Episode Number: 246

From MasterChef to Sindhi Kitchens: Deepa Chauhan’s Food Story | Ep 246

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About This Podcast

In this episode Mohua sits down with Deepa Chauhan — MasterChef finalist, entrepreneur, and passionate advocate of Sindhi cuisine. From entering MasterChef at the age of 52 to redefining food through memory, culture, and emotion, Deepa shares her remarkable journey. She opens up about the philosophy behind Sindhi cooking, the layered complexity of Indian flavors compared to Western cuisines, and her belief that food is more than presentation — it’s about connection, nostalgia, and home. This heartfelt conversation blends her experiences as a chef, storyteller, and cultural custodian, offering listeners a taste of resilience, authenticity, and heritage on every plate.

Key Takeaways:

Age is no barrier – Deepa entered MasterChef India at 52.
Reviving and celebrating Sindhi cuisine.
Real joy lies in feeding people, not just social media likes.
Plant-based food is the future of healthy eating.
From Amazon forest avocados to Indian thalis – food connects cultures.
Indian/Asian flavors embrace all six tastes vs. the West’s course-based meals.
Food is memory, comfort, and emotional connection.

Episode Timeline

00:00

: Highlights

01:00

: Introduction

01:36

: Deepa’s Sindhi Journey on MasterChef

02:17

: Deepa’s Journey in the Food Industry

03:56

: Deepa’s Food Journey from Age 11

05:39

: Creating Mortars and Pestles brand

07:21

: Traditional Ingredients to Sindhi Cuisine

08:23

: The Truth About Makhani: Sindhi Flavors, Punjabi Myths

14:18

: Beyond Onion and Garlic

16:18

: From Paragari to Baklava

18:21

: Reclaiming the lost recipes and practices

22:51

: Deepa on Keeping Sindhi Cuisine Authentic Yet Modern

24:45

: Food Collaborations

25:56

: Cooking Memories, Not Social Metrics

28:06

: Rethinking Plant-Based Narratives

32:03

: Deepa’s Master Chef Experience

35:42

: Asian vs Western food cultures

37:56

: One Food Advice for All Mothers

40:07

: Deepa’s Favorite Recipe

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Disclaimer: The views expressed by our guests are their own. We do not endorse and are not responsible for any views expressed by our guests on our Show and its associated platforms.