom, dad and sis to the hills of India, Kashmir to be exact. It was the very first time I saw snow or touched snow – I’ll never forget how it felt in my hands! The boat ride in Dal Lake and staying in a boathouse is still such a vivid memory. My first international travel was very exciting, as I was headed to the middle east to open my first restaurant outside of India!
Where is the last place you visited? I just came back from South Africa. It was my first ever visit to the African continent – I loved the place! The colors, the art, food and the fresh air…
Where is next for you? Why? The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are next on my list. Besides being a chef, my passion is to delve into research on the history of food. I research and document food, culinary traditions, local produce, history, culture and anything that links me to the food history of the place. The Andamans are a beautiful cluster of islands, and most of them still untouched and pristine. A vacation on the beach with lots to explore – that’s what I am looking forward to!
Why do you choose to travel? Travel is like a breath of fresh air for me. With the busy life that I lead, travel allows me the time to escape and indulge with my other passions. Meeting new people and understanding their way of living makes me more open to change, brings in more respect for other people, communities and makes me a better being.
How has travel helped to define your world view? Travel is an investment, not an expense and for me it is a constant source of knowledge about the world we live in. Staying with and breaking bread with people from far flung places has made me more humble and an advocate for protecting our environment. With each new trip, I absorb new ideas, concepts and cuisine. This education through experience has resulted in me becoming a more creative person.
Where is the favorite place you’ve traveled and why? I love my travels through Southeast Asia. Countries like Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam and Cambodia have a rich history and amazing food. The simplicity of these places makes me want to return to enjoy nature, food and long walks with no destination in particular. It is so very easy to travel and be on your own there. The best part is, you don’t have to dress up in these places and just immerse yourself in the local culture.
