Hemant Bhagwani, the chef-owner of the Amaya empire, on where he goes to splurge and save

My everyday spot
I like to go to this small, inexpensive Afghan place called Bamiyan Kabob in East York that serves grilled meat and fish. There are locations all over the city. It’s a great place to have a protein meal.

My current obsession
Lately, I’ve been really into burgers, especially the Priest, with cheese-stuffed and fried mushrooms, from The Burger’s Priest on Queen East.

My sweet finish
I’m not really into desserts, but I do occasionally enjoy a soft-serve ice cream from McDonald’s.

My home base
I buy all my Indian groceries at Iqbal in Thorncliffe Park. We do very simple Indian food in my home, mainly vegetarian curries with kidney beans or lentils.

My watering hole
You can find me hanging out in the lobby bar of the Thompson Hotel. I love a dry white from Burgundy or a grüner veltliner from Austria.