02-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Did you know Michael Jackson's personal chef, Mani Singh Khalsa, traveled with the King of Pop on every tour?
Widely celebrated as one of the most influential icons of the 20th century,
earned the title of the King of Pop through his groundbreaking music, iconic style, and unforgettable dance moves.
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While countless stories about his life continue to emerge, did you know: during the years 1982 to 1985, Jackson employed a personal chef who was Sikh.
About Mani Niall Singh Khalsa
According to Hauterfly, Mani Niall Singh Khalsa took on the role of personal chef for Michael during the height of his fame. Just before the release of the 'Thriller' album, Mani introduced the pop legend to nutritious vegetarian meals tailored to his dietary and spiritual requirements.
Today, Mani owns Sweet Bar Bakery in Oakland.
Witnessing the Rise of a Legend
In a conversation with People Magazine, Singh reflected on witnessing Jackson's explosive rise to fame. He said, 'It was like watching someone caught up in a tidal wave of culture.' While the public viewed Jackson as a monumental figure, Mani experienced a more intimate side of him during meals and daily life. He noted that Jackson often went through long rehearsals and performances without eating, only to become extremely hungry afterward, which made preparing meals quite challenging.
The Challenges of Catering to Michael's Unique Taste
Mani revealed that even though Michael followed a vegetarian lifestyle, he wasn't very fond of vegetables. 'He had a limited palate,' Mani explained. The singer enjoyed pizza but disliked pasta. Interestingly, despite his sweet tooth, Jackson avoided sugar and chocolate, which made meal planning especially challenging for his chef.
Creative Cooking Solutions
However, Niall took a creative approach to prepare meals that Michael truly enjoyed. Among his signature dishes were spicy smoked red chile enchiladas, celebrating the singer's taste for strong, vibrant flavors. Another beloved dish was tofu shish kebabs paired with couscous and a flavorful Moroccan sauce.
