Today, Chef Devan Rajkumar brings his joyous energy to the show to discuss his life as a chef and television personality. As one of the world’s foremost Guyanese-Canadian chefs, Chef Dev brings his classical culinary training an passion for food to his work as a judge on Food Network Canada’s Fire Masters, and as the Food Expert on Cityline. With a focus on modernizing the craft, taste, and traditions of East and West Indian Cuisines, his work can be found on grocery store shelves in Canada and abroad in the form of his signature soups for Mema Foods International, as well as in pop-ups that he often hosts with his peers. Chef Dev discusses with Gilbert and Hafiz how he turned his love for cooking into a successful career, what the life of a TV personality is like, and why Hafiz needs to step up his cooking game.
“Between two dots – really, the value is in that line: the journey.”
Episode Highlights:
0:57 – Gilbert intros Devan.
4:18 – Why Hafiz’s mom loves Chef Dev, and why Chef Dev loves to connect with fans.
8:02 – Growing up as the son of hard-working Guyanese immigrants in Toronto.
11:57 – How being sent to boarding school taught him to be open and “don’t get caught.”
18:22 – The huge amount of work that led him to become Chef Dev.
23:13 – How his father’s strong public speaking abilities and business drive helped Chef Dev transition into becoming a public figure.
28:16 – Why reaching a breaking point with partying turned out to be a blessing in disguise for Chef Dev.
32:58 – A message from our sponsors.
34:13 – The huge importance that Chef Dev places on listening to his body when it comes to physical wellness.
41:03 – The value of “auditing your circle.”
44:07 – Why music is his greatest joy outside of food.
50:19 – How he balances being a public person with having a healthy social life.
52:56 – Why his relationship with his father and his sobriety are the two accomplishments that Chef Dev is most proud of.
60:28 – The impact that he hopes to leave on the world.
62:36 – How you can support and connect with Chef Dev, and where you can find his products.
Connect with Chef Dev and support his work:
www.chefdev.ca
Mema soups and sauces: www.mema.ca
IG: https://www.instagram.com/chefdevan/
FB: https://www.facebook.com/DevanRajkumar
YT: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdZSHWnMf6ZjfTgv0F9fsqQ
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@chefdevan
Email: stephanie@quellnow.com
Sponsors of this episode:
Bloom Benefits: www.bloombenefits.ca
Iridium: www.irsnavacore.com
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the hosts and the guests do not necessarily reflect any agency, organization, or affiliated companies