CHENNAI: Making a true-blue Mumbaikaar call Chennai a second home is no mean feat. Devansh Jhaveri, the man behind Mafia Chef, a South American-inspired culinary initiative first set foot in Chennai back in July last year and has almost set base here in collaboration with Ashvita. Known for his burritos, deep dish pizzas and signature Indian Sriracha sauce, the chef-entrepreneur speaks about his growing bond with the city.
What Chennai cuisine would you recommend to someone heading here for the first time?
I recommend the small tiffin places serving idlis, pongal with litres of chutney. We hardly ever get that back in Mumbai.
Which are your favourite jaunts in the city that no one should miss?
I really enjoy the Marina beach and driving around in the city. I also like walking the streets of Besant Nagar in the evening. I also enjoy a late night meal at Mathsya, especially peas and bread.
What makes Chennai so special?
People, people, people and food! I absolutely love the people in Chennai, the amount of warmth and love I receive each time I am here is truly touching. Also did I mention food?
An incident at a public place in the city that really impressed you?
After a very busy night at the restaurant, I decided to take a walk and get my hands on local food. I stopped by this roadside place for some utthappams and idlis. No one there, except the owner, spoke English. Being from Bombay, we tend to eat idlis with a spoon. When I gestured the servers for a spoon to eat my idlis with, everyone there, including the guests eating on the street, burst out laughing. When they realised I was bewildered, they were nice enough to explain to me that idlis taste best when you eat them with your fingers.
Any three stereotypes about the city that make you roll your eyes
1. Everyone in Chennai is into politics, 2. Everything you eat has coconut 3. All auto drivers do not speak English/ Hindi.
Something in Chennai that cant be found in any part of the world?
The balance of modernity, cleanliness and discipline. Impressive!
Two madras bashai words you have learnt here that you would teach someone?
I’ve learnt several words almost all of which cant be mentioned here, however two words i would teach others are “Tamil ille” and “Baeku.”
Any Chennai-based celeb/person you’d like to date?
Trisha Krishnan is the first person that came to mind, she’s very pretty. Can you set us up on a date?