Bengalis are known to love eating...
I�m a Bengali and I enjoy eating, I don�t know others. But I can�t stand that Bongs eat fish with almost everything, even �Dal�!

Are you fond of Hilsa?
Only when it is Smoked Hilsa with the bones dissolved. I wasn�t much of a fish eater for a long time. I don�t like any fish meal that smells like fish.

Can you cook?
As a bachelor I used to by watching and out of recipe books. If I find time I�d like to start. I can manage breakfast, though. Nothing fancy, just eggs and toast.

Do you understand food?
Not like an expert. I had once hosted a quiz show with hoteliers. We had sensory rounds where they had to identify food from its smell, taste and texture. I may be able to sense food but not like a cook.

Which are your favourite restaurants?
I recognise a good meal but can�t remember all the places I�ve eaten at. London has some interesting places serving good fusion food. Chor Bizarre in Delhi has classic Kashmiri food. There�s also a bistro there called Flavours, it�s a nice cosy place. I also like Sagar for South Indian food. India Habitat Centre in Delhi is my all time favourite. It�s a cultural, intellectual club. Olive is a good place. I like the Chinese home delivery joint at Vasant Kunj. And I love �chaat� from Haldirams!

Do you drink or smoke?
I don�t smoke anymore, I gave up in �84. I drink occasionally. I�m not very particular � vodka with tonic or scotch with water. Sometimes I enjoy rum.

What�s your fitness routine?
I should have one! A fortnight back I started very earnestly but with my travelling schedule, I could not keep up with it. I hope to restart once I�m back in Delhi.

Can you take a quiz on food?
Not at all. I can give my opinions but I can�t take a quiz.

Do you have a sweet tooth for, say, Sandesh or Rosogulla?
Reasonably. But neither of them are very sweet. I enjoy Sandesh or Rosogulla if well made, because they aren�t tooth-hurtingly sweet.