Early Days...

Shashi. Born and raised in the vibrant streets of New Delhi, India, and deeply rooted in the traditions of Tamil Nadu, my love for cooking began when I was just 7 years old. Growing up in a typical vegetarian middle-class Indian family, where eating out was a rare luxury, the kitchen became my playground. I spent countless hours assisting my mother, learning the art of creating complex, flavorful dishes that reflected the culinary diversity of both North and South India.
From making fluffy idlis to aromatic chole, I was immersed in the magic of Indian cooking from an early age. The joy of experimenting and creating meals at home shaped not just my palate but my passion for food.
While my heart was set on becoming a full-time chef, life had other plans. Financial circumstances nudged me toward the tech world—a twist of fate that turned out to be a blessing in disguise.
Working in technology opened doors to living and traveling across Asia, North America, and Europe, exposing me to the vastness of global cuisines and cultures. Yet, through it all, my passion for food never wavered. I spent my free time learning about world cuisines, learning from the experts, cooking for friends, and teaching Indian cooking wherever I went.

The Mission to Debunk Myths...

During my travels, I encountered a common misconception: many in the Western world viewed Indian food as overwhelmingly spicy or limited to a handful of dishes like butter chicken or chicken tikka masala. It was a revelation for me—Indian cuisine is a treasure trove of diversity, representing 29 states with unique cultures and cuisines, yet much of this richness remains unknown outside of India.
I felt a calling to change this narrative, to share the intricacies and elegance of Indian cooking, and to teach people about its depth and variety. Indian food isn’t just about heat; it’s about balance, flavor, and the art of combining spices to create harmony.

When I moved to Berlin during the pandemic, I found the same misconceptions about Indian food echoed in its culinary scene. The availability of authentic Indian dishes was scarce, limited to a few cliché offerings that didn’t do justice to the cuisine’s vast spectrum. That’s when Informed Gourmet was born—a platform to celebrate Indian cooking in all its glory.
Through Informed Gourmet, I aim to introduce Berlin and the world to unheard, delicious Indian dishes, teaching passionate food lovers how to create authentic, flavorful meals. It’s not just about recipes; it’s about understanding the culture, history, and philosophy behind the food.

From Tech to Teaching Indian Food...