Introducing Shriyan Basthdaw - Class of 2022
Shriyan Basthdaw / Photo: Kathy Pitout Photography
Shriyan Basthdaw
1. What inspired you to enrol at Jackie Cameron School of Food & Wine?
A passion for cooking and baking; being able to manipulate the human body through food and nutrition; and wanting to make more people aware of the fact that healthy food/living can also taste and look great.
2. What is your reason for choosing a career in the culinary industry?
Wanting to work with and create guilt-free treats.
3. What are you hoping to achieve here?
To improve my baking and icing skills and being able to cook/prepare healthy, nutritious meals that taste great, in as little time as possible.
4. Explain what you are prepared to give of yourself.
110%. I am committed and dedicated to the craft.
5. What is your long-term goal?
To be able to use skills in the kitchen to help people better understand nutrition and that eating/living healthy does not have to be ‘boring’.
6. In how many years do you hope to achieve this?
I have set a 10-year goal.
7. Are you aware that the pressure you’ll be placed under during the course will help you achieve your goal? Elaborate on your ability to cope with pressure.
Yes. I’m aware of the demands of the industry, being able to cope under immense pressure and working in sync with a team is appealing. Being able to create under pressure is satisfying.
8. Do you shy away from hard work? Elaborate on your answer.
No. I understand what is required, the demands, and I look forward to the challenges that lie ahead.
9. Are you willing to perform all tasks related to the course – even if you consider the task menial? Give the reason for your answer.
Yes. There is no task too small or too big. As humans, we can never learn enough.
10. Are you aware that the hospitality industry requires you to work on weekends and public holidays while guests ‘play’? Comment on this.
Yes. Knowing a guest enjoyed something I had created, makes it all worthwhile.
11. Who is your favourite international ‘foodie’?
12. If food had a personality, what dish would be most like you – and why?
Keto chocolate cake. It’s healthy and enjoyable. I am health conscious and fun loving.
13. Where were you born and raised?
Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal.
14. Apart from food what hobbies do you enjoy?
Running, gym, gardening.
15. What dish do find least inspiring? Explain the reason.
Tofu dishes - they’re just tasteless.
16. Name four celebrities you’d like to have at your dinner table. Explain why.
All these men have proven that with hard work, determination and perseverance you will achieve your goals, no matter how big they may be.
Gordon Ramsay
Gino D’Acampo
Arnold Schwarzenegger
Holly Willoughby
Dinner would be a lot like a comedy show. All are hilarious, and experts in their respective fields, with vast amounts of knowledge and experience, as well as being health conscious.