Women Chefs who have inspired us – an ode to the women in our hearts

Nigella Lawson is a personality who never ceases to amaze us – for us she truly is the Kitchen Goddess. It’s been over a decade that we’ve been seeing her on the telly, beaming from ear to ear and telling us there can never be enough of chocolate or cheese in a dish. Of course, we’d sign up for that.

Nigella’s shows have undoubtedly been one among many that we eagerly look forward to. The joy in watching her in action is because she is not ‘perfect’, and she does not claim to be one either. She has the most amazing way to get her kind of cooking across to the masses. From book reviews to being quoted in Anne del Conte’s (a pioneer in Italian cuisine in the UK), Nigella has certainly carved her space in the industry with much affability and dexterity. We can’t help but look up to her, to her simplicity in cooking and finding joy in the smallest of things.

A woman of substance and a tale of Italy (for us), Ritu Dalmia is someone who needs no introduction. She is one of the many reasons why we love Italy and Italian cuisine. We have seen her shows on TV, read her books, tried her recipes and relished her food at all her six restaurants in Delhi. Well, you do get the drift of how much we love this woman.

Gay, and proud, this 43-year-old restaurateur & celebrity chef is passionate, bold, fearless and impulsive, in the kitchen, and in life. Having received no professional training to be a Chef, her culinary journey & love for Italy started at the age of 16, when she first travelled to the country – and there has been no looking back. Her success, if measured in numbers, is half a dozen restaurants to call her own, two popular cookery shows on national television, three cookbooks and 25 years of culinary experience, but having met this wonderful chef in person we know she would rather have us measure it in the number of happy guests she has.

Lawyer. Supermodel. Musician. TV Host. Chef – Joey Mathews – has happily (and successfully) donned all these hats. We got a chance to meet this beautiful person (inside out) at her abode during the filming of her TV show ‘Love Bites with Joey’ five years ago, and what has still stayed with us is her beautiful smile, warm hospitality, modesty and simplicity.

This supermodel turned food show host loves to cook for friends and family, and truly believes that “cooking with love” is the most important ingredient in any recipe. We don’t think we could agree any more. She doesn’t make you feel any less of a chef when discussing her recipes and strongly believes that cooking doesn’t have to be a complex harrowing affair, in fact one can prepare a delicious (and good-looking meal) with extremely simple ingredients and recipes. Did we mention, like us, she loves French Fries too? :)

The one who wowed us with her ‘shaking and stirring’ skills, the one who made us feel it’s alright to want to cuddle up with a drink, the one who truly nurtured our love for the tipple – Shatbhi Basu – is a ‘stirring’ genius. India’s popular bartender, Shatbhi has held our attention since her show – In High Spirits – as she toured the top bars across India, describing to her viewers the vast world of intoxicants.  The person who learned to be a bartender after she was already a manager, who had to prove her right behind the bar and be the best, Shatbhi now has done not just corporate shows and workshops, she even has a bartending academy to her name.

A chef who we know personally, who is younger than both of us, and the one we’re completely in awe of (and obviously super proud of) – Vanshika Bhatia. At the young age of 23, Vanshika is the Head Chef at Ek Bar, an artisanal bar serving seasonal cocktails & Modern Indian small plates, located in Defence Colony, New Delhi.

She has trained from the illustrious school of Le Cordon Bleu in London, has global culinary experience working at top restaurants in Dubai, Bangkok, Copenhagen and New Delhi including Noma, Junoon, Gaggan and Olive Bar & Kitchen – and this young chef is winning hearts with her passion for her profession. We personally know of the excruciatingly long hours she puts in along with her colleagues, working tirelessly through the week and truly is an inspiration for us. She kindles in us the need to push ourselves towards our goals, nurture the discipline and sheer focus that she has already mastered at this young age.

Another young, talented & budding Chef – Smriti Walia – is someone we have known for almost a decade now. Having trained at Caperberry in Bengaluru, Smriti has a knack for modern European cuisine. Her love for cooking started with baking at a young age, which was an escape for her, an opportunity to whip something delightful for herself and her family. It was only when she saw ‘Julie & Julia’ (also one of our fave food movies) a few years ago, did she actually think of becoming a professional chef. A traveler at heart, Smriti wants to combine her love for travel & food and open her own cafe in future – for now she is busy cooking five-course meals for friends and family on special occasions.

When we list out our favourite female chefs from across the world, the ones that top our list are the ones that are in our homes and hearts – our very own doting mothers. These women have been an inspiration to us in so many different ways (and they don’t even know it) – from feeding us delicious food all our lives (obviously with lots of butter, cheese and love) to developing our appetites & taste buds and being the reason why we truly appreciate a good meal.

Right from their perfect paneer recipes to mouthwatering biryanis, from fragrant kheers, Christmas cakes and chocolate brownies to even the simple pulao or masala rice – we simply love everything that comes from their kitchens – and they have been driving forces in our lives, feeding their families, day in and day out, always with a smile.

So, tell us if you have someone in your life that inspires you to cook, to feast or even to enjoy a meal? Someone who brings a smile on your face because of their love and passion for food? We’d love to hear your stories :)