Chef Chat w/ Ananda (“Andy”) Pokhrel – Shanti

Andy-Pokhrel

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.