Aslam Gafoor is a hospitality professional who likes to explore new destinations, is an avid foodie and wine lover. Across his career, Aslam has been associated with leading companies such as Weber Grills, Oberoi Hotels, Wipro, RCI and Food Lovers magazine. Aslam is Vice Charge de Missions – Chaine Des Rotisseurs – an exclusive global gourmet association with 25,000 members in over 70 countries. He is also the Member and Past-President of the Bangalore Wine Club and Committee Member of SKAL. Among his other hobbies, Aslam collects bells and has one from almost every corner of the globe. Aslam has also contributed articles on travel, food and wine to several newspapers and magazines as well as online portals. Aslam studied and worked in Mumbai and has settled in Bangalore for the past 17+ years. He is married to Michelle and they have two children, Samreen and Zahan.
Q: Tell us a bit about yourself? Aslam: I am a hospitality professional who grew up and worked in Mumbai before moving to Bangalore. I am so glad to have the opportunity to explore destinations, culture, food and wine, both in India and outside during my various travel stints.
Q: How long have you lived in Bangalore? Aslam: I have been in Bangalore for around 17 years and love this city.
Q: So what’s cool about your city? Aslam: Hands down, it has to be the pleasant year-round weather – it’s awesome! Bangalore is a very cosmopolitan city with people from all over India and the world. I find people here are more tolerant and easy going. I also find Bangalore a lot cleaner than other cities in India. The other thing I like about living here is the availability of diverse wine-and-dine options. You can get a variety of cuisines in Bangalore – European, Korean, Vietnamese, Italian, Oriental and of course Indian and the local fare. Bangalore also has some great options to savour a good glass of international or Indian wine and one could even go on a pub-crawl at the city’s hippest pubs and bars.
Q: And what’s uncool? Aslam: Usually, Bangalore is a great place for everyone but sometimes the traffic can get a bit too much, especially during the peak hours.
Q: Why Bangalore? Aslam: Travellers to Bangalore will love the delicious local and international food, the pub and wine culture, the gardens, temples and of course the weather. Also, Bangalore is a good base to visit Mysore – the cultural capital of Karnataka, coffee-country Coorg and world heritage sites such as Hampi and Badami.
Sita, Tower B, Delta Square, M.G. Road, Sector 25, Gurgaon 122001, Haryana, India Phone: +91 124 470 3400 Fax: +91 124 456 3100 [email protected] www.sita.in
Q: Do’s for travellers while in your city? Aslam: Travellers should soak in the weather and preferably walk short distances instead of using a car. They should take the official cabs or bus from the airport to the city, carry an umbrella for the unpredictable rain shower, walk the parks, catch a play, pub hop, get pampered at one of the numerous spas, play a round of golf or visit a winery.
Q: Don’ts? Aslam: Bangalore is an easy city, however, if you are taking a tuk tuk don’t believe the driver when he tells you the fare. Haggle.
Q: Tourist sights to avoid in your city? Aslam: Lal Bagh and Banerghata National Park on Sundays or public holidays. They tend to get over-crowded.
Q: And the ones not to miss? Aslam: Karnataka Chitrakala Parishat, Cubbon Park, Isckon Temple, Bangalore Palace and you could even try one of the Walking Tours around MG Road or Lal Bagh.
Q: A hidden gem in your city that most travellers give a miss? Aslam: Maitreya-Buddha Pyramid on Kanakapura Road – this is a meditation center and claims to be the world’s largest meditation pyramid with a capacity to hold around 5,000 people. It’s a ten-storey tall building and the exterior surface of the Pyramid is covered with murals depicting various elements of nature.
Q: That one local dish in your city you recommend as a must have? Aslam: Bisi bele bhaath – a rice-based local dish prepared with spices, tamarind, curry leaves, toor dal (lentil) and vegetables usually served in the afternoon with papads, pickles and butter milk.
Q: Your favourite restaurants? Aslam: Bangalore has many eating options right from the budget to lavish. I like to eat at Sunheri at Woodland Hotel for a vegetarian thali lunch; Karavali, Kudla and Sana-di-ge for coastal specialities; MTR, Vidyarthi Bhavan, Brahmin’s Coffee Bar for South Indian fare; Ente Keralalm, Dakshin for Kerala delicacies; Toscano, Caperberry, Graze, Sunnys, Olive for European fare; Shiro, Harima for Japanese; Soo Ra Sang for Korean; Zaman, Masala Klub, Dum Pukth, Sahib Sind Sultan, Tattv, Baluchi for Indian; Phobidden Fruit, Blue Ginger for Vietnamese; Rim Naam for Thai; Koshys for Sunday breakfast and Lido, Citrus, Cubbon Pavilion for a lazy Sunday brunch.
Q: Your favourite watering holes? Aslam: Though there are several watering holes in the city, some of my all-time favourites are: Polo Club, Liquid, 13th Floor, Sky, Library Bar, Tavern, Dublin and Blue Bar.
Q: Your best insider tip to Bangalore? Aslam: Remember Bangalore shuts around 11.30pm, hence plan your evenings early so you can spend a leisurely time over a wine and dinner at one of the hotspot restaurants in the city.
Sita, Tower B, Delta Square, M.G. Road, Sector 25, Gurgaon 122001, Haryana, India Phone: +91 124 470 3400 Fax: +91 124 456 3100 [email protected] www.sita.in
Q: A perfect day in your city? Aslam: Start your morning with a walk in the gardens of Lal Bagh or Cubbon Park. Stop by for a crisp dosa and steaming-hot filter coffee breakfast at MTR or Airlines Hotel. Next head to the historical Bangalore Palace followed by NGMA and Karnataka Chitrakala Parishath for a dose of art. Lunch could be local fare at Woodlands Hotel or at one of the many restaurants at UB City. Spend your post-lunch afternoon shopping in the by-lanes of Commercial Street, Brigade Road or at one of the swanky malls such as Mantri Mall or Phoenix Market City. In the evening, get yourself a drink from one of the many trendy bars and reserve a table at one of the many fine-dine options available in the city such as Caperberry, Olive Beach, Graze or I- talia.
Q: Best Festival and why? Aslam: The festival of Dussehra around October, Diwali and Christmas are some of the best festivals to witness in Bangalore. The city is full of lights, festivities, colour and celebrations during these times.
Q: That one word in the local language which every traveller should know while in your city? Aslam: Swalpa Adjust Maadi – ‘adjust a little’ and everything will be okay!
Sita, Tower B, Delta Square, M.G. Road, Sector 25, Gurgaon 122001, Haryana, India Phone: +91 124 470 3400 Fax: +91 124 456 3100 [email protected] www.sita.in