I was born and raised in Nairobi, Kenya and grew up a vegetarian. While growing up in tropical Kenya, I had ample opportunities to try a large variety of fresh fruits and vegetables. I became interested in cooking when I was very young, watching my mom cook up wonderful curries for our dinner. Then, while attending university in Bombay, I tried wonderful foods from different regions of India. After marriage, I continued to learn a lot from my mother-in-law.

I have cooked and entertained large groups of family and friends for the last 40 years. I love to cook and entertain, and it has gone from being a simple hobby to becoming a great passion of mine. It was my daughter-in-law who inspired me to start teaching cooking classes once all my three children moved away from home. When I was looking for something to do my daughters helped me find work at The Compleat Cook. They also helped me with all of my recipes on the computer. My son believed in me, saying I could do it! I have been teaching for about six years from my home, as well as monthly classes at Planet Organic. My goal is to help people to prepare healthy, nutritious and well-balanced East Indian meals.

In addition to cooking, I am also passionate about meditation and yoga, and have been practicing both for over 24 years. I have two daughters who live abroad, as well as a son, and am grandmother to two beautiful granddaughters. They all inspire and encourage me to pursue my passion of cooking.