Bojan Cirjanic: The Culinary Journey of a Serbian Chef in Dubai
Serbian chef Bojan Cirjanic, currently the executive chef at Folly in Dubai, didn’t have the typical heartwarming story of being inspired by a family member’s cooking prowess. For him, cooking started out of necessity. As a child, he spent a lot of time alone at home due to his parents’ work schedules, leading to microwave meals. Bored of this, he asked his mother to teach him to cook, sparking a passion that eventually led him to pursue a professional culinary career.
After completing cooking school in Serbia, Cirjanic ventured to London at 19 to work at The Ritz. He then honed his skills at various Michelin-starred restaurants across Europe before making his mark in Dubai a decade ago.
Lessons Learned and Tips Shared by Chef Bojan
Common Mistakes: Cirjanic admits to making rookie mistakes when starting out, like once throwing away chicken stock mistaking it for dirty kitchen water. These experiences taught him the importance of hands-on learning in the kitchen.
Top Tip for Amateur Chefs: Avoid splurging on fancy equipment and gadgets. Invest in quality ingredients and focus on mastering basic cooking techniques for better results.
Ingredient Secret: According to Cirjanic, salt is the key to instantly enhancing any dish. While luxurious ingredients may seem appealing, getting the basics like salt right is crucial for a successful dish.
Critiquing Food: Cirjanic admits to unintentionally critiquing food when dining out, attributing it to the natural ego that chefs develop through comparison with peers. This tendency can sometimes overshadow the dining experience for his companions.
Favorite Cuisine: The chef doesn’t have a specific favorite cuisine but enjoys exploring new culinary experiences. He appreciates both renowned chefs’ creations and hidden gems in casual eateries, especially those in Bur Dubai.
Quick Home Cooking: While Cirjanic rarely cooks at home, his go-to quick meal would be cup noodles if he had to whip something up in a hurry.
Signature Dish: Beef Wellington holds a special place in Cirjanic’s heart, serving as a traditional celebratory dish for special occasions shared with his fiancée.
Insights into Chef Bojan’s Management Style
Cirjanic adopts a transparent and fair management approach as a head chef. Trust is paramount in his team, ensuring they understand the goals and expectations set for delivering exceptional dining experiences. He emphasizes the importance of teamwork and execution beyond just creating visually appealing dishes.
Folly Courgette Recipe by Chef Bojan Cirjanic
For those looking to recreate a culinary masterpiece from Chef Bojan Cirjanic, the Folly Courgette recipe offers a glimpse into his creative process. From a courgette mousse spiral to pickled courgette and cheese balls, the dish showcases the chef’s dedication to crafting intricate and flavorful dishes.