Travel CV: Chef Louis Tikaram loved flying, but a Balkans train trip changed his mind
Globe-trotting chef Louis Tikaram shares his memorable travel moments - including the train trip that made him reconsider flying as his preferred mode of transport.
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Travel has helped shape Brisbane-based chef Louis Tikaram's life and career.
I got my first passport when…
I was five, and it was my first time in Fiji. My father was so excited to take us back to learn our culture, meet our family and immerse ourselves in island life.
My first holiday memory is…
Being spoiled by grandparents and having my cheeks squeezed by our Fijian aunties.
I’ve been to...
I’m trying to count – about 45 countries.
Flight, cruise, car or train?
I always thought I was a flyer, though after amazing life-changing train travel through the Balkans, I think I must choose the train.
The place that most surprised me was…
Budva, Montenegro – some of the most beautiful coastline, amazing food markets, kind and friendly people and a great laid-back beach vibe.
My favourite place in Australia is…
Spectators Rock, the Pass in Byron Bay. I recently visited my parents down in Byron; the surf was pumping so my dad couldn’t wait till I arrived. I received a text from him letting me know he had paddled out for a surf at the Pass and the longboard I always borrow from him was on the roof of his truck in the carpark.
When I arrived it was almost dark and I walked down to the beach and sat on Spectators Rock. It sits among the surfers in the line-up and I watched my dad surf down the long waves of the Pass as the sun set over our home town of Mullumbimby in the distance. It made me really appreciate being home after so many years abroad. Living in Brisbane gives me the opportunity to visit often, as it’s under a two-hour drive.
The place I’d love to visit in Australia is…
Uluru. I have never travelled too far from the beach in Australia, though I would love to see Uluru. It seems like such a special and powerful place to visit.
The place I’ve visited most often is…
I don’t think I have one. Once I tick a place off the list, I move on; there are too many amazing places to visit and not enough time to double back.
The advice I’d give to young travellers is…
Don’t be afraid to travel alone. Some of my absolute favourite travel moments were meeting new people, making new friends and connecting with people along the way.
My holidays are mostly devoted to…
Experiencing new cultures, locations and landscapes, though food is what opens the doors to connect with the locals. It’s an international language and when you’re genuinely interested in their cuisine, produce and ingredients, it can work wonders to be accepted.
The sickest I’ve been on holiday…
I like to think I have an iron stomach from lots of travelling and eating different cuisines, though the tap water in Cairo was no joke. Just a couple of drops on your lip in the shower was enough to infect a tooth or send you running to the bathroom.
The souvenir I always buy…
During my younger days of travelling, it was always a fridge magnet for my parents. I’d also send postcards from abroad to friends.
The worst thing that’s happened to me while travelling…
I would often find ways to save a dollar while travelling. An easy way was always catching public transport instead of a more expensive taxi, even when it wasn’t recommended in dicier cities. I won’t go too in depth as I want to encourage young travellers, though let’s just say that running the gauntlet to save $5 definitely isn’t worth it.
Flights missed?
Zero, zilch, nada. If I’m risking my life to save $5 on a bus, I’m not missing an expensive flight.
Passports/visas/wallets/luggage lost?
Zero – I hope this article doesn’t jinx me. I’m a seasoned traveller and these are my golden rules: organised, on time, focused, think.
Favourite travel companion?
School friends.
The best/weirdest things I’ve eaten while travelling …
During my time in Morocco I was invited to a local’s house for a meal with their family. We ate the most delicious tagine. I’ve searched for something similar, but nothing has ever even come close.
My go-to dish for room service is…
A club sandwich.
The best hotel I’ve ever stayed in…
The Ritz-Carlton at Half Moon Bay, California.
What I’ve noticed has changed in travel…
Trend following. Tens of thousands of people travelling to the same place at the same time.
The travel tips I’d like to share are…
Don’t be afraid to head off the beaten track.
Travel has taught me…
I did a lot of solo backpacking trips in my younger days; it helped me to build my confidence and be strong. It taught me to think and make decisions on the spot and to handle stressful situations by myself. Lots of goals I set way back then are now a reality, I had a lot of time to really think about the future and map out the years to come.
Louis Tikaram is head chef and partner at Stanley restaurant, and the new Stan’s lounge bar, both at Howard Smith Wharves in Brisbane.
Originally published as Travel CV: Chef Louis Tikaram loved flying, but a Balkans train trip changed his mind
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