Robai Wamoto head chef at Tamarind Tree Hotel

When did your passion for cooking begin?

I grew up around food and amongst the best cooks, who are definitely my mother and my late dad.

I was very lucky to find such a strong male figure who could cook.

Their influence is what made me love cooking and develop it as a passion, which later on turned into a profession. 

How has your journey been like as a chef?

It’s been a long journey to be where I am at today. I attribute it to hard work and having a positive ‘I can do’ mind.

Talk about being a lady chef, what are the ups and downs to it? It’s been fun, but one needs to be strong, strict and fair to all.

My motto is always never give up, therefore, no  amount of stress or hectic deadlines can stop me.

Do you cook when you are at home?

Yes I do. I cook a lot when I’m home since my family really enjoys the food I prepare.

What are you doing to ensure that guests are safe at your restaurant? 

First of all, all my team members have undergone Covid-19 tests, they have been trained on the same and how to handle guests in case they get sick.

Currently, I work with a smaller team in the kitchen to ensure that social distancing is maintained and above all, hygiene is the key.

Everything received from the suppliers is sanitised at the receiving bay before storage or use.

Lastly is making sure that any food consumed has to be at the right temperature.

Who inspires you?

Chef  Joseph Gacheru and Chef Gurpreet Mehta Singh. These two have taught me a lot in my career and how to survive strongly as a chef.

Apart from cooking, your other hobbies…

 I love spending time with my daughter Paula. She enjoys when I’m in the kitchen with her teaching her how to cook.

But if I’m not in the kitchen, I love watching movies with her and my sister Brenda. I also love going places, travelling is fun.