Our third interview in the ‘Wellness Conversations’ series introduces Mati Pichci, a culinary storyteller and the founder of Copenhagen’s home dining space, Amator. With nearly four years of experience as the chef and manager at Atelier September, plus internships at Noma in Copenhagen and Kabi in Tokyo, his culinary journey is both rich and diverse. Now, he shares his passion through cooking workshops and private dining experiences, always weaving stories into his dishes. In our conversation, he reveals his approach to wellness, daily rituals, and the ways his culinary practice nurtures his well-being.
What does wellness mean to you?
Wellness for me is finding a psychosomatic balance. To put it in simple words, it’s taking care of yourself both mentally and physically. One never goes without the other.
What daily rituals or practices do you engage in to foster balance and well-being?
I have been practicing yoga for many years now, soon it will be a full decade. A practice itself and a yogic point of view on life help a lot to maintain that balance. Being able to let go, embracing not competing with others, seeing things outside of ego, meditation in general – just to name a few. An important part of my daily routine is eating good food. It’s not the cleanest or the rawest. But for sure it’s wholesome with the right origin. I avoid trash and meat. I believe it’s balanced.
When you travel for work or leisure, do you find it challenging to maintain your daily wellness practices? If so, how do you adapt to ensure you stay committed to your well-being while away from your usual routine?
It is indeed more difficult to keep the routine but traveling is the juiciest part of our life so it’s worth the commitment. I often mix work and leisure when traveling. My goal is always to learn and taste something new. When I was in Bucharest consulting for a restaurant one of the owners took me for her pilates reformer class and I loved it! For sure great for my wellness. The other partner took me out for a wild party – I danced all night with a few drinks too many but I still find it valuable for searching the balance and staying well with yourself.
During times when you’re facing challenges or experiencing a low mood, is there a specific quote, piece of advice, or song that helps to raise your spirits and motivate you?
Troubadour by J.J. Cale is an album I love to play when I’m challenged. It was recorded in 1976, I have an old record of that and it soothes me like nothing else. Other than that I always unconditionally believe that everything happens for a reason.
INTERVIEW ABHISHEK SINGH
PHOTOS PAOLO GALGANI
