Celebrity chef ready for Feel Good Festival

Aazam Ahmad will be turning up the heat in the kitchen at the Rochdale Feel Good Festival Friday 10 and Saturday 11 July.

Celebrity chef Aazam Ahmad is preparing for his appearance at the Rochdale Feel Good Festival on Friday 10 and Saturday 11 July, where he will be wowing the audience with a number of live cooking demonstrations alongside fellow celebrity chef Aldo Zilli - the man behind London's Zilli group, a clutch of gourmet West End eateries that have been pulling in A-list celebs and discerning theatre-goers for years.

Ahead of the event, Mr Ahmad held a question and answer session in which he spoke about his career and some of his favourite foods.

Who or what inspired you to become a chef?

I have always had a passion for food, enjoying the smells, touch and especially the taste, but I would have to say my mum was the biggest inspiration as she is a great cook in her own right.

What was your first restaurant job?

My first restaurant job was as a trainee chef where I learnt the importance of keeping your cool in a busy and hot kitchen. It was an invaluable experience for a young chef.

How long have you been cooking professionally?

Since 1985 and I am still learning. To become truly good at something you need to constantly hone your craft and be open to new ideas whenever and wherever you come across them.

Do food trends affect your cooking style?

I don’t let it influence me too much, but I do like to explore and enjoy new flavours, so I’m always prepared to embrace new trends.

Do you change your menus according to the seasons?

I like to explore, so will change my menus based on instinct, interest and the seasons.

What is the most popular dish on your menu?

This can vary with the season but I would have to say my signature dish, sword fish with mango and paw paw.

What is your favourite food? Why?

Mum's home cooked food, she is a super cook and a great inspiration.

What is your most essential cooking implement? Why?

My chef's knife - great to use when preparing and reminds me of the importance of having the right tools for the right job in the kitchen.

What would you like to be doing if you weren’t a chef?

Working with children, creating and having fun. I can imagine working at a school or kids camp.

What annoys you most in the kitchen?

People picking at food, especially when you have carefully measured and prepared everything, only to have someone grabbing away at your ingredients.

What do you enjoy most about your profession?

Meeting people from all walks of life, I feel fortunate that I have a job that enables me to do that.

If you could enjoy one last great meal before heading to live on a desert island what would it be?

That’s a tough one but I would have to say cod loin, chips and peas, washed down with a glass of ice cold coke.