THE RISE AND FALL OF HOME CHEFS

During the COVID-19 pandemic, as restaurants shut down and people stayed indoors, a new trend emerged: the rise of home chefs.

- Armaan Malhotra

Armed with culinary skills, passion, and sometimes just a smartphone, these individuals turned their kitchens into micro-businesses, offering freshly cooked, personalized meals to their communities. While the initial boom created a thriving home-chef ecosystem, the trend has evolved as restrictions eased. Here's a closer look at how the journey of home chefs has shifted from pandemic necessity to post-pandemic reality.

The Pandemic Boom: Home Chefs Take Center Stage

When lockdowns began, people craved home-style food that was safe, comforting, and often a refreshing change from their own cooking. Home chefs stepped in to meet this demand, offering everything from daily meals to exotic cuisines, fusion dishes, and customized orders. Platforms like WhatsApp, Instagram, and local delivery apps became essential tools for these chefs, helping them reach customers without the need for a physical restaurant.

Some of the reasons for the boom included

Safe Food Preparation: Customers trusted home-cooked food over restaurant fare, knowing that home chefs could maintain cleanliness and hygiene.

Comfort Foods with a Personal Touch: From regional specialties to custom-made dietary options, home chefs could cater to specific tastes and dietary needs.