A 96-YEAR-OLD has stepped back into the world of work, taking on a new role as ‘culinary mentor’ at a Solihull care home.
Malika Kottegoda, originally from Colombo, headed into the kitchen at Blossomfield Rose to assist Portuguese head chef Paulo Crespo create a series of dishes inspired by her Sri Lankan heritage.
After joining the home in 2025, Malika expressed a desire to bring the flavours of her homeland into the care setting.
In her new role, she has been mentoring Paulo on generations-old recipes, introducing him to fragrant curries, traditional spices, and the preparation of jaggery – an unrefined cane sugar central to Sri Lankan cooking.
Malika said: “I never thought I’d teach a head chef how to cook, but Paulo’s a quick learner – and we have had a wonderful time making some dishes together.”
The collaboration has already influenced the home’s menus, with residents eager to try the authentic new dishes.
