Chennai is known for its multicultural makeup and the many Chinese descendants who have made this city their home have blended well into the social framework. And for Chef Peter Tseng who has lived all his life in India, he has been delighting the taste buds of Chennaiites with authentic Oriental delicacies at The Lotus restaurant at The Park.
Unfortunately, this chef is a failure at making dosa. But, given the fact that he can actually whip up some authentic Oriental cuisine, he can be pardoned just this once. He then breaks another misconception.
“I don’t cook at home. My wife does. I make only one meal a week because I cook all day”.
Tseng and his family are third generation Chinese, it was his grandparents who first moved here. But this chirpy chef is as much rooted in tradition as those on the other side of the Great Wall of China. He says,“We follow Chinese traditions very closely. I make it a point to go home every Chinese New Year and celebrate it with my family.” Sticking to tradition often goes hand-in-hand with cooking authentic Chinese food. “We eat real Chinese food at home, not Indian Chinese,” he clarifies, insisting that real Chinese food is more bland, but definitely more flavourful than its sauce laden Indian counterpart.
Having grown up in Kolkata where a sizable Chinese community exists, Tseng’s nevertheless loves Chennai, which is now home “Oh this is an absolutely amazing place” says Tseng.
Tseng surely has ensured a place for himself in every Chennaiite’s heart.