Ambassador Profile – Chef Kalyan Chakraborty

Winning Competition Dish: Flank steak, beer mustard jus, mascarpone mousseline, creamed spinach, roasted sunchokes and oyster mushrooms

Personal Hero: My mother

Secret Comfort Food: Stir-fried maggi instant noodles and fried egg

Tool of the Trade: Masakane 150mm petty knife

Culinary Philosophy: To bridge culinary traditions and innovation, creating something new while respecting authenticity. Good ingredients make good food.

Stepping into the culinary spotlight at the 2024 Garland Canada Culinary Competition was Richmond Station’s very own Sous Chef, Kalyan Chakraborty. Garland Canada affords competitors the chance to prove their skills and creativity before a panel of esteemed judges through crafting dishes that reflect the ever-changing show theme. When asked what the most rewarding part of competing was, Chef Chakraborty immediately lit up. Not only was he awarded first place, but he was also rewarded with a newfound confidence in delegating, a spark for creativity and numerous new connections that continue to inspire his work in and out of the kitchen.

The path from cook to chef is long, and at times can be grueling, but Chef Chakraborty points out that the joy he feels when presenting food to his diners makes it all worth it. From his early years, he knew he envisioned himself in a chef’s coat, inventing new and bold recipes. He loved helping his mother cook for their family and he advanced that by learning how to cook independently, as he feels there is no greater calling than creating and sharing food for the people he loves most.

When asked what’s next, Chef Chakraborty shared that he finds comfort in focusing on short-term goals, as those are what really motivate him to get through a 13-14 hour work day. Although his dreams are inspired by his mentors and putting his own spin on dishes he creates, he places great importance in focusing on the ‘now’, knowing that what’s to come, will come with hard work, good ingredients, a desire to grow, and a love for food.

Chef Chakraborty’s biggest takeaway is that a chef’s team is instrumental in your growth as a cook, and that the old adage, “we’re all in this together” stands true, especially in the kitchen. And, while he’s grateful for all his mentors, the Garland Canada Culinary Competition provided Chef Chakraborty with a newfound appreciation for self-recognition.

“When you’re a cook, your days revolve around absorbing everything your sous chef shares” he acknowledges, “but as you climb the ladder towards your very own new heights, being recognized in a formal setting, and beyond, reminds you that those long hours and occasional mistakes, are worth it.”

The Garland Canada Culinary Competition is now accepting applications for 2025 competitors, and Chef Kalyan has some sage advice: “Apply, compete and cook with your heart! This competition will bring out skills that you didn’t even know existed, because challenges will do that. So, let your talent lead the way and continue paving your career while on stage.”

Congratulations, again, from all of us at Restaurants Canada and Garland Canada. Here’s to the now – and next!

Follow Chef Kalyan @kalyanc_10