​Episode 10 - Cyrus Todiwala from Mumbai to Café Spice Namaste

In the latest episode of the Ceres Podcast, Stelios sits down with celebrated chef and restaurateur Cyrus Todiwala, the man behind Café Spice Namaste. The conversation spans Cyrus's remarkable journey from his humble beginnings in Mumbai to becoming a culinary icon in the UK. As listeners learn, Cyrus's love for cooking was born out of necessity, as his childhood asthma kept him home, where he helped his mother in the kitchen. This early experience planted the seeds for a career that would take him to the Taj Mahal Hotel in Bombay and eventually to the UK, where he would build a culinary empire.

Cyrus shares the challenges he faced when he first entered the hospitality industry, a profession that was not regarded highly in India. He also touches on his environmental advocacy and the role of sustainability in his restaurants. An inspiring moment in the conversation is when Cyrus discusses his work with Zest Quest Asia, a competition designed to encourage young chefs to explore careers in Asian cuisine. His passion for education and the industry's future is palpable, offering insights into the importance of training and mentoring the next generation of chefs.

The episode also dives into the challenges of running a successful restaurant, including the cultural and logistical hurdles he encountered when first moving to the UK. He recounts the shocking conditions of the restaurant he took over, from language barriers with staff to hygiene issues, which he overcame with perseverance. The conversation shifts to the present, where Cyrus shares his thoughts on sustainability, the future of mutton in British cuisine, and the need for the hospitality industry to unite to address staffing shortages.

Stelios always brings out the heart behind the success, reminding listeners that despite the accolades and achievements, the hospitality industry is about making people feel at home. This episode offers a captivating glimpse into the life of one of the UK's most respected chefs, and the conversation could have gone on for hours. Listen to the full episode to hear more of Cyrus's thoughts on sustainability, game meats, and the future of British cuisine.