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| Haridas, Indian High Commission, London |
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The Malayalee employee of Indian High Commission in London is, naturally, a sort of ‘Cultural Ambassador of Kerala’. But in the case of Haridas, there is another facet of his life that makes the sobriquet more significant. Haridas is the master chef and promoter of 9 Kerala style restaurants in London and his time and attention are devoted to the promotion of Kerala culture and cuisine among the native population.
Haridas first came to London in 1972 at the invitation of his uncle M.C.R.Nair, an employee at the High Commission. He became a trainee chef at a restaurant chain run by an Irish woman. Realising the potential of their new employee, the owners sponsored him to do a diploma in catering. Soon after studies he was promoted as Assistant Manager but then the vagaries of business resulted in loss to the owners and Haridas had to find alternatives.
He then teamed up with Ramanathan, one of the chefs brought from India to assist the then High Commissioner, V.K.Krishna Menon. In 1985 Haridas and Ramanathan started ‘Ragam’, a South Indian restaurant in central London. Once a noted journalist had food in this eatery and wrote glowingly about it. Later a woman journalist specializing in food also wrote about ‘Ragam’. Since then Haridas did not have to look back.
When Ramanathan wanted to retire, he bought over the rights after arranging loan through a bank. Thus, without neglecting the job at the High Commission, Haridas became the master chef of the Rs.75 crore restaurant chain. “Not only the taste of Kerala, but I have tried to introduce the Londoner to the culture and other aspects of our land,” he says.
His hospitality is well appreciated. Among the recipients of his generosity are ministers, political leaders, media personalities and the commoner.
Courtesy: Kanyaka, January 31, 2004
Contributed by: Administrator
