City chefs vouch for reviving traditional food

Madurai: Budding chefs in the city should strive to revive traditional food and promote healthy eating among children. This was the message sent to them by experts at the world

chef

day celebrations organised by South India Chefs Association(SICA) in the city on Thursday.

Addressing the young chefs, celebrity chef Damu delved on the importance of promoting healthy eating habits among the younger generation. The young chefs from culinary schools and hotel management institutes were also asked to avoid artificial colours and preservatives. A group of experts from the food and beverage business in the city including Vichitra Rajasingh, CEO of Bell Group of Hotels, Riswanth Jayaraj, director, JC Residency and Leo Robert of Principal Bell institute of hotel management discussed ways to promote healthy eating habits among the youngsters.

``Child cancers in the age group of 5 to 15 are on the rise today predominantly due to food habits. This can be overcome by going back to our traditional foods,’’ said Damu. Healthy foods without additives, flavouring agents or colours might sometimes be a little less tasty, but they could be consumed more without fear of getting ill, he added. School children took part in a competition at the venue to make healthy sandwiches with the help of chefs. Many student chefs were overwhelmed by the opportunity to interact with chef Dhamu. “He was the inspiration for me to join cooking school. I dream of becoming a celebrity like him,’’ said one of the students.

Eating healthy food during childhood is important for growing healthy as an adult, the experts pointed out, adding that the so-called junk food was the cause of many diseases among the children today. The South Indian Chefs Association, which started with just two members in 2016, now has over 80 members. Chef M S Raj Mohan, skill development committee member of SICA, said they were committed to motivating and empowering the young chefs and making them employable as well.

Vox Pop:

Chef Damu: ``Promoting healthy eating among the younger generation is a must for a healthier future generation’’.

G Yuva, Chef, Hilarity Inn: ``I have my own garden where I grow organic vegetables, and though I make Asian food, I avoid using flavouring agents which are not good for health.”

G S Jenifa, PhD student: ``Fast food takes longer to digest and causes diseases, while healthier foods provide good nutrition. Children have to be encouraged to eat healthy food items’’.