Chef's Spotlight: CHEF LALA SHARMA of Savoury Indian Restaurant in NYC

Chef Lala Sharma began his career in his hometown of New Delhi at Bukhara, which previously graced the ranks of San Pellegrino's Top 50 Restaurants list. There he trained with the top chefs in India and learned the fine art of tandoor cooking. He moved to New York in 1994, where he cooked at Mughlai. In 2001, he ventured out on his own, opening Surya. In 2011, it became a full-fledged family business as he was joined by his son, Abishek Sharma and also opened Swagat. For more than a decade, Surya offered sophisticated Indian cuisine in a stylish setting. When it closed, it left a noticeable void. Now, the opening of Sharma's latest venture, Savoury, on the Upper West Side is thrilling its many fans, as well as those yet to discover his cooking.

We interviewed Chef Sharma about his background and his newest restaurant, Savoury.

1. What was your earliest interest in cooking?

At the age of 16, I wanted to travel the world and settle in the United States. The only way to travel the world was by acquiring the skills of a chef. In the late 1980's chef jobs were highly in demand.

2. Who were some of your career mentors?

My father was my career mentor. In India, my father moved from the village to New Delhi, where he put me into school. There I went to culinary school, and worked at India's top restaurant, Bukhara.

3. What culinary styles have influenced your career?

I am from New Delhi, so therefore the Northern regional food is my specialty. I like to create dishes from the North, but as a chef you must prepare every type of regional cuisine.

4. What do you consider the most distinguishing features of your work as a chef?

I like to use fresh ingredients to prepare my food. This is the reason why I feel that spiced okra and potato and eggplant are my specialties.

5. What is your favorite meal or meals?

I like to eat home-style chicken curry, with roti bread.

6. Tell me a little bit about your restaurant for our readers.

At Savoury Indian restaurant, we always use fresh ingredients to prepare our food for our guests. We try to be more health conscious and eliminate the perception people have about Indian food is always fried.

Savoury Indian Restaurant & Bar is located at 489 Columbus Avenue (between 83rd and 84th Street), New York City. For more information and menus visit their web site at www.savourynyc.com, call them at (212) 875-1400 or contact them at info@savourynyc.com.