Omar Allibhoy

A Spanish food champion and chef-owner of Tapas Revolution, Omar talks to James Williams about his love of kite-surfing, Grimsby’s awesome fish and chips and childhood money-making schemes

What first ignited your passion for food?

I was born in the middle of Madrid’s old town and lived there until I was four years old. My interest in food started back then. I always loved my mother’s cooking, and would always ask to help. Whisking this, tasting that. Food has always been a passion for me.

Where do you go on holiday?

Because my parents loved travelling, I have been to every continent in the world. Now that I live in the UK, I actually choose to holiday in Spain quite a lot and love to see my family and friends.

How did Tapas Revolution start out?

I was eight years old when I opened my first business, selling cakes in my back garden. I saved up my money and eventually – it’s a crazy story – I bought stocks as a teenager and later sold them, multiplying my money and making enough to start out in London.

Which chefs have inspired you most?

Ferran Adria influenced me a lot, and I am lucky to have worked in several of his restaurants. I’ve grown up with Spanish avant-garde gastronomy – seeing it in magazines, watching it, cooking it, so knowing that Spain was such a hotspot has pushed my generation of chefs. We’ve had people to look up to.

Is Spanish food easy to make?

The cuisine is great for home-cooking and I want to show people how easy and accessible it is. In my book, we were strict about all the ingredients having to come from the major supermarkets. We also did a T-shaped tour of England, and took over a fish and chip shop in Grimsby, cooking Spanish versions of their dishes. We cooked in car parks, pubs and people’s gardens. In Cambridge, we cooked in a punt. I wanted to demonstrate that Spanish food is for absolutely everyone.

What’s on your travel wish list?

I’m a quarter Indian, so I really want to discover that country. I’ve also never been to New York. I’ve been postponing it for years. My next foodie trip will be to Cornwall – I know there’s some great food there.

Where should I go in Spain?

I have turned a lot of my friends into foodies, so we go out and eat well instead of being cheapskates. I love kite-surfing too, and this year, we went to Tarifa to watch some, which was awesome. The whole area is fantastic for food and has great fish, particularly tuna.

Can you name your best ever meal?

One of my favourites was Diverxo diverxo.com/en in Madrid. Chef David Muñoz shocks you, and that for me was the beauty.

What’s the future for the Revolution?

Everything we do is fresh and handmade, so if we could do ten restaurants with this level of quality that would be a dream for me. The chefs need to do it right, as Spain deserves.