Parsi born Indo-British chef proprietor of the popular ‘Café Spice Namasté’ and Celebrity Television Chef, Cyrus Rustom Todiwala, has joined the Marine Conservation Society (MCS) as an ‘Ocean Ambassador’. Having been a ‘Seafood Sustainability’ campaigner for many years, Cyrus is the first chef to become an ocean ambassador for the charity.

As per the ‘Undercurrent News’ report, Cyrus stated, “I have been involved in the area of marine conservation since 1983 when I worked with the government of Goa (India) on a number of environmental initiatives, including helping to achieve protected status for turtles and dugongs. In the UK, like in several countries, people get addicted to certain kinds of fish only and will not deviate to trying other equally great fish. This puts serious pressures on certain species. It’s one reason why we must, as an island nation, support our fisher-folk and also ensure that we take precautions to leave a good legacy behind with an abundance of fish for an ever-increasing fish-loving population.”

“His amazing knowledge of fish, from catching to cooking, and his reputation as a restaurateur is a fantastic opportunity for MCS,” Nicole Greaves, MCS Head of Marketing said about Cyrus, who is known to have played one half of UK’s popular BBC series, ‘The Incredible Spice Men’.

Born in 1956, Cyrus Todiwala (OBE, DL) trained at the Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces chain in India, and rose to become executive chef for eleven restaurants within those hotels. He moved to the UK in 1991 with his family, and established Café Spice Namasté in 1995, for which he is best known. Cyrus subsequently launched a range of condiments and sauces under the brand – ‘Mr. Todiwala’s’ and a second restaurant – ‘Mr. Todiwala’s Kitchen’ – which is located at the Hilton, at Heathrow Airport.

He was awarded an MBE in 2000, and an OBE in 2009, as well as an honorary doctorate and was made an honorary professor. In 2012, he cooked for Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, as part of the Diamond Jubilee Celebrations. He has appeared on multiple television and radio shows.

Cyrus is married to Pervin and they parent two sons. He aims to use sustainable materials in his restaurants, and believes in the medicinal effects of spices. His favourite cuisine is Parsi!