MAHMAD Anuar Othman, executive chef at the Tanjong Rhu Resort Langkawi, is inspired by not one but two women in his life - his wife and his mother.
Admitting that he seldom cooks at home except on special occasions like Hari Raya, Anuar says he gets most of his ideas for his creations from home-cooked meals and Astro's Asian Food Channel.
During his days off, Anuar prefers to spend his time on the green, putting his 18-handicap to good use. His favourite place for practising his swing is the Gunung Raya Golf and Country Club.
He's been in the food and beverage industry for the last 20 years, starting with the Dayang Hotel in Petaling Jaya. Then he joined world-renowned hotel chains like Holiday Inn as well as Ramada, Melia and Awana Genting Highland before joining Tanjong Rhu Resort Langkawi.
Tell us about your most interesting travel experience
My travels in Malaysia are all exciting; I find it difficult to select the best. Each and every vacation is interesting in its own special way.
Have you ever had a really bad experience?
No. I've not encountered any bad experiences while travelling in Malaysia.
How best do you unwind during your holiday?
I relax and don't think about work. This is the time when I can really 'escape' and not have to worry about anything at all.
What type of holidays do you prefer?
Holidays with my family. I do not mind going anywhere as long as my family comes along and we all have a great time together.
Who do you usually go holiday with?
Family. It's on vacations that I try to make up for all the time when I am away from them while at work. Then I get the opportunity to talk to my kids and strengthen our friendship.
What can't you leave home without when you travel?
My camera and notebook. I need my trusty camera to record all the precious moments when my family and I are at play. I like flipping through vacation photographs at home; they bring such joy to me. I need my notebook just in case I come across a unique dish, which could be a source of inspiration for my future creations.
Which is your favourite holiday destination in Malaysia? Does it also give you the best holiday memory?
Genting Highland for its cool atmosphere. Furthermore, my kids like the rides at the theme park.
What's the best hotel you've stayed in so far? Why?
Hotel Maya Kuala Lumpur, which is often dubbed 'the resort in the city'. The service is very good and cleanliness is unrivalled.
What do you miss most when you go away on vacation?
If I have to travel alone, I miss my family. Apart from that, I try to keep an open mind and make the best of my trip.
What do you hate most while travelling?
Travelling in large groups and waiting for stragglers. Vacation time is short and precious. I do not think we should waste it this way. Also, I dislike crowded areas, as I do not really get an opportunity to enjoy and see the things that I like.
Where next would you like to go?
I have not made up my mind. I will decide when the time comes.
Where would you recommend your friends to go?
Langkawi. Apart from delicious seafood, I highly recommend a trip to Langkawi Geopark in Kilim, Pulau Dayang Bunting and Pulau Langgun.
What was the best thing you bought on your travels and where?
I seldom buy things during my travels. I look forward to sampling the cuisine more than anything else. If I taste something good, I will go back the next day and order the same food to understand it completely. By that, I mean trying to find out how it was made and the ingredients used. So what I bring home from my travels are culinary experiences that can never be bought.
What was the best food you ever tasted during your travels and where?
Terengganu keropok lekor in Batu Rakit. It was the best I had ever tasted. The sauce was slightly spicy with a hint of garlic.
Are you a compulsive traveller or do you follow your budget and itinerary carefully?
I draft a yearly itinerary to help me plan my holidays and budget my expenses. Planning allows me to make early bookings and take advantage of early bird discounts, especially airline tickets.
Any advice or tips for travellers?
Please do not do things that harm our environment. We should take care of the cleanliness of our country and maintain its allure.
Any comment on Malaysian tourism: places of interest, services, etc?
The authorities should identify potential tourist spots and plan their development carefully.
