Rahul Krishna a dedicated chef at The Special Brew Coffee House & Restaurant would rather ensure others enjoy a special meal even if it means forgoing his holidays or family time.
“Since I was small my love and passion for food has been crazy as I used to drag my blanket and pillow to the kitchen and watch and learn from my mother as she prepared our meals.” he said.
This interest served Mr Krishna well as today he not only does marketing for the restaurant, he works for but as a single father he is also shops and cooks for his two-year-old son Reynold Krishna.
His passion for cooking and serving others was visible while talking and the 34-year-old says that the food industry has evolved over the years and so as the ingredients, methods of cooking and produce or products available in the market which has changed to.
“For example, while growing up we didnt know anything about vegan food, lactose intolerant or glucose free food. It is great though that Fiji is not behind in following overseas trends as now we have all this available locally too.
Vegan food refers to dishes and ingredients that do not contain any animal products or animal derived products such as honey or gelatine. Mr Krishna says one of the best examples is tofu which he says is in great demand and the best quality tofu is from Grace Road.
‘It is good that people are becoming health conscious but at the same time we should see that the vegetarian foods are affordable and not expensive as it is now.
“Though it is understood why the price of vegetarian food is high as our local produce is expensive due to flooding there is a spike in vegetable prices. The other day I bought a small bucket of kumkuat (lemons) for $200.
“At times we can’t blame people, but the weather is the cause of the hike in prices and low supply.”
Mr Krishna prefers Nausori and Nakasi markets to buy produce for the restaurant.
“I have top of the range suppliers that supply the best ingredients to enhance my dishes as I love to use local produce and keep my dishes authentic.
Despite trying to use local produce as much as possible he says that one product that he can’t do without is lamb which is in great demand both by his customers and personally it’s his favourite too.
“Lamb dishes are a favourite of many including me either it be barbecue, grilled, curry, soy sauce or chilli lamb,” he added.
Mr Krishna says he spends around $300 monthly on grocery shopping while the expense for his baby is around $100 weekly.
“Baby products are expensive, but I don’t compromise on that as I want my son to have the best.”
Some of the things that are a must on the shopping list for him and his son are basic items like dhal, rice, potatoes, noodles, boneless chicken, vegetables and diapers, milk, snacks, powder, baby wipes, soap and shampoo.
