One-on-One With Veronica Mal
Chef Veronica Mal is known for being the positive Jill-of-all-trades in the foodservice industry. From cooking classes, catering, planning events, content creation and collaboration, Veronica does it all and always with a smile!
Her passion for food and curiosity brought her into many culinary journeys around the world where she keeps exploring different flavours and cooking techniques. Sensitive to the environmental challenges we are facing, Veronica loves to work with sustainable food and strong women who think alike.
Get to know her better through this fast and fun interview:
DO YOU HAVE A LUCKY CHARM IN THE KITCHEN?
Music! Music to get lost in, music to get pumped up, music to get focused!
WHAT’S THE LAST THING YOU BURNED?
I forgot about a red pepper in the oven and burnt it to a crisp. I wanted it charred but… ?
YOUR FAVOURITE SPICE?
Cumin! It reminds me of my childhood.
WHAT MAKES YOU “KITCHEN ANGRY”?
When people don’t clean as they go – a dirty kitchen drives me crazy!
LATEST FLAVOUR COMBINATION YOU DISCOVERED?
Fish sauce caramel ice cream! Sounds weird I know, but it’s so good!
WHAT’S YOUR MOST EXTRAVAGANT PURCHASE?
My travels.
FAVOURITE SONG IN THE KITCHEN?
Anything Al Green, 90’s R&B and romantic Bollywood duets – they’re my vice…
WHAT’S YOUR COMFORT FOOD?
Anything potato – chips, fries, mash.
Chicken curry with basmati rice, yogurt and chilli pickle, or a big fat rib eye.
WHAT’S YOUR MOST ESSENTIAL TOOL?
Knife and tongs.
IF YOU COULD CHANGE ANYTHING IN THE FOOD INDUSTRY, WHAT WOULD IT BE?
The pay and having insurance benefits!
To do something you love and have a fair wage, it’s a dream for many in the industry.
FAVOURITE SMELL IN THE KITCHEN?
The smell of onions and garlic frying, and when a cake is almost done and you can smell the sweetness.
WHAT’S YOUR BAD HABIT?
Oh boy, too many to list!
WHAT DO YOU ADMIRE IN OTHER CHEFS?
Focus. People who go after their goals while still remembering to be kind and inspiring to others.
WHAT OR WHO IS YOUR GREATEST INSPIRATION?
Struggle is probably my greatest inspiration. Remembering where I’ve come from and focusing on where I want to be. Also, other strong, courageous, talented and inspiring women who are unapologetically themselves and killing it!
THE DISH YOU ARE THE PROUDEST OF?
The first time I made biryani and it tasted exactly like my grandma’s.
WHAT’S YOUR END OF THE WORLD MENU?
Champagne, oysters, steak, frites, foie and chocolate.
Oh, and snacks – cheese, bread, caviar, jamon – bring it on!
YOUR FAVOURITE ADVICE OR QUOTE?
“Love the life you live. Live the life you love.”
Want more?
Have a seat at Veronica’s table May 27 and 28 for the 1st Greasy Spoon Dinner in Toronto
in support of Sistering and A Better Life Foundation.
For more information, click here.
