Ankita

Connect Who or what inspires you to cook?

The rich history of food inspires me—the stories behind spices, ancient cooking traditions, and how food shapes cultures. Teaching fuels my passion, whether it’s sharing knowledge with my students or introducing my own kids to the joys of cooking. Their curiosity pushes me to keep exploring and innovating in the kitchen. But above all, food is my passion—it connects, nourishes, and tells a story, and that’s what keeps me going every day.

What's your all time favorite dish to make?

Biryani is my all-time favorite dish to make. It’s a rich, layered preparation with countless variations across the Indian subcontinent, each telling its own story. The history behind it fascinates me—how it evolved, traveled, and adapted over centuries. Researching for my podcast episode took me deep into the bylanes of small towns, uncovering lost recipes and forgotten techniques. Cooking biryani is like reliving history, one aromatic, spice-laden layer at a time.

What would you do with the $25,000?

With $25,000, I’d start my own culinary studio, dedicated to teaching and inspiring future generations about food and cooking. I’d invest in passing on skills, knowledge, and passion while also researching lost techniques and preserving heritage recipes. My studio would be a space to showcase these forgotten culinary treasures, bringing history to life through hands-on learning and storytelling.