Famous chef Shipra Khanna, who also works as a restaurateur and novelist, exclusively chats with
The Pioneer. She talks about how much she loves to eat, where she gets her inspiration, her cookbooks and much more
Tejal Sinha
Bringing her charm and empirical culinary skills onto the plate is none other than the popular chef Shipra Khanna. The distinctive fusion of local ingredients and global inspirations in her cuisine is well known. The diversity and inventiveness of Shipra Khanna’s recipes, which never cease to amaze and excite foodies around, are testaments to her culinary prowess.
The aroma of spices, the sizzle in the pan and the love that her grandmother poured into her dishes left an indelible mark on the li’l Shipra back then, when she accompanied her grandmother to the kitchen. “Watching her create magic with simple ingredients sparked a passion in me that has only grown stronger over the years,” recalls the celebrity chef in an exclusive chat with The Pioneer. Cooking became her way of connecting with her heritage, expressing her creativity and sharing love with others.
Shipra Khanna is best known for winning the second season of MasterChef India at the age of 29 and her recipes have since captured the attention of viewers all over the world. After winning the second season of MasterChef India, she embarked on a culinary adventure that has seen her rise to prominence in the industry.
Winning Master Chef India was a whirlwind of emotions. “On my mind was the immense gratitude for the opportunity and the realisation that this was just the beginning of my culinary journey,” she shares, adding, “I felt a deep sense of responsibility to represent Indian cuisine on a global stage and to inspire others to follow their dreams, as dreams do turn into reality no matter how daunting they may seem at the moment! MasterChef India taught me resilience and the importance of staying true to oneself. It showed me that passion, dedication and hard work can turn dreams into reality. The experience also reinforced the value of humility and continuous learning, reminding me that every challenge is an opportunity to grow.”
Maintaining a work-life balance for her has always been about prioritising and being present in each moment. She does make sure to carve out time for her family and personal well-being amidst her busy schedule. It’s about finding joy in small moments, whether it’s a quiet cup of chai in the morning or a walk in nature. Her passion for cooking and creating helps her stay grounded and balanced.
Speaking of your cookbooks, she has recently launched her new book, Sinfully Yours—Just Dessert with OM Publishers. “It is a labour of love dedicated to all dessert enthusiasts,” the Indian Cultural Ambassador for “MasterChef Travel” gleefully shares, adding, “It’s a collection of healthy homemade dessert recipes, each crafted with care and simplified for everyone to easily prepare healthy homemade desserts and enjoy them with loved ones. The book aims to celebrate the joy of desserts and good health, showcasing a range of flavours and techniques that can be enjoyed.”
In fact, her next cookbook is going to focus on healthy, wholesome recipes that are easy to make and delicious to eat. It will be a celebration of nutritious ingredients, catering to those who want to enjoy good food while maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
So is there a special inclination for sweet delights? We wondered! To this end, she humourously shares having a soft spot for both! “I love the complexity and warmth of spices, which are the heart of Indian cuisine. At the same time, I find immense joy in creating desserts, as you know ( Sinfully Yours 1 and 2 ) and savouring desserts after every meal! Both sweet and spicy elements play a crucial role in my culinary journey and I enjoy experimenting with them to create balanced and delightful dishes.”
She has inspiringly defied stereotypes to live life on her own terms. And beyond any doubt, breaking stereotypes was not easy; it required immense courage and determination. “There were times of self-doubt and resistance, but I was driven by my passion and my belief in my dreams. This journey has shaped me into a stronger and more resilient person. It has also brought me closer to those who truly support and understand me, enriching my personal life with genuine connections.”
Well, going ahead, she finds inspiration for her recipes from everywhere—travels, local markets, conversations with people and even nature. “Researching recipes involves a lot of experimentation, tasting and refining. I love blending traditional techniques with modern twists, creating dishes that tell a story and evoke emotions. Each recipe is a reflection of my experiences and the diverse culinary heritage I’ve encountered,” shares the MasterChef, who also highlights that travelling is a profound source of inspiration for her. “It allows me to explore different cultures, flavours and culinary traditions. Each place I visit adds a new layer to my understanding of food, offering fresh perspectives and ideas. Travel not only enriches my recipes but also deepens my appreciation for the diversity and unity of global cuisine.”
No matter where you go, the comfort that ‘Ghar ki Dal’ brings cannot be described in words, to be honest. And guess what? A comforting Dal and Rice have always been Khanna’s go-to dishes too. “It’s simple, nourishing and full of flavour. Preparing it takes about 30 minutes and I love adding my unique twist with a tempering of ghee, cumin and a sprinkle of freshly chopped green chillies and coriander. It’s a dish that embodies warmth and home for me.”
Going ahead in the chat, she also shares that self-care is crucial, especially in such a demanding profession. And so, she makes time for activities that rejuvenate her, like yoga, meditation and spending quality time with her loved ones. In fact, cooking itself is therapeutic for her, but she also enjoys taking breaks to read, travel, or simply relax with a good book and a cup of chai.
Having travelled globally, she further shares, “Culinary skills vary widely based on cultural contexts, but the passion for food and the dedication to craft are universal. In India, the use of spices and traditional techniques is unparalleled, creating layers of complex flavours. Outside of India, I’ve encountered a wealth of innovative techniques and fusion cuisines. Both perspectives enrich my culinary journey and inspire me to create unique and flavourful dishes.”
Also a restaurateur, she believes that managing a restaurant involves a broader scope of responsibilities, from logistics and staffing to customer service and marketing. It requires a strategic approach and a keen understanding of business dynamics. However, “being a chef in the kitchen is more about creativity, precision and direct engagement with the culinary process. Both roles are challenging yet rewarding, each contributing to the overall success of the dining experience.”
Just like many of you, she too is a chai person and finds it incredibly comforting and rejuvenating to drink a well-brewed cup of chai.
She further goes on to define her art of ‘cooking’ and her profession as a ‘chef’. She signs off the interview, sharing, “Cooking, to me, is an act of love and creativity. It’s about transforming simple ingredients into something extraordinary that nourishes both the body and the soul. A chef is a storyteller, an artist who brings joy and connection through their creations. It’s a role that blends passion, skill and heart, dedicated to making the world a little brighter, one dish at a time.”
