I read about her and her work in an article, was amazed seeing the efforts that she’d put towards curating the Parsi Cuisine. Most of us would do anything just to be invited for their events; be it a wedding or Navjote for the lavish sit down meal that we get treated to. Like many I am a big fan of that cuisine, in fact must add that I am a huge fan of the community itself. They are the most loved people, a community that believes in living in harmony with their surroundings. They are also very righteous and follow laws of the land; their love for motor vehicles is known the world over and their cars on resale are the most sought after. They are an asset to this land, who can forget their contributions towards the building of this nation? A community that’s; happy and who basks in the glory of longevity. I worked with them as colleagues; they have been my students and have had a lot of them as friends. I must add that I’ve learnt a lot from them; they have been absolutely dedicated and thorough professionals. Having these pointers in the background, I was especially interested in connecting with her, a beautiful and graceful Parsi lady who is a celebrated Home Chef. She has done many food festivals for 5 star hotels and certain elite groups of connoisseurs. She is recommended by many gourmands, celebrity chefs, food bloggers and foodies alike. I managed to finally speak with her, had a battery of questions for her to know more about her and the cuisine that she curates. IWH in conversation with Ms. Mahrukh Mogrelia; a Home Chef and the Owner of Mahrukh’s Kitchen.
IWH: Tell us something about you, your family, growing up years, life through school, college etc.
Mahrukh: I am 50 year old lady, celebrating life as it comes. I come from very small town Navsari in Gujarat. I grew up in huge family and a house where Kitchen was a centre of our universe. My childhood best memories are made here, possibly the love and passion of cooking must be inter borne here. Any time of the day, the sounds of vessels, instructions from grandma could be heard, not to forget most wonderful fragrance emitting out from those doors.
I grew up with two sisters and lots of cousins and we all went to Convent High School in Navsari. I met my husband during college days and as it happens in small towns, got married early again into a wonderful foodie family and where ladies excelled in cooking.
IWH: What made you select a career in Hospitality? Was it easy making that decision?
Mahrukh: I am home chef by accident. Full life long, I was in salon business, when I randomly filled the form to host diners, specializing in regional cuisine by defunct company. My love to cook and passion to learn and do new things motivated me to plunge into being home chef. I specialize in Parsi cuisine and being in Mumbai where everyone wants to have Dhanshak and Salli Boti.
My family encouraged me to do it, especially my mother-in- law was so thrilled and excited that she helped me with curating menu also. By word of mouth, many companies selected me for home dinning and kept me on board for their Parsi meals. I am also on board to several international companies to host their international travelers showcasing our culture and cuisine. Lately been doing Parsi cuisine popups in hotels as it brings homely touch to otherwise regular meals.
IWH: What is your current role?
Mahrukh: I am still doing home dinning, hosting international travelers, curating menus in hotels and doing Parsi homely food popup in hotels.
IWH: How has your professional journey been so far? Pros, cons etc?
Mahrukh: Professional journey has been good so far and all my work has left a smile on my face; even though there were aches and pains.
IWH: Who has been your mentor or a role model? In what way has that person helped you?
Mahrukh: As I mentioned in answer no.1, I was practically surrounded with excellent cooks but my mother who patiently guided me to do things in kitchen, whose enthusiasm so prominent that it fuelled my love for cooking. My mother is my mentor but it was my father who silently ate all my trials with a smile; which encouraged me to perfect everything that I was to offer to my guests.
IWH: What have been the high points of your career? Highlight at least 3.
Mahrukh:
IWH: What challenges have you faced as a career woman in the industry? How did you deal with them?
Mahrukh: I am one wo-man army…so challenges I create I conquer!
IWH: If there was anything that you could change about your life or career what would that be?
Mahrukh: Blessed with supportive loving husband and equally loving children, I don’t want any change in my life. As for a career, cooking has no boundaries… literally!
IWH: What do you think of IWH?
Mahrukh: IWH is heart of our Hospitality Fraternity…keep throbbing.
IWH: Your advice to the young professionals and students.
Mahrukh: Have faith in what you love doing, do small things but with love.
IWH: Anything else you wish to share with our readers?
Mahrukh: To readers in Hospitality Fraternity or I believe any work area…Do it with integrity…Do it with Love.
What a delightful conversation we had with the lady, she is as pleasant as the delectable dishes that she churns out from her kitchen. She waves her magic wand to cook up a storm, and we so love it!
