Chef Vanshika Bhatia on food, family and the journey from Kanpur to Gram Street Coffee

Chef Vanshika Bhatia's culinary journey began in Kanpur, where she was forced to cook for a family dinner at age 13. This experience sparked her passion for cooking and led to her opening her first restaurant, Together at 12th, followed by Petit Pie Shop and Omo, an all-vegetarian Indian restaurant. Her home cooking, rooted in the Bannuwali community's resourceful cuisine, differs from her restaurant dishes as it revolves around memory and the art of making the most out of minimal ingredients.

Bhatia's mother influenced her cooking style, encouraging her to experiment and learn new recipes. Upon getting married and becoming a mother, Bhatia decided to shift her focus towards home cooking again, hosting small, invite-only dinners to share her passion for food.