Skip to main content

York chef brings Indian Fusion to Taste Test York


Hamir Patel has always had a love for cooking and a desire for his food to put a smile on customers' faces.

After two years as a chef with both Hampat Specialty Foods and Farm to Freezer in York, Patel will get his chance to impress a larger audience soon, as he will be auditioning for a spot at Taste Test York.

“This is my passion. This is my dream come true,” Patel said.

Patel, 49, will introduce York to his Indian Fusion cuisine for a two-weekend trial run at YorKitchen, 37 W. Clarke Ave.

Patel lists a full menu for the audition, including the Indo-Thai fusion dish Simple Shrimp and the Indo-Chinese fusion chicken.

“I create my own recipes,” Patel explained. “I like the mixing of cultures and flavors to come up with a unique flavor that’s one of a kind.”

Aside from his passion for cooking, Patel, a 12-year York resident, believes the city is ready for his unique blend of flavors.

“My food speaks for itself,” Patel said. “This is what people are looking for. I let my food speak for itself and I’m confident in it.”

Patel’s audition will be for a potential spot at Taste Test York, where four different restaurant concepts will each be tested for four months. After all four concepts have been tested, the community will vote for their favorite and that idea will be turned into a brick and mortar restaurant at a nearby storefront with more space.

“It’s the experience of a lifetime,” Patel said of the audition. “It’s a dream come true. It’ll help me fine tune (my concept) should I get voted into the pop up.”

Casting calls for new restaurant concepts will take place on August 13 from noon to 3 p.m. and on August 17 from 5 to 7 p.m.

If you go…

What: Taste Test Auditions: Indian Fusion

Where: YorKitchen, 37 W. Clarke Ave., York

When: August 4-5, 7, 12-14, 5-8 p.m.

Cost: $30 for a full three-course meal

Additional details: This is a BYOB event. Reservations are not needed, but are encouraged. Reservation information can be found on the trial’s Eventbrite and Facebook pages, or by calling 717-964-8378.

Website: TasteTestYork.com

Anthony J. Machcinski is the Food and Drink reporter for FlipSidePA and the York Daily Record. Follow him on Facebook and Twitter, or email him at amachcinski@ydr.com.