Chef de Cuisine John has worked on board P&O Cruises ships for over 20 years.
Working his way up the ranks across every ship in the fleet, he’s got food in his genes – his grandparents were chefs and his parents run a farm at home in India. After two decades at sea, he says he’s still always trying new things, but he’s also proud to be able to pass on his knowledge to newer chefs.
On his job…
As chef de cuisine, I’m in charge of the kitchen galleys and where all the chefs are stationed. Here on Arcadia, that’s over 100 people. I report to the executive chef, and together we make decisions on everything from menus to ordering to storage. I also do the tasting – the chefs will cook, and we’ll taste the dishes and give them feedback.
Both my grandfathers are chefs, so it’s in my blood. After I finished university, I started becoming interested in food and hospitality and went to catering school. Then I worked for a few years before joining P&O Cruises, and I’m now in my 20th year with the company. I’ve worked on every ship from Artemis to Arvia. I enjoy moving around different ships because I get to know the different people and cultures.
My favourite thing about this job? I’m always trying new things.
On leadership and teamwork…
We spend so much time on board together that we come to feel like a family. As a team leader, I’m here to mentor and be a guardian. I guide the team and coach them, like the head of a family would.
I’m proud of my designation. Looking back on my career, I’ve advanced quite a lot. My 20 years of experience helps when it comes to training new chefs.
Working in hospitality, you come to know many people, and wherever you go becomes a small place. At P&O Cruises we’re a happy family. It’s a small family around the world.
On life on shore…
When I’m on shore, I love to try every country’s street food. And when we’re back on board, we try to recreate it. Recently we tried making street food from the countries our crew is from – there were dishes from Indonesia, India, the Philippines.
As a chef, I like everything. Mexican food is a favourite because I love spice. I love to taste food – I’m a good eater!
I love the Caribbean. Every port is a good port, but I’d say St Maarten is my favourite island.
On life at home…
I was born and raised in India. We have a farm that grows sugarcane, rice, peanuts and sweet potatoes. When I go home, I spend time there.
Working on the farm has taught me about the quality of food as a raw material. When I see a vegetable, I know straight away if it’s good or not. People will ask how I know, and I’ll say, ‘I’m a farmer!’.
