As far as the region’s cuisine and culinary habits are concerned, Peru is called the diamond of Latin America and home to unmatched dishes and flavours. Peruvian cuisine is a mesh of flavours from Europe, Africa and East Asia.
The Peruvian cuisine is gaining popularity all around the world and the Gulf countries are no exception. In Qatar, there are very few restaurants that offer authentic and delicious Peruvian delicacies, La Mar by Gastón Acurio being one of them.
Chef Tomas De La Paz is an expert in Peruvian cuisine and the Head Chef at La Mar. He hails from Chile. He has worked in Peru as a Chef, honing his skills and expertise in the versatile cuisine. Gaston has been working in Qatar for two years and has just established the restaurant to offer all Peruvian flavours.
Community recently caught up with Chef Tomasand to talk about the variety of delicacies offered by the Peruvian cuisine.
About his background he said, “I come from Chile, a country not so far from Peru. Both countries share the same sea. The seafood is an important element in Peruvian cuisine. I have been working with Gastón Acurio chain of restaurants for a long time now.”
He added, “Peruvian cuisine represents different cultures including Japanese, Chinese, Europeans, and Latin Americans. Peru has over 2, 000 types of different potatoes. I was born at a place near sea. In my childhood, I would go to sea daily for surfing and boating. I was also attracted towards cooking especially seafood even when I was studying at a university in Chile.”
“In Chile, the chefs do not use all the available ingredients to prepare the seafood. However, in Peru the chefs are more expert and they use all sorts of ingredients available to prepare the dishes. Therefore, I travelled to Peru to learn more. I learnt more while working at a restaurant of Gastón Acurio, who is also called father of Peruvian cuisine,” the chef said.
Speaking about his expertise or signature dish, Tomas said, “Cebiches, fresh seafood, and charcoal-grilled meat that is offered at Lar Mar is to die for. However, my signature dish is Cebiche, a of fresh raw fish entree. It is a significant dish from Peru. We use fresh fish and different kinds of chilies from Peru, lemon juice, garlic and coriander to prepare the dish.” He further said, “I have 15 years’ experience of working in the kitchen.”
About his experience of working as a Peruvian cuisine expert chef outside Latin America, he said, “I have been enjoying working in the Middle East. I have been in Qatar for two years. There are a good number of people in Qatar from different Latin American countries. They look for Peruvian taste. Many local Qatari people have started to like the taste the Peruvian cuisine has to offer. We have not touched and changed the authentic Peruvian taste here at the restaurant. However, we have introduced different dishes keeping in mind the local taste. Here we are also offering lamb and other kinds of meat as well.”
About the ingredients, he said, “It is bit difficult to find all the necessary ingredients here. It is difficult but not impossible. We manage to get the ingredients though.”
When asked about his attempt to learn Arabic cuisine, Tomas said, “I hope to learn about Arabic tastes, spices and aroma very soon. It is important for me as a chef to know the food of the country where I live. I want to create some kind of fusion of Arab and Peruvian food. We are already using traditional Arab pita bread at our restaurant.”
Speaking about his experience of living in Doha, he said, “It is a wonderful place to be. It is very quiet and peaceful here. I live near West Bay and watch the sea every day. I enjoy being close to the sea. Qatar is growing very fast. The culture of the country is very pure, staying true to its heritage and culture and its beautiful to see that in these modern times.”
AT WORK: Chef Tomas De La Paz getting ingredients ready for his signature dish. Photos supplied
