Meet the young chef making moves in Kelowna

He's just 27 years old but Sai Batta, the Head Chef at Wildling restaurant on Richter Street, has already amassed plenty of experience.

Brought up in Delhi, India, he would explore the street vendors on a daily basis for ideas and flavours. He travelled internationally with his family and furthered his exposure to top cuisine while helping at his cousin's restaurant in Germany on summer holidays. He was just 16.

Then came culinary school in Switzerland before working in several world class, Michelin star restaurants there.

"I like this industry, it's like a family and you're never alone," Batta told Leslie from OV1039. "It has given me the freedom to leave my country and do my thing." He has been in Kelowna for about 18 months, having been the Head Chef at Krafty before it closed. His menus are inspired by fresh food available in the Okanagan blended with the dishes he's seen and prepared across Europe. He engages with local farmers and producers. But encouraging discussion and exploration with his kitchen staff is also important.

"I've always had the best luck, working with the best chefs and sitting down at the end of the night and having meals together like a family. That helps bring young people into this industry," he explained.

Batta says Kelowna is very much a happening place with a lot of talented young chefs that he makes sure he supports by visiting their restaurants and hanging out with friends.

"I fell in love with Kelowna and what beautiful produce it has. There's a lot to be given by Kelowna and there are awesome young chefs in town. There's lot going on here. Maybe in five years' time it's going to be the spot."