Madhab Dhugana, the executive chef at Perth Crowne Plaza’s Gusti Restaurant, has been in the culinary industry for over twenty years. During this time, he has had the opportunity to travel to various parts of the world, such as Europe, Asia, and Australia.
“My passion for food started young, inspired by my family's cooking and cultural influences,” said Dhugana.
“I pursued formal training in culinary arts, honing my skills in different kitchen environments, eventually leading me to my current role as an executive chef.”
Some of his career highlights have included leading kitchen teams in renowned establishments, receiving accolades for culinary excellence, and having the opportunity to mentor aspiring chefs.
“Each experience has contributed to my growth and development as a chef.”
Dhugana described his cooking style as a fusion of traditional techniques and contemporary flavours, strongly emphasising fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
He said he drew inspiration from his travels and incorporated diverse culinary traditions into his creations to offer a unique and memorable dining experience.
Recently, Dhugana has been focusing on incorporating healthy and sustainable ingredients into the menus at Gusti Restaurant, responding to the growing demand for eco-conscious dining options.
“I've also been experimenting with new cooking techniques and flavour combinations to keep our offerings fresh and exciting.”
According to him, one of the industry's biggest challenges has been adapting to changing consumer preferences and trends, such as the shift towards more sustainable and ethical dining choices.
“I am deeply committed to sustainability and community engagement, and I believe that food should be delicious, ethical, and environmentally responsible.”
Another challenge he highlighted was the ongoing need to attract and retain skilled culinary professionals in a competitive market.
For those starting their hospitality journey, Dhugana advised being open-minded, curious, and willing to learn from every experience.
“Building a strong foundation of culinary skills and knowledge and a passion for food and hospitality will set you on a path to success in this dynamic industry.”
In the future, Dhugana wishes to continue pushing culinary boundaries, exploring new ingredients and techniques to delight diners. He also had aspirations to mentor and inspire the next generation of chefs, sharing his knowledge and passion for food with others.
