A taste of Arabia

This Ramadan, Mövenpick Bahrain has brought in Lebanese chef, Wissam Georges Azar. A specialist in preparing the best of Arabic and Lebanese cuisine, chef Wissam is ready to serve Bahrain the best of the Arab world.

Where were you before coming here?
I was with the Sheraton in Kuwait for five years. Before that, I had been with various places across Beirut. I started working in 1997 right after completing my course in hotel management in Beirut.
What inspired you to cook and when did you realise that you wanted to take cooking up as a profession?
Nobody inspired me. In fact, before joining college, I used to hardly cook. Just the typical, cook some eggs and the normal works. I wanted to do something fast and earn some good money. So I took this up this and realised it was perfect.
Do you cook at home?
Never. At home, I just relax and let the food come to me. It’s good to lie back and have someone else do the cooking for a change. I can give my inputs, suggestions and criticisms as well.
What is your favourite dish?
A Spanish dish called the Paella. I also like Majboos: It’s a Bahraini dish and it is excellent. I tried it right here in Mövenpick and loved it.
What are the three ingredients that are a must-have in your kitchen?
Parsley, tomatoes and chickpeas. Since I specialise in Lebanese food, I would say these are the three most important ingredients.
Other than Lebanese food, are there any other cuisines you have tried out?
Iranian. I have been trying that out for some time, otherwise dishes from across the Middle East. I concentrate mainly on Arabic food. Apart from that I like to experiment and try out other cuisines too, like Spanish and Indian as well.
How would you define your taste?
I would say somewhere in between. Moderately spicy food is what I prefer.

Shilpa Chandran