Natasha Gandhi’s journey into food was anything but predictable. Once on the path to becoming a Chartered Accountant, she attempted the exams five times before confronting a difficult truth: her heart wasn’t in it. “Walking away from CA was terrifying,” she admits, but that leap of faith led her back to her kitchen, where she began experimenting with healthy, gluten-free, vegan desserts. What started as curiosity soon deepened into a calling. A defining moment came when she stepped onto MasterChef India, finishing as a top finalist. The platform sharpened her confidence and creative voice, introducing her to a national audience. From there, she began sharing recipes online, building a community around wholesome, hearty food rooted in story. Today, many know her as the ‘Biryani Queen,’ a title born from her ability to honour tradition while reimagining comfort food in nourishing, accessible ways. Food as Memory and Medicine Natasha describes her work as culinary storytelling. She documents traditions, reinterprets classics, and brings regional and community-driven recipes into modern kitchens. “Food, for me, is both memory and medicine,” she says. Her philosophy challenges the idea that healthy eating must feel restrictive. Instead, she champions balance, dishes that are satisfying, flavourful, and mindful without sacrificing soul. Heritage with a Modern Lens What distinguishes her voice is her focus on lesser-known regional dishes, from diverse biryanis to India’s pasta-like traditions, presented in ways that feel approachable for home cooks. She avoids chasing fleeting trends, choosing instead to create from curiosity and passion. Her signature strength lies in transforming indulgent favourites into healthier versions without compromising on depth. That blend of heritage, innovation, and mindful cooking defines her identity. Breakthrough Moments Growing up in a Punjabi household where food was celebration and identity, Natasha was surrounded by rich flavours and vibrant conversations. Influenced by chefs

From bold spices that make you question every meal you’ve ever had to dishes that taste like they’ve travelled the world, Hunaaan delivers flavours that refuse to play it safe. Neha Dua gives a lowdown of the place. This contemporary Pan-Asian restaurant in Indiranagar packs the heat of Thai food, the heartiness of Korean cuisine, delicate Japanese dishes, and wholesome Chinese fare. Step into the 40-seater cosy place for a meal that will slap you awake and then lull you into a food coma. Plates exploding with personality Not having sushi here would be nothing short of criminal. The Ebi Tempura and Avocado Maki is everything one expects from Japanese cuisine. The prawn tempura comes alive in a riot of colours and flavours. Vegetarians, fret not, you can indulge in the Avocado Garden. Their dumplings are delectable, with very fine wrappers and perfectly balanced flavours. The Chilli Coriander Chicken Dumpling is a sight for sore eyes and hits you with a kind of balanced chaos that you can’t have enough of. And if you like your dumplings soupy, the Basil Flavoured Curry Dumpling won’t disappoint. Raise a glass to excellence A smooth Virgin Pina Colada, featuring creamy coconut milk, has the potential to teleport you to a tropical destination, while the Soju Picanté, a Hunaaan Signature Cocktail, is aptly described as “Everything you want from a picanté: Spicy, lemony, and we dare you to have just one.” Shaken. Stirred. Sipped. A little oink, a little sugar, and a lot of swagger Hunaaan’s imported pork belly deserves a mention. Doesn’t melt in your mouth, but is definitely less fatty than several other places. If you’re a tofu fan, don’t skip the tofu sizzler. But be prepared to share it with one or two others, for the portion size is HUGE. Although

What: The Pure KitchenWhere: Bandra The Pure Kitchen brings a refreshing, honest take on clean eating to Bandra, one that feels warm, approachable, and rooted in real nourishment. Founded by Aaliya Ahuja of Oleander Farms and Saltt Karjat, the brand reflects her belief that healthy food shouldn’t feel like a punishment. Instead of restricting ingredients, The Pure Kitchen champions better alternatives: monk fruit instead of refined sugar, unprocessed honey over syrups, and clean, mindful swaps that elevate nutrition without compromising flavour. What truly sets the space apart is its transparency; every dish arrives with a protein count and calorie breakdown, empowering diners to make choices that serve their lifestyle. From low-carb bowls and vibrant vegan plates to guilt-free desserts, the menu balances comfort with consciousness. The Bandra outlet itself is a cosy, calm reprieve, ideal for mindful lunches, post-workout meals, or a quick grab-and-go treat from the charming coffee window. Pure, fuss-free, and thoughtfully crafted, The Pure Kitchen makes eating clean feel genuinely delightful. What: Dynamo, Vagator Hilltop Where: Goa Dynamo, located on the scenic Vagator Hilltop in Goa, is redefining the state’s sundowner culture with a seamless transition from laid-back sunset moods to an energetic, music-driven nightlife atmosphere. The Cliffside restro-lounge offers uninterrupted sea views, a curated cocktail program by internationally acclaimed consultants, and a menu shaped by chefs trained under award-winning culinary leaders. Signature plates such as Chaap & Chokha, Chilaquiles, Falafel Mezze Platter, and Korean Wings pair effortlessly with cocktails like Special Train to Goa, Spirit of the West, and Calico: The Painted Horse, each crafted with depth, flavour, and narrative. The interiors combine rustic Wild West cues with contemporary metal accents, creating a warm yet edgy aesthetic across its terrace, lounge seating, VIP sections, and bar-side tables. As the sun dips and the music builds, Dynamo

Bangalore is often known for its weather, start-up culture, and (unfortunately) traffic. Let’s throw another iconic thing into this mix: Kai Bar and Kitchen. Located on the thirteenth floor in the heart of the city, this rooftop restaurant feels like an escape pod from the city below. Once you step off the elevator, the noisy streets become a thing of the past, as you get ready to indulge in an “elevated” dining experience. Allow NEHA DUA to walk you through it. The exceptional use of natural light makes the already spacious interiors look even larger and more open. The retractable glass ceiling, coupled with the relaxed atmosphere, creates an inviting vibe, perfect for indulging in a sobremesa that lasts hours! Their special fixed lunch menu, aptly named Zenith, is proof that great food tastes even better with a view. It comprises a thoughtfully curated selection of Asian, Continental, Oriental, and Mediterranean influences. Five courses, five moments You would expect the prices to be as sky-high as the view, but they are unbelievably down-to-earth. Zenith offers two options in its fixed menu: a three-course meal priced at 999 and a five-course meal priced at 1299. Plus taxes, of course. We highly recommend the latter, because the more the better, right? Soups, salads, dimsums, sushi, appetizers, large plates, and desserts. Gotta have ‘em all. The Smoked Chicken Salad, with baby arugula, dressed to perfection with a yuzu vinaigrette, feels fresh and is quite the looker. The Togarashi Crispy Lamb seemed a little too crisp, but felt familiar and comforting in its own right. Vegetarians, you will probably love the Edamame Dumplings and Green Paradise Sushi, both offering a symphony of flavours. A very special mention here to the Chocolate and Cranberry Cookie Dough Tart with Mascarpone Cream. Decadent yet subtle, the berries’