She’s crafted a world that balances bold flavors with quiet wisdom. In the kitchen, she weaves stories; beyond it, she speaks up for women everywhere.
Her path is one of resilience, redemption, and staying true to who you are a reminder that when passion aligns with purpose, it can heal wounds, lift spirits, and spark change far beyond borders.
Let’s begin with your story. What first sparked your love for cooking, and did you ever think it would take you across the world?
My love for cooking was born in my childhood kitchen, watching my grandmother carefully roast spices, my mother stirring curries with love, and the way meals brought our family together. Cooking was never about perfection; it was about people, emotion, and memory.
I never imagined this love would one day carry me across continents, but perhaps it was always meant to. Because food, when cooked with care and integrity, speaks to everyone, no matter where you are in the world.
How has your journey from MasterChef India to global shows changed you?
Winning MasterChef India was a turning point — it gave me a platform, but more than that, it gave me responsibility. Over the years, traveling, growing, and creating across the globe has shaped me not just as a chef, but as a woman, a mother, and a voice.
It’s humbled me. Every new project, every kitchen, every culture teaches me something. I’ve learned that no matter how far you go, your core values must remain rooted.
What inspired your dessert book Sinfully Yours, and how do you balance indulgence with health?
Sinfully Yours is my ninth book, and it came after winning an international award that deeply affirmed my journey. It’s actually a sequel, an evolution of my love for desserts. I wanted to show that indulgence and balance can co-exist.
I’ve always believed that desserts are more than just sugar – they’re emotion, celebration, and connection. But today’s world also calls for mindfulness, so this book reflects that – how we can honour tradition, enjoy sweetness, and still respect our health.
You’ve cooked for royalty and celebrities. What’s one unforgettable moment from those experiences?
Over the years, I’ve had the privilege to cook for high-net-worth individuals, thought leaders, and some of the world’s most discerning palates globally. But the real honour isn’t in the name, it’s in the silence that follows the first bite. The look of nostalgia or surprise on someone’s face when food touches something deeper – that’s unforgettable. I’ve always believed it’s not just what’s on the plate but the energy and intent behind it. That is sacred.
You support causes like gender equality and malnutrition—how do these shape your work as a chef?
For me, being a chef is not just about crafting menus; it’s about using my voice and platform to spotlight what truly matters. Gender equality and child nourishment are close to my heart because they are still battles we’re fighting every day.
Whether it’s mentoring women in professional kitchens or designing meals for children in underprivileged communities, I try to weave purpose into everything I do. Because food can feed not just the body, but the future.
Travel has played a huge role in your culinary evolution. Which country’s flavours surprised you the most, and why?
Every country has surprised me in its own way, but I remember going for lunch to a Mexican restaurant with a few of my friends from Europe and tasting a dish that felt so Indian, yet completely different.
The spices were familiar, but the philosophy behind them was rooted in a different history. That moment made me realise how food truly is a universal language. Travel keeps humbling me it shows me that no matter how much you think you know, there’s always more to discover.
What does success mean to you today? Has it changed since your MasterChef win?
Yes, entirely. Back then, success meant recognition, awards and trophies..! Today, it means relevance with responsibility. It means staying rooted while growing, being impactful rather than just visible, and creating spaces for others to rise with you.
Success today is when people tell me, “Your story gave me the courage to start over.” That’s worth more than any award.
With your UK restaurants coming up, what flavours or ideas are you bringing to the table?
Let’s just say – it’s not what you think, and definitely not what you’ve seen before. These restaurants are my tribute to India, but not in the way the world expects. The flavours are bold, the approach is curated, and the experience — well, let’s keep some mystery alive.
It’s a dance of cultures, familiar yet fresh, comforting yet elevated. I’m not giving too much away because honestly, this is the kind of food you need to taste to truly understand. I’m just incredibly excited to finally bring this vision to the UK, and I’m excited for people to discover it!
What can viewers expect from your new international show on Discovery+?
We explore hidden kitchens, age-old recipes, street food stories, and culinary rituals that have stood the test of time. Because food is more than a dish – it’s identity, it’s history, it’s belonging. This show is about discovering that universal thread that connects us all.
Photographer- luv Israni
Food is deeply emotional – when you’re not in “chef mode,” what’s a dish that brings you comfort and reminds you of home?
Simple moong dal, rice, a spoon of ghee, and sometimes a bit of pickle on the side. That’s all.
It brings me back to my childhood, when I used to enjoy this meal with my grandfather, feeding me each day, and the comfort of knowing you are cared for. For me that’s the kind of food that heals, not just feeds.
As India’s Cultural Ambassador, how do you represent Indian cuisine globally?
I see myself not just as a chef, but as a custodian of a legacy. Indian cuisine is vast, spiritual, scientific, and artistic. As I take it abroad, I try to showcase the philosophy behind our food – how every ingredient has a purpose, how our methods are rooted in wellness of Ayurveda, and how Indian hospitality is a celebration of generosity. Whether I’m speaking in Paris or plating in London, my goal is to make people feel the heart of my country!
How do you stay creative and grounded while running high-end tasting menus and global projects?
By staying close to what has made me who I truly am today family, nature and friends. Creativity is not a luxury for me—it’s a necessity. But I also know that the most innovative ideas come when you’re at peace. I meditate, I travel, I listen. And I surround myself with people who remind me of where I started and have reached today. Staying grounded isn’t a struggle when your foundation is built on values.
Many young women look up to you. What’s one piece of advice you’d give to those trying to carve their own space in a competitive industry?
You don’t need to fit in – you need to stand up. There’s so much pressure to be perfect, the world does not need perfect, they need more authentic people. My advice? Be fearless in your authenticity.
Speak up. Step forward. Don’t wait for permission to lead. The kitchen and the world is stronger when women show up in their full power.
What gave you the strength to rebuild after facing abuse and starting over as a single mother?
It wasn’t easy. But I knew I had to do it for my children, for myself and every woman who’s been silenced, suppressed, or told she’s not enough.
I didn’t just survive – I rebuilt. There were days of doubt and no one believed but I turned pain into purpose( easier said than done) I want women everywhere to know – you’re not alone and your story doesn’t end in struggle. It begins with rising.
What message do you want parents to take from your TED Talk, Feed Your Girl Child?
Feed her mind, her heart, her voice. Don’t just give her food —give her freedom, choices, and belief. Girls are often silenced or overlooked, especially in places where tradition becomes an excuse for suppression. But when you nourish a girl, you empower generations. Her dreams deserve to be fed just as much as her body.
What challenges still exist for women in professional kitchens today?
Gender bias, unequal pay, lack of mentorship, and an outdated idea that toughness equals leadership. But things are changing and we must be the change. I’ve made it my mission to create safe, empowering spaces where women can grow without fear. It’s time we stop adapting to the system and start redesigning it.
