Welcome to Delhiites Spotlight, a new column in which team Delhiites showcases its favourite homegrown brands and the movers and shakers behind them.
When and how did you discover the baker in you ?
Baking runs in my family! My mother is an ace baker and always baked our birthday cakes at home! I literally don’t know what it feels like to order cakes from a bakery!
How did you meet Akshay Handa, your life partner and co-founder at Miam ?
We had bumped into each other 5-6 years ago at a party I was gate crashing. We later reconnected on Facebook in July 2017! We went out for dinner and there was no turning back!
Tell us more about the French influence on your patisserie. Apart from the name.
My recipes are actually very very French. They’re a collection from my years studying and working in Paris. I like to keep my recipes and elements traditional and then present them in a very neoclassical manner!
How does it feel to be the tastemaker of Delhi ?
Honestly, sometimes I feel overwhelmed but also very grateful. People have gained their trust over the last 5 years and our client base continues to grow!
How are you enjoying imparting your knowledge through the workshops ? What led to you deciding to reveal your secrets to the world ?
I LOVE teaching! It really helps me connect to other bakers too. They’re super enthusiastic and eager to learn. I do not feel an ounce of insecurity whilst sharing my recipes. I feel blessed for having a keen audience.
How has Miam been affected by the pandemic? Tell us more about some of the measures you’re taking to cope with it.
Well, Akshay and I have analysed Miam pre and post COVID and we feel like we were in a rat race before the pandemic struck. We were getting too ambitious with expanding store fronts. After the lockdown was imposed- we pulled out all our expansion plans. The way forward is digital marketing and reach. We are focussing on our newly launched website!
What inspires you to constantly finesse your menu? And, what according to you, is the thing that sets Miam apart from its competition ?
I think my boredom inspires me. I get bored really quickly in the kitchen. If I don’t innovate, I feel empty inside. I am not a competitive person and I have never focussed on competition round me. In general I don’t really think about what’s going on around me. It’s both good and bad in my opinion.
What is your vision for the brand, going forward ?
I don’t really have a vision after the way this year has panned out for the F&B industry. I want to keep the brand afloat, take care of my team and continue satisfying my loyal customers. Akshay and I are taking each day as it comes.
Do you see a change in the mainly male dominated world of commercial kitchens ?
Yes I do and I am very happy about it!
What does it feel like to work side by side with your significant other ?
I love working with Akshay, we make a great working duo. We are trying to balance our private life and our work life. We have stopped carrying work home. It is KEY to a happy marriage. Akshay makes me feel alive and lets me flourish in my own area of interest. He has also never ever been insecure of me and my journey as a chef. He keeps me humble and grounded too!
What are some of your favourite places to grab a bite in the city ?
Lavaash was my favourite restaurant in Delhi. I love ordering in from Thai Crate & Vietnamese Caphé!
What is a piece of advice you would like to share with the young chefs who look up to you ?
Be yourself, find your own style and stop succumbing to unfair & toxic kitchen environments.
