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Coconut oil, herbs, drumsticks and the people - aspects of Kerala that have enthralled Chef Rusli B. Abd. Rahman. On his maiden visit to the God’s Own Country, Rusli says he fell in love with its people and herbs.
The Chef from Malaysia, who was in Kochi for the ‘Spice Route Culinary Fest’ organised by Kerala Tourism, waxes eloquent on experiencing Kerala for the first time. “You have the water, the land....,” his voice trails off as he tries to encompass the spellbinding experience he has had in the state. “I have been treated really well here,” he exclaims.
The excitement of having participated in a one of a kind culinary fest can be felt in his voice. “It was fantastic! Chefs from around the world under one roof interacting, talking about food and exchanging ideas was one fantastic experience,” he says.
Chef Rusli heads the Ratah Restaurant in Malaysia and has been in the field for the last 30 years. A passionate chef, it is no wonder that the conversation centers on food. The visit has added a fresh spin to the many ingredients he encounters in kitchen. Although spices are used in Malaysian cuisine, he was surprised to see such generous use of spices in Kerala cuisine. Having kept himself to only Kerala food ever since he arrived, the one dish that has won him over is the ‘chicken biriyani’, so much that he swears if he ever makes a biriyani, he will only do it the Kerala way.
He can’t wait to tell his friends back home about the herbs and coconut oil. Rusli is intrigued by the use of coconut oil unlike its use back home. “The only thing I must not forget to take home is the coconut oil,” he says out loud charmed by the rich flavour it imparts to food.
Chancing upon the exquisite taste of drumsticks which was hitherto restricted an entry into his plate for not looking ‘good’, the newfound use of coconut oil for cooking, relishing the heady aroma of curry leaves, savouring the awe-inspiring boat rides and being impressed by the warmth of the people of Kerala have all left a lasting impression on Rusli. And he reiterates, “I will be back.”
