For me, food is never just about taste—it's about people, history, and the stories behind every dish. When I explore a country’s food culture, I don’t limit myself to famous restaurants. I seek out the unsung heroes—the street vendors, home cooks, and generations-old family-run eateries. I sit with them, listen to their stories, and understand their traditions.
It excites me to eat what locals eat, learn the rituals around a meal, and let the story unfold naturally. Whether it’s a century-old recipe or a humble dish with an emotional connection, my goal is to capture the heart of the cuisine, not just the flavors on the plate. That’s how I ensure my storytelling remains authentic while resonating with my audience.
2. From all the cuisines you’ve explored, which country’s food has surprised you the most, and why?
Every cuisine has its own charm, but if I had to pick one that truly surprises me, it would be my own country, India. The sheer diversity and the rich history attached to every dish continue to fascinate me.
An Indian dish might look simple, but once you dive deeper, you realize it carries centuries of tradition, technique, and cultural significance. The same ingredients can tell completely different stories depending on the region, and that complexity never ceases to amaze me.
3. Every journey has its highs and lows. What’s been the most challenging moment of your food blogging career, and how did you overcome it?
Alongside food stories, I also share narratives about changemakers and startups working toward sustainability. One of the biggest challenges I faced was staying true to my storytelling amidst the ever-changing trends of social media. It’s easy to question whether impact-driven content holds value when algorithms favor trends over substance.
But instead of shifting my approach, I reminded myself why I started—to tell stories that matter, not just stories that trend. Over time, the right audience found my work, and the impact became more meaningful than the numbers. That experience taught me that in content creation, staying authentic is both the biggest challenge and the most rewarding victory.
4. Food is deeply tied to history and culture. How do you balance showcasing unique dishes while respecting the traditions behind them?
For me, storytelling goes beyond how a dish looks or tastes—it's about why it exists, who keeps its tradition alive, and what it means to the people who make it. I always center my narratives around the humans behind the food.
Respecting tradition means letting locals tell their own stories. I make sure their voices take center stage, ensuring the story is not just about the dish but also about the culture that nurtured it. That’s what makes the storytelling truly respectful.
5. If food could talk, which dish from your page would have the craziest story to tell?
Without a doubt, it would be Doodh Cola! Imagine two ingredients that shouldn’t work together—milk and cola—yet somehow, against all odds, they create something unexpectedly delicious.
I received plenty of mixed reactions when I first shared its story. But many were surprised to learn that this quirky combination has been enjoyed across generations. A dhaba called Balwant Singh Dhaba in Kolkata, West Bengal, popularized the cola version, while the idea of mixing milk with soda dates back to Victorian England. Interestingly, Balwant Singh himself invented Doodh Cola while traveling with his son to Bhagat Singh's village during a hot summer. I was skeptical about trying it, but I won’t lie—I loved it!
6. What’s one food trend you secretly dislike but see everywhere on Instagram?
If I had to pick one, it would be gimmicky food creations designed purely for shock value—like burgers stacked a foot high, rainbow-colored dosas, or desserts drowning in unnecessary toppings. They might grab attention on Instagram, but they often strip food of its authenticity.
When a dish is exaggerated just for virality, it loses its soul. I’d much rather enjoy a humble street-side paratha with generations of history than a sushi doughnut no one actually enjoys eating. That said, I understand why these trends are popular—there’s an audience that enjoys the visual spectacle.
7. What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received, and how has it shaped your journey?
The best advice I ever received was: “Never change the kind of content you make, because it’s inspiring people in ways you can’t always see.”
There were times when I questioned whether my style of storytelling had a place in the fast-paced world of content creation. But this advice reminded me that real impact isn’t always instant. I chose to focus on stories that moved and inspired me—stories of street vendors, changemakers, unsung heroes, and forgotten food traditions.
That mindset shaped my journey in the best way possible, reminding me that success isn’t just about reaching millions but about making a meaningful difference in the lives of those whose stories I tell.
Bio:
Aradhana Chatterjee is a passionate food storyteller who explores the rich histories, cultures, and people behind every dish she encounters. Through her content, she uncovers hidden culinary gems, from street vendors to family-run eateries, while also highlighting changemakers and sustainable food initiatives. With an authentic and immersive approach, Aradhana brings food stories to life, making her a trusted voice in the world of gastronomy.
Interview by: Insiya Nulwala
Edited by: Shantanu Singh
.jpeg)
){kind=link}
0 Comments