I have eaten live maggots in my journey as top chef- Kiran Jethwa

You are the host of a new show on Fox International, The Fearless Chef. What is the show about?

The show is a high-adrenaline food adventure show. It takes the viewers on an adventure to 10 different locations around the world including Bolivia, Peru, Mongolia, China, Nepal, Ethiopia, Sri Lanka, Baghladesh, Mozambique and Bonio. It focuses on people around the world and the challenges they face in preparing food. The show is also being aired on Nat Geo on Tuesdays from 9pm.

How was the shooting experience?

All the locations were ‘extreme’. It was tough since the environmental conditions were unfavorable. For example, Danakil Depression in Ethiopia was 53 degrees and Chagan Lake in China was below 40 degrees.

What is the craziest thing you have eaten?

In China, I ate scorpions, millipedes, cockroaches, spiders and a whole range of insects! In the Amazon, I ate huge white maggots that grow in palm trees; that was pretty challenging.

Tell us more about your show, Tales From The Bush Larder, which became such a hit.

I wanted to tell the Kenyan food story. During the first season, I travelled all over the country looking for different ingredients and recipes. It was exciting. As a chef, I learnt different cultures and also taught other chefs different menus. It was a success and the next season, we travelled to Uganda, South Africa, Ethiopia, Mozambique and Zambia. Now we are doing Fearless Chef.

What were some of the challenges you faced?

The television world is very competitive. Once you come up with a pilot show, the next stage is to get noticed and that is never easy. I knocked on so many doors, but nothing was forthcoming. But I didn’t give up.

What else do you do for a living?

I am the co-owner of Seven Restaurant Ltd, Quite Bright Films Ltd, Crossfit Kwetu, and Kenya Good Food Camp, which provides pre-packaged food in Nairobi.

After completing your studies at Manchester in hospitality management, you had the chance to work and travel all the world. Why did you settle for Kenya?

First, I grew up in Kenya and loved it. I moved back home after my dad died and took over the family business. There were so many opportunities. I have managed to grow the business into four other companies. Kenya is a great country. If you are willing to take risks and put in hard work, it’s a place that can reward you.

What’s your career high so far?

Recently, we sealed a deal with Channel 4 in the UK. It is considered to be one of the leading virtual broadcasters in the world. I will be the first Kenyan to appear on the channel, hosting my on own show.

Tell us a little about your personal life...

I am a third generation Kenyan. I have two younger brothers. I am half English and Indian - my mother was English and my father was Indian. I had a fantastic upbringing here in Kenya.

I am married, my wife is English of Danish descent and was born in Zambia. She moved from the UK to Kenya with me four years ago, and we have a daughter called Indiana.

How do you relax?

My relaxation is not really physical, but more mental. I love going to the gym at Crossfit Kwetu, it is the only Crossfit gym in all of East Africa. Crossfit is a discipline, and one of the fastest growing fitness movements in the world.

Any hidden talents?

I play the guitar and drums, plus I sing depending on how many beers I have had.