“I think one of the most interesting and difficult setbacks has been providing a Spanish experience to a public that’s used to eating English breakfast while in Spain,” explained Allibhoy. “People in Spain have become used to this globalized world where they have to cater to everybody’s specific needs and wants. I don’t want to do that. Not like that.”
Omar Allibhoy is sitting proudly in his eighth critically-acclaimed Tapas Revolution restaurant in Westfield Stratford; making it two in London, and one each in Kent, Birmingham, Sheffield, Newcastle, Bath, and Windsor. His first cookbook, ‘Tapas Revolution,’ became the fastest-selling Spanish cookbook of 2013. Three years later, ‘Spanish Made Simple’ was published. His tortilla making video on Jaime Oliver’s channel received over 5 milion views.
After arriving in the UK, the Spanish chef travelled the United Kingdom in quest of understanding the reason why the British folk don’t cook as many - if any- Spanish dishes at home. Why can they get their heads around pasta but not paella?
“People in small towns are very welcoming, but, at the same time, they are set in their ways,” Allibhoy commented while chuckling. “They aren’t keen on trying new things and modifying their ideas. Why change something that works, right? We try captivating them with free samples and coupons. After they lose their fear, they become lifelong clients,” affirms the Spanish chef.
“I surveyed a couple of people in the attempt to truly understand the root of the problem.” the chef mentioned. “One woman explained to me that, even though she loved Spain, she had never cooked Spanish food at home. She further explained that no one ever taught her how to make authentic food. That was the reason. The only reason.”
Omar Allibhoy realized early on in his career that Spanish cuisine did not possess an ambassador - a friendly face - that teaches the public about the intricate cooking style and addresses the questions and misunderstandings head-on.
“Italian cuisine has countless well-known chefs, so does Asian and British. What about Spanish? I wanted to become that for the public. I wanted to show everything Spain has to offer; show what is being pushed back thanks to globalization. I would like to think that I am accomplishing said goal,” Allibhoy confessed while sitting proudly in his eighth Tapas Revolution bar and restaurant, making it UK’s biggest Spanish restaurant group.
Even though the Spanish chef is beyond thankful for his success, he has set personal goals for the next upcoming years. Allibhoy confessed that he’s a fan of television and would love to have his own show about Spanish food. “I want to travel and show a wider audience everything that Spain has to offer, especially cuisine-wise. Don’t get me wrong, I enjoy making appearances, but a television program of my own would be fascinating.”
Omar Allibhoy receives The LUKAS Personality of the Year Award 2019 www.thelukas.co.uk
