Malvika Hada Kumar: If My Life Were A Thali, The Star Dish Would Be A Rajasthani Bharwa Mirch (Recipe Developer with 1.1 Million Followers)

Malvika Hada Kumar Interview

For me, tradition and innovation aren’t opposites, I feel they actually complement each other beautifully.

Q. Let’s begin with your journey, what sparked the idea behind “The Spicy Story” and how did it evolve into the brand it is today?

Not many people know that my journey began with film production and scriptwriting during college. That’s where my love for visuals and storytelling truly started. 

Over time, when I discovered the diversity, flavours, and techniques in food, I realised this was the world I wanted to immerse myself in.

After spending 7-8 years working in the food industry, my husband encouraged me to take the leap and start something of my own during COVID. That’s how The Spicy Story was born, a space where my passion for food, creativity, and storytelling beautifully come together.

Today, that passion has grown into THE SPICY STORY - a beautiful community of over 1.1 million food lovers (and counting!).

Q. You blend storytelling, food, and culture so effortlessly. What’s your process like when crafting content that connects on such a personal level?

I believe writing and storytelling are in my genes, as my father is an award-winning writer. It comes naturally to me, and when combined with my curiosity for food and culture, it becomes my biggest strength.

Even in my little free time (which is rare these days!), you’ll always find me exploring food from around the world. Whenever I come across a recipe I like, I instantly wonder, how can I make this my own, in a way that my audience would love to?

Before creating any recipe, I also ask myself a few questions - Would I want to eat this? Would it make me hungry just looking at it? If the answer is yes, then I move forward crafting the recipe, perfecting the flavours, and finally giving it a story that connects with my Instagram family.

Q. In age of trends and quick content, how do you stay authentic without relevance. 

Trends can be a funny thing, sometimes they’re bizarre, sometimes genuinely worth trying. I follow the ones that excite me, but most of my recipes are born from pure experimentation.

After cooking for so many years, I’ve developed an instinct for flavours that work beautifully together. So I keep playing around in the kitchen. Most of the time, these experiments turn into fantastic recipes that often become a part of my everyday meals too. But of course, not everything works out perfectly and those recipes never make it to my followers.

Instead, I go back, tweak them, test them again and again, until I’m truly happy with the outcome. Only then does a recipe find its way to Instagram, something I know my community will enjoy as much as I do.

Q. What’s one lesson that the world of food and travel has taught you that goes beyond the plate.

I still remember a special memory from my childhood, when we would visit our maternal grandparents’ home. Being Rajasthani, “Baati” was always a part of those visits - but it wasn’t the kind you find everywhere. 

It was cooked in cow dung, a traditional method that might sound unusual to many, but the flavour it gave was unlike anything else.

It’s one of those experiences I’ll probably never be able to truly share with my audience - maybe one day. But to me, memories like these go far beyond food or travel. They’re about heritage, family, and the kind of soulful connections that shape who we are.

Q. Your content celebrates Indian culture in such a modern voice. How do you strike that balance between tradition and innovation? 

For me, tradition and innovation aren’t opposites, I feel they actually complement each other beautifully. I’ve grown up in a household surrounded by the richness of Indian culture and food, so it’s deeply ingrained in me. 

At the same time, I love experimenting, telling stories in a fresh and fun way, and presenting food in formats that connect with today’s audience.

I always try to keep the essence of tradition intact - whether it’s a flavour, a technique, or a memory attached to a dish and then I find ways to give it a modern expression. 

That could be through presentation, storytelling, or even just how the recipe is simplified for everyday cooking. I think that balance comes naturally when you respect where the food comes from, but also stay curious about where it can go.

Q. How do you deal with creative blocks or moments when inspiration doesn’t flow?

This is something that happens often after hectic shoot schedules, there are days when I feel like giving up. I think not many people talk about this part of content creation. 

Sometimes, no matter the results, it feels like I’ve run out of ideas.

But then I remind myself, cooking is my passion. One day I may feel demotivated, but the very next, I tell myself: you cannot give up. There are thousands of people waiting to see that next recipe, and I can’t disappoint them. And on the hardest days, a single heartfelt message from someone in my community is enough to remind me that I’m on the right path.

In the end, it’s my The Spicy Story family that truly keeps me motivated. 

Q. You have built a strong community, what’s your advice for creators trying to move from “followers” to genuine engagement?

For me, the three most important pillars of content creation are consistency, patience, and creativity. It’s so easy to get caught up in chasing followers or trying to crack the next viral trend, but that’s not what truly lasts.

Instead, focus on creating content that defines you - recipes that reflect your love, passion, and individuality. When you pour authenticity into your work, the engagement and growth will naturally follow.

Q. What’s one underrated spice, literal or metaphorical, that more people should add to their lives?

If I had to pick one underrated spice, it would be pepper. We often take it for granted because it’s so common, but it has the power to completely transform a dish with just a pinch.

I think life is similar, we sometimes forget the value of adding a little 'pepper' in the form of curiosity, courage, or playfulness. It doesn’t take much, but it can completely change the flavour of our everyday lives. 

Q. And to end on a fun note: If you life were a thali, what would be the star dish and what would be the surprise element?

If my life were a thali, the star dish would be a Rajasthani Bharwa Mirch - bold, full of flavour, and carrying the essence of my roots. The surprise element would be a modernised ghevar, because while I deeply value tradition, I also love giving it a fresh, unexpected twist that feels just right for today.

Bio:

Malvika Hada Kumar is a recipe developer and content manager who has transformed her passion for cooking into a flourishing career. With eight years of experience as a food content manager, Malvika has mastered the art of creating engaging culinary content that resonates with food lovers everywhere. Her journey took a delightful turn when she launched "The Spicy Story," a platform dedicated to sharing easy and simple recipes that inspire creativity in the kitchen. In just two years, Malvika has captivated a community of over 1 million followers, and her audience continues to grow. Join her as she shares the vibrant flavors and stories behind her delicious recipes and brings you some selected gems from her kitchen.

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Interviewed by: Rupal Kargeti