T+L Tastemakers

Travel +Leisure India & South Asia’s Delicious Dining Awards 2022 introduces T+L Tastemakers—eight special award categories felicitating individuals who have made a difference in the culinary world. Turn the pages of this edition to meet these gamechangers—from the best Cookbook Author and Food Blogger to Innovative Chef, Culinary Icon, Pastry Chef of the Year, and more.

COOKBOOK AUTHOR OF THE YEAR

Anahita Dhondy

CHEF & AUTHOR

WHEN ANAHITA DHONDY joined SodaBottleOpenerWala as chef manager in 2013, her objective was to bring endangered Parsi recipes to Indian homes and hearts. Eight years later, Dhondy launched her debut book, The Parsi Kitchen, which gives an insight into the unique traditions, culture, and food of a community that remains an enigma to many. The tastemaker, who also graces our cover this month, talks to CHIRAG MOHANTY SAMAL about her passion for regional food, travels through little-known Parsi towns for her book, and the road ahead.

How did food impact you while growing up? What did you see in the ‘Parsi kitchen’ at home that left a mark on you?

Food has been an integral part of my childhood. My mom has been a home baker and a chef for the past 30 years, and looking at her create amazing recipes of not just Parsi food but also world cuisine got me excited. I began helping with her orders and by the time I turned 10, I was already icing cakes. At that point in time, I knew that I wanted to be a part of the food industry. Even now, if I close my eyes and think of my mom’s kitchen, I can picture delectable lasagnas and freshly baked souffles. I have tried capturing the ambience of my mom’s kitchen in my book.

What kind of research went into the book? Where all did you travel?