Exclusive Interview | Celebrity Chef Shipra Khanna, Judge @ Zee Café, Chef Vs Fridge Season 3
/“Vegan is really going to be big; people are going to be moving a lot towards healthy eating which are are already doing post the pandemic. People are really becoming conscious and choosing the food they want to eat so healthy food will really boom in India and worldwide whether it is plant-based recipes or vegan food.”
Q1. What makes the show 'Chef Vs Fridge' so special for you? What are your expectations from this season?
Chef Vs fridge season 3 is really special to me because the show is very different, everything is so on point right from the concept to the kitchen and of course the contestants. We have very strong contestants, and they are giving each other a very tough time. They are giving us a tough time as well because it is really difficult to choose the best amongst equals. The season is sure to serve the best entertainment to the audiences and I am very excited for it.
Q2. What impresses you as a judge?
Thinking out of the box and creating unimaginable flavours. Sometimes the dish can look average but when it is tasted it can have a blast of flavour and that’s what impresses me a lot. Good food just speaks for itself.
Q3. What would you do to impress the judges if you were a participant?
I would just execute thought of who I really am and put it on a plate. I do believe that if you’re already doing your job or something that you’re passionate about it reaches out and it definitely impresses the person whether it is the judges or the audience.
Q4. Share some of your early memories of working in a kitchen.
A lot of early memories of working in the kitchen where being a girl in the industry, it was really difficult for me to make a mark in the industry because I think gender bias is Of course there in the kitchen other than that age also plays a huge role. So, if you’re young and you’re a girl it is very difficult for people specially in India to take you seriously. Initially whatever memories I have, whether it is doing trials with the chefs who are senior, and they cannot accept that someone so young and that too a girl is judging them especially when they have so much experience. For them to believe that she has the power to accept, or reject is something that they cannot really accept.
Q5. With a wave of entrepreneurship, do you think the cooking profession has finally come of age?
I definitely think cooking has come of age and I think women have come of age and entrepreneurships and start ups booming in India and being really supported by the country is really bringing a revolution as far as cooking and the industry is concerned.
Q6. What food trends do you see dominating in the coming years?
Vegan is really going to be big; people are going to be moving a lot towards healthy eating which are are already doing post the pandemic. People are really becoming conscious and choosing the food they want to eat so healthy food will really boom in India and worldwide whether it is plant-based recipes or vegan food. And Of course new recipes or creativity is always on an uprise.
Q7. What would you say to a young hospitality student / professional just starting out in the kitchen?
I would just tell them believe in yourself, believe in the passion, work hard, be resilient and be patient. Everything will fall into place, but you have to have combination of all these traits to be a success in the kitchen.
With social media strengthening its roots, the fame game is at an all-time high in the country. While everyone is looking for their chance at 15-sec of fame, Zee Café brings a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for the participants. With Chef Vs Fridge Season 3, Zee Café banks on India’s love for food and gives the talented Chefs of India a chance to earn their share of fame. Yes, you read it right! The winner gets a standalone culinary show on Zee Café.
The new edition brings back the two cooking maestros Chef Ajay Chopra and Chef Shipra Khanna who created audience ecstasy in the last season with their entertaining performance as the hosts while also creating some lip-smacking dishes as the judges.
