Ananda (“Andy”) Pokhrel
Shanti – Taste of India
111 Dorchester Ave, Dorchester
417 Washington Street, Roslindale Village
www.shantiboston.com
Celebrating their 10th anniversary in Boston (with a NEW location in Roslindale Village), the award-winning Bangladesh-inspired Indian cuisine of Shanti is not to be missed and definitely not to be topped! With a well-stocked wine list and a seasonally-changing menu of hand-crafted dishes that are cooked to order, it is worth the trip from anywhere this side of Cox’s Bazar. Behind all the culinary creativity is chef Andy Pokhrei.
Matt’s Meals: How did you get into cooking?
Andy Pokhrel : As far as I can remember cooking has been part of my life. As a kid cooking was my hobby so as soon as I finished high school I went into a Restaurant & Kitchen management program.
MM: Where was your first professional kitchen experience?
AP: In Kathmandu, Nepal at Soaltree Crown Plaza L.S.G. Sky Chef. The big hotel restaurants are so much more lavish than here in the US.
MM: What is your favorite dish to prepare?
AP: I love to prepare Biryani. Something special about so many different ingredients in one dish yet co-existing in harmony.
MM: What is the best part of your job?
AP: Good food makes people happy and I love it when everyone is in a good mood.
MM: Who is your favorite chef in Boston?
AP: Todd English. I admire his passion for success.
MM: What do you usually make for yourself at home?
AP: Its mostly stews and salads.
MM: If you could dine with any three people, who would they be?
AP: My mom & dad accompanied by Gordon Ramsey. They are just such opposite characters in the kitchen that I am curious.