Cooking Doesn't Require Natural Talent

Being super passionate about cooking and baking all my life, I was always in the kitchen making something or the other. As my kids grew older, they wanted me to follow my dreams.

1. Tell us about your background and journey.

Since I was a child, I had a great interest in both cooking and baking. Some of the fondest memories from my childhood are sneaking into the kitchen while my mother and aunt cooked & watch them prepare meals.

With a great support system, I did a short term baking course at Sophia College, Mumbai, Le Cordon Bleu Certificate course and Tante Marie in London, and my PME masters in sugarcraft when I was around 37. After coming back to India I wanted to make use of my knowledge in the right way and share it with other people.

Starting something of my own and teaching were things that I always dreamt of and that's when I came up with the idea of starting One Day Workshops. The first place of my own was a small garage and slowly I grew and shifted from the garage to a studio which is now called the Palate Culinary Studio.

After establishing myself in the industry for a while, it didn't take much time for me to shift from there to an academy which is now called the "Palate Culinary Academy".

2. What led you to take up this career path?

Being super passionate about cooking and baking all my life, I was always in the kitchen making something or the other. As my kids grew older, they wanted me to follow my dreams.

My husband and my kids have been super supportive and they've pushed me to chase my dreams. They are one of the biggest reasons for my success and well-being.

3. What does your typical day look like?

My typical day is full of work and some family time also to keep a good balance between both. I used to socialise sometime before the pandemic started, but now it's more work and family time. Hoping the pandemic will end soon.

4. Does one's approach change when cooking professionally and at home?

I don't think one's approach should change whether it's a professional kitchen or at home. As long as you have the love, the passion to cook and bake, you should be happy either way.

5. Can cooking be learnt at culinary schools or a natural talent is required?

Cooking doesn't require natural talent. The affection and interest for cooking comes from within. Cooking is something that will make you happy and if it makes you happy then you know your next step is to join a culinary school.

6. Which is your favourite book and why?

I am not a fan of reading. I don't enjoy reading but while I was on my journey to setting up the academy I wrote an interesting book - "Picky Eaters". My experience at home while dealing with children who are fussy eaters inspired me to write this book. This book is a solution for all parents who face issues with their kids' food tantrums.