CHEFS ON HOLIDAY
Here’s what David Tilly of the Taj Cape Town does with his time off
My love of travel came from my grandfather, who was a sailor on the largest French cruise ship at that time. He would always tell us stories about his trips around the world. Also, my uncle was a chef who worked on the French Caribbean islands, so as a child I knew there was plenty of opportunity to travel as a chef.
For holidays I prefer seaside first, then bush, and cities last, but some trips have been very food-oriented, such as Thailand. Then I’ll eat four or five times a day because I want to try everything!
I always want to travel somewhere I haven’t ever been and discover new things. The only place I go back to often is home – France – but even then I try to visit a new city or region I haven’t seen yet.
I love India for its diversity of colours, flavours and smells, and not forgetting the street food – you’ll have people, all sorts of vehicles and animals surrounding you while you eat! On the other hand, Japan is the complete opposite, with everything so well organised, ingredients of high quality and well packaged. Both countries surprised me in a nice way.
My most memorable holiday was the trip to Japan, because it was just me and my wife – no kids – for 15 days, so we were free to do what we wanted.
The best meal I’ve had on holiday? It’s too difficult to choose one! Skewers and pad thai in the streets of Bangkok; sushi and sashimi at Tsukiji Fish Market in Tokyo; ramen and gyoza (dumplings) in Fukuoka; kebabs and butter chicken in Old Delhi; couscous and tagines in Marrakech.
I must say Cape Town is one of the most beautiful cities I’ve seen in all my travels. And the food is good.
Morocco is also a must – nice landscapes, with the Atlas Mountains and Atlantic Ocean, street markets that are full of life, and amazing food.
My favourite place in the world is Brittany, where I am from. It has the most beautiful beaches and the best seafood on Earth. I just wish it had a better climate!