I remember it like it was yesterday. My Amma, a hardworking and devoted parent, had spent another long day taking care of everything at home and managing the challenges of life. She came home late that night, and as a mischievous 8-year-old, I was starving. Now, here’s where the trouble began: I had been banned from the kitchen after a few too many cooking experiments that ended in chaos. But hunger, as they say, is a great motivator, and this night, I couldn’t help myself. I had to cook.

With my stomach growling and my curiosity for the kitchen kicking in, I decided to take matters into my own hands. I quickly grabbed what I could and made a simple dosai (a type of Indian pancake) with Milaga Podi (a spicy chutney powder) for myself. But I didn’t stop there – I thought of my Amma too. Knowing how much she loved the dosais I made (well, that is if they were edible!), I decided to make a few more for her.

I had watched Amma use the hot box many times, so I carefully packed the dosais for her, knowing she’d be hungry after a long day. I didn’t know exactly what to expect, but when Amma finally entered the kitchen, the first thing she noticed was the smell of the dosais. Her reaction? A mix of fury and concern as she walked into the kitchen, seeing the mess I had created.

But what followed was something I’ll never forget. Instead of scolding me, Amma sat down, tried the dosai, and after the first few bites, she started crying—tears of joy. In that moment, I saw her happiness reflected in the simplest thing I had done: I had fed her. The joy on her face was all the affirmation I needed. Whether or not I had truly discovered my love for cooking that night, something shifted in me. Cooking wasn’t just about food—it was about connection, care, and joy.

That night marked the beginning of my journey into the world of food, and it ignited my passion for cooking and feeding others. It was in those moments of sharing meals, watching the smiles of people I care about, that I realized how powerful food can be.

As I grew older, this initial love for cooking evolved into a full-fledged passion. Over the years, I spent countless hours experimenting in the kitchen, trying new recipes, and learning more about food, flavors, and techniques. I knew that I wanted to pursue a career in the culinary world, and eventually, that’s exactly what I did.

I became a chef in the later stages of my life, and the journey that led me here has been nothing short of incredible. I moved to Melbourne, Australia, to further immerse myself in the world of food and truly discover my passion for cooking. This was a huge step for me, as it was a place where I could break away from the familiar and explore the diverse culinary traditions and techniques that I had only read about. Melbourne, with its rich food culture and fusion of global flavors, was the perfect place for me to push my boundaries and develop my skills.

While in Melbourne, I had the opportunity to work at a variety of restaurants—each with its own unique vibe and culinary approach. From casual eateries to sophisticated fine dining establishments, every experience taught me something new. I learned the importance of precision and attention to detail in fine dining, where each dish is not just a meal, but an art form. I also had the chance to work with diverse ingredients, explore different cooking techniques, and learn from some incredibly talented chefs who mentored me along the way.

One of the most valuable lessons I took from working in fine dining was the significance of balance—balance in flavors, textures, and presentation. It’s not just about making something that tastes good; it’s about creating a complete experience that leaves a lasting impression. Whether it’s a simple dosai or an intricate five-course meal, the essence of cooking, for me, lies in making people feel something through food. Whether it’s the joy I saw in Amma’s eyes all those years ago or the satisfaction of seeing guests smile after a delicious meal, it’s the emotion that food can evoke that truly excites me.

Throughout my time in the kitchen, I also developed a deep love for teaching. Food is a never-ending journey of discovery, and I wanted to share that with others. I started to teach aspiring chefs and home cooks alike, passing on the knowledge and skills I had gathered over the years. The joy I felt when watching others discover their own passion for food was immense. There’s something magical about seeing someone take what you’ve taught them and turn it into something beautiful.

Fast forward to today, and I continue to be inspired by food every single day. My journey has taken me through countless experiences—each one teaching me something new. Now, I’m not just focused on creating delicious meals, but also on sharing my love for food with the world. Whether I’m cooking in the kitchen, teaching others, or exploring new culinary trends, I am constantly learning and growing.

As my Amma always says, “Katrathu kai alavu, katraatthathu ulagalavu” – “What you learn with your hands, will expand your world.” And through cooking, I’ve found my world expanding in ways I never imagined, one dish at a time.

Welcome to my journey. Let’s explore the joys of food together, as I continue to learn, share, and grow in the wonderful world of cooking.