‘Learn from everyone in the kitchen’

Chef Tania Tovar

What did you have for dinner last night?

Chinese food: soup, chicken in a sour and spicy sauce and fried rice with vegetables. I also had Chinese tea and spring rolls.

What are you reading now?

I like horror stories. I’m reading

It by Stephen King.

What's your favourite recipe book?

 It has to be

Larousse Diccionario Enciclopedico de la Gastronomia Mexicana by Ricardo Munoz Zurita, because there are several recipes from famous Mexican chefs, and it also includes desserts. It's a very complete, comprehensive book.

  Next vacation? What do you plan to eat there?

Oaxaca, hopefully, next week. It's a very famous state in Mexico because of its mole recipes. Moles are spicy sauces and this Mexican state has seven famous spicy sauces made with different chillies. And I am going there to try them all.

Best meal?

All different Indian dals ... My favourite is dal makhani .

What about the worst?

That sweet paan . It’s fresh, but has strong flavours. I did not like it very much.

Places you eat at most often?

Mexican traditional food restaurants and Japanese and sushi restaurants.

Lessons learnt in the kitchen?

To always learn from everyone and the importance of team work.

Any secret junk food confessions?

I’m a French fries addict.

Last meal on earth: What would you choose?

Sushi.

Chef Tania Tovar was in Chennai for the 12th anniversary celebration of Zara – The Tapas Bar and Restaurant