The art of dining-in is undergoing a remarkable transformation. According to GFTR 2024, “The dining scene at home is at an exciting crossroads, balancing convenience with conscientiousness at one end, and tradition with experimentation on the other. Time-pressed individuals are ordering in more frequently, while also relying on ready-to-cook and heat-and-eat options to stay on top of increasingly busy schedules. However, they are less willing to compromise their health, beliefs, values, customs, and traditions for the sake of this convenience... More brands are sharing stories about their ingredients, processes, and supply chains to improve engagement with their customers. With consumer focus firmly on mindful convenience, and the industry playing sous chef to meet this demand, the future of home dining promises to be exciting and flavourful.”

For many, the idea of heading out to a restaurant on Valentine’s Day has become increasingly challenging. Time-pressed individuals now seek a solution that delivers gourmet experiences in the comfort of their own homes. Vikhroli Cucina recently sat down with Pramod Jayavarapu, CEO of BookMyChef, to discuss how curated home dining is redefining special occasions.

A Conversation with Pramod Jayavarapu, CEO of BookMyChef

1. What inspired you to start BookMyChef and how did the idea of hiring chefs for home dining evolve?
“The idea came to us during COVID when we were celebrating my kid’s birthday. With gathering sizes restricted, we had a small group at home, and I didn’t want the women in the family to be stuck in the kitchen instead of enjoying the party. So, I called for a chef to take care of the food. Everyone loved the experience—so much so that they started asking for his number for their own small gatherings. But what stood out the most was the chef’s reaction. He was genuinely grateful because it gave him an extra source of income at a time when the industry was struggling. That’s when I realised there was something here—not just for people who wanted a great dining experience at home, but also for chefs who could benefit from these opportunities. And that’s how BookMyChef was born.”

2. How do you see the evolution of home dining impacting the way we celebrate special occasions like Valentine’s Day?
“There’s a growing concern about eating out these days—people are becoming more aware of the benefits of eating home-cooked food. At the same time, special occasions like Valentine’s Day call for something more than the usual home meal. If restaurant-style food can be made accessible and cooked in our own kitchens, that’s the best of both worlds. Not only do you get a gourmet experience without stepping out, but the chef also personalised the meal to your tastes and dietary preferences. It’s intimate, comfortable, and completely tailored to you—something no restaurant can match.”

3. BookMyChef offers a wholly personalised meal experience. How do you ensure that every experience feels unique?
“We encourage our users to communicate their preferences and tastes directly with the chef, ensuring that every meal is tailored to their liking. To make the experience even more personalised, we’ve introduced Junior, Senior, Pro and Premium Chef categories, allowing customers to choose a chef based on their needs and expectations. Whether it’s a simple home-style meal, a special celebration, or a high-end gourmet experience, guests can select the right chef for the occasion. This way, every dining experience is not just unique but also perfectly suited to the moment.”

4. High-end restaurants are known for their artful plating and menu pairing. What insider tips does BookMyChef bring into the home dining space?
“A lot of what makes a dish feel special comes down to the little details—how it's plated, the way flavours are balanced, and the overall presentation. Our Premium and Signature chefs category brings that same level of finesse into home dining. They use techniques like microgreens for a final touch, handmade sauces for plating, and even simple tricks like warming plates before serving to keep food at the right temperature. We also help set the mood—whether it’s candlelight, curated playlists, or even themed table settings—to transform a home into an intimate fine dining space.”

5. Can you talk about BookMyChef’s partnership with Vikhroli Cucina?
“We’ve always believed in collaborating with like-minded brands, and Vikhroli Cucina is a great platform that brings together food lovers, chefs, and industry experts. Our partnership allows us to showcase what we do best—curating unique dining experiences. It's all about connecting with the right audience that appreciates good food, great conversations, and the art of home dining.”

6. What have been some of your biggest hurdles in building BookMyChef, and how have you overcome them?
“A common challenge is guests booking chefs without the right equipment—like requesting pizza without an oven or bulk biryani without a handi. To avoid last-minute menu changes, we introduced a pre-event form to confirm requirements in advance.

Another challenge is the assumption that chefs can cook anything. In reality, their expertise depends on experience and specialisation. We tackle this by educating customers on chef categories and offering multi-cuisine combos for those wanting a variety of flavours in one meal.”

7. What trends do you foresee in the in-home dining space, and how is BookMyChef preparing for them?
“There’s a growing concern about eating out, with more people recognising the benefits of home-cooked food. Gatherings are becoming smaller and more intimate, with privacy being an added bonus. On top of that, hyper-personalisation is making home dining even more special. BookMyChef caters to this shift by offering not just healthier, home-cooked meals, but also ones that are tailored to individual tastes, all in the comfort of one’s own space.”

8. For busy individuals who want to experience a five-star meal at home, what advice would you give to elevate their dining experience?
“A few simple things can make a big difference. A five-star experience isn’t just about the food—it’s about the presentation, ambience, and details. Investing in good service ware and cutlery adds to the appeal, making the meal feel more refined. Plating matters too—using simple garnishes, warm plates, and well-arranged dishes can make a big difference. And of course, for a truly effortless experience, booking a premium or a signature private chef ensures everything is taken care of, from cooking to presentation, so you can just sit back and enjoy.”

9. With Valentine’s Day being such a special occasion, what unique elements does BookMyChef offer to make it unforgettable?
“Valentine’s Day is all about creating a memorable and intimate experience. It’s not just about the food but also the atmosphere. From personalised menus to curated Valentine’s special packages, we ensure every detail is planned to match the couple’s expectations. To make it even more special, we’ve also partnered with table décor vendors in select cities, offering beautiful setups for different budgets, so couples can enjoy a truly romantic dining experience at home.”

Vikhroli Cucina and BookMyChef (your go-to for private chef magic) offered one lucky couple a swoon-worthy, gourmet dining experience AT HOME through their ‘The Perfect Pairing’ contest. A professional chef is set to whip a bespoke menu using premium ingredients from Godrej Yummiez and Godrej Real Good Chicken, paired with candlelit ambience! 

Short Tips to Curate an Unforgettable Home Dining Experience

• Plan Ahead: Use a pre-event checklist to ensure you have the right equipment and setting.
• Set the Mood: Create ambiance with candlelight, curated playlists, and thoughtful décor.
• Personal Touch: Communicate your taste preferences to your chef for a tailored menu.
• Invest in Details: Use warm plates, garnishes, and quality cutlery to elevate presentation.
• Relax & Enjoy: Trust the experts—consider booking a premium chef for a hassle-free, five-star experience.

How are you elevating your at-home dining experience? Let us know in the comments!