Hidden gems: Mumbai's home chefs redefining dining

Mumbai, the bustling metropolis known for its fast-paced lifestyle and vibrant culture, is also experiencing a culinary renaissance. Home chefs in Mumbai are storytellers, sharing their passion for food and culture through every dish they create. Their dedication to quality ingredients, innovative techniques, and personalised service has made them a beloved part of the city's culinary landscape.

Rupa Shah's Gossip & Garnish

Rupa Shah’s Gossip & Garnish is a delightful home dining and food pop-up experience created by a dynamic mother-in-law and daughter-in-law duo. Known for her expertise in Pathare Prabhu cuisine, Rupa is on a mission to showcase the diverse and flavourful world of Maharashtrian cuisine beyond popular misal and vada pav.

Her magic lies in the secret Parabi masalas, a family heirloom passed down through generations. Indulge in dishes like shengachi bhaaji, aluwadi, tomato saar, suranache kaap, gobhi bhujana, and ananansache sambhar.

Shalini Khanna's Sindhi cuisine

Sindhi cuisine is a delightful blend of flavours influenced by Persian, Arabic, and Indian culinary traditions. Known for its use of aromatic spices, fresh produce and unique cooking techniques, Sindhi food offers a distinct taste experience. Shalini Khanna, a talented home chef, has captivated her Instagram followers with her stunning thalis.

One of the highlights of her thali is the sanna pakora, double-fried onion bhajiyas with a unique blend of spices and a special cooking technique. Another standout dish is the sai bhaji, a flavourful combination of greens, vegetables, chana dal and aromatic masalas. For those who love a little heat, the tariyal bhaji, a spicy stir-fry of okra, potatoes, and eggplant, is a must-try. Meat lovers will appreciate the seyal chicken, a tender and succulent dish cooked in a rich onion and yoghurt gravy.

Sizzlers by Namita

The appeal of sizzlers lies in their ability to retain heat and cook food to perfection, ensuring that each bite is sizzling hot and full of flavour. Let's Sizzle It, a home-based venture started by a passionate food enthusiast, is bringing the excitement of sizzling hot plates right to your doorstep. Born out of a creative lockdown project, this venture has blossomed into a successful business offering a diverse range of vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and Jain-friendly sizzler options.

The unique appeal lies in its convenient and hassle-free packaging. Each kit comes with clear instructions, making it easy for customers to create a restaurant-quality sizzler experience at home. Simply heat, pour, and sizzle away. Don't miss out on their popular Mexican and Paneer shashlik options, which are sure to blow you away.

Madhumita's Bengali cuisine

Bengali cuisine, originating from the eastern state of West Bengal in India and Bangladesh, is renowned for its diverse flavours, vibrant colours, and rich heritage. Featured in prestigious publications like Vogue India, Conde Nast, Outlook, TOI, and Midday, Madhumita is a Mumbai-based home chef who has brought Bengali cuisine to the forefront. She delights her followers with a new menu on her Instagram page every week.

From the tangy and spicy achar chingri (mango pickle prawn curry) to the comforting chholar daler muithya (chana dal dumpling curry), Madhumita's creations offer a taste of Bengali heritage. Her passion for culinary exploration is evident in her experimental menus, such as ‘Tagore's Kitchen’. This series recreates dishes that Rabindranath Tagore, the renowned Bengali poet and philosopher, may have enjoyed, offering a unique and nostalgic dining experience.

Do you know other passionate individuals who are adding a personal touch to their culinary creations? Let us know in the comments.