Actress Chitrangda Singh is a judge on AXN Ultimate Cook-Off — The Marriott International Challenge, a show that sees chefs from the premium hotel chain competing with each other, to come up with a winning dish that will be included in the hotel’s menu. t2 chatted with Chitrangda on the show, the dish she whips up best and the weirdest thing she’s ever eaten.

What made you say ‘yes’ to the AXN Ultimate Cook-Off — The Marriott International Challenge?

I thought the format of the show was very different. One usually has amateur cooks participating in cookery shows, but here we had the best chefs from across the country coming in and competing with each other. So I thought that the level of cooking and the whole experience of the show would be very exciting. Also, this is on AXN that already has a show like Top Chef, which is one of the best cookery shows. All of this validated my decision.

What are you looking forward to on the show?

I am looking forward to seeing some very qualified chefs creating great dishes; they are professionals who do this for a living. To be able to put them in a spot and see what they churn out under pressure will be exciting. To be able to see them working in the kitchen — the whole energy, the whole vibe — is what I am looking forward to.

We know you are a good hand in the kitchen. What do you cook best?

There is a recipe I make called Chicken on Beer Butts! It’s a roasted chicken dish that I feel I make really well.

Are you the dieting kind of person or a ‘I will eat everything and work out later’ kind of person?

I am the ‘middle’ person. I take the middle path… I am Buddha! (Laughs) I generally eat healthy, but I also cheat on a few days.

You are quite a foodie. How do you manage to be in such a great shape?

The whole idea of being a foodie doesn’t mean that you just put anything in your mouth! It’s about enjoying food. I am someone who likes to experiment with different cuisines, but I invariably choose the healthier options. But yes, I am definitely a food enthusiast.

Is there anything you love eating, but can’t cook?

Oh, lots of things! (Laughs) I can somehow never bake a perfect cake. I wish somebody could share a foolproof recipe with me.

We know you love cold coffee. Any other favourites in your daily diet?

I love an omelette sandwich. There is a chicken sandwich that my cook does for me that I really like. I am eating that right now! I carry my chicken sandwiches with me wherever I go… they are very healthy.

Quick 5

• My comfort food: Popcorn.
  
• Three items you will always find in my fridge: Fruits, definitely. Dark chocolate and milk for my cold coffee! Also, some boiled chicken.
  
• The weirdest dish I’ve ever eaten: Ox tongue in Korea. And yes, an Indian dish called Gurde Kapoore (a goat meat dish). It looked like boiled eggs, but when I was told what it was, I was like, ‘Oh my god!’ It’s supposed to be a delicacy though.
  
• A dish I can eat every day: Thai green curry and rice.
  
• A dish I am not fond of: Caviar. I haven’t developed a taste for it at all.