Brought up in Mumbai, Sejal Shah, home trained chef, has been cooking and understanding food since a young age. She went on to co-found the restaurant, Maia. Sejal chats with Explocity about her journey of learning with food.

Where did you grow up?

I grew up in Mumbai.

What led you to becoming a chef?

I was inspired by my mom, who is an amazing cook and my daughter who is a very passionate cook too. In fact, my daughter is the one who encouraged me to become a professional chef.

How long have you been a chef?

I am a home trained chef and my mom and my grandmother have been my early teachers in life. I started cooking from a very young age. Reading books of chefs, blogs of home cooks, experiencing different cuisines, their culture and origin has in many ways influenced my cooking style. Reading about history of food is a favourite pass time.

What do you enjoy more? Cooking or creating?

I enjoy both cooking and creating. I love to understand the roots of various cultures and create dishes using wisdom and my intuition.

Do you feel there is virtue in preserving the authenticity of cuisine?

I definitely feel there is virtue in preserving the authenticity of cuisine

What dish do you like eating the most?

I love eating my mom's sooji ka halwa, it's very close to my heart as she makes it religiously every year on my birthday, even when I'm not with her.

What’s your least favourite dish?

Karela subzi.

How long have you been in Bangalore?

 It's been 14 years since I have settled in Bangalore.

Do you like it here?

I love Bangalore, I feel it's culturally very rich, I love the weather and warm hearts of the people of Bangalore.