Chef Joel D’Souza is a self-taught culinary artist who loves to experiment with a variety of ingredients. He is a food trainer with ‘A Perfect Bite Cook Studio‘ & also showcases his recipes on a Youtube channel called India Food Network. He has been into the catering business since September 2012 with his company, Crumbs to Gourmet. In this interview, we get to know him a little more with some fun questions!

What inspired you to become a chef? Tell us your story!

I had been interested in cooking since I was a child. When I was tall enough to reach the gas stove, I prepared my first dish – steamed rice and shark fish curry; which still remains to be my most favorite meal. I pursued a cooking programs at Taj Presidency where I got trained in the Thai Pavillion for 2 years. Post that I worked at a couple of restaurants which gave me experience and decent money. Later, I went to Vancouver for a 9-month course from Northwest Culinary Academy of Vancouver, specializing in culinary arts and global cuisines. Since then, there has been no looking back!

What is your mantra for happiness?

Small things in life make me happy. If am able to wow someone with my food, that gives me immense happiness. Even when children take second helping pf my food at a party, it make me happy. I love feedback in all forms.

What do you do in your free time?

I read on new food trends, try out new dishes, bake cakes, go out and eat at restaurants to find out what’s keeping other chefs ticking. I also blog about my food & travel experiences.

If you were not a chef, what would you be doing in life?

I would be running a gym and providing others health food items along with it.

What kind of music do you enjoy the most?

I am progressive rock aficionado. Pink Floyd, Santana, Deep Purple, Queen… And I love new age music like Karunesh, Buddha Bar, Cafe Del Mar, Enya. Growing up in the 80’s meant we had a lot of exposure for music.

Which are your favorite dishes / cuisines?

I love Indian cuisine primarily, south Indian food (Non Veg), Mexican, Italian & Cantonese.

Tell us about your venture, Crumbs To Gourmet.

Crumbs To Gourmet Food Factory is a one stop shop for all things gourmet and fine food. We deliver dishes which are big on taste while keeping our food simple, bold or quirky.

We cater to parties of 12 people to a gathering of 300. Our specialties are birthday parties for kids, pre & post wedding functions and parties, barbeque parties, cocktail parties, store and product launch events.

What do you love the most about Mumbai?

The resilience in people, the whole some opportunities for all, the crazy nightlife, the plethora of eateries that fit all budgets and Bollywood.

Have you tried food from Holachef (made by another chef)? How was your experience?

We love quite a few chefs on Holachef and regularly order food for the brilliant combos, value for money and freshness of food when delivered.