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Recipe for Success: Architect’s passion for cooking results in classes
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Saturday, 01 March, 2014, 08 : 00 AM [IST]
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Priyanka Dhomse, Mumbai
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fiogf49gjkf0d  Barkha Jain, a Delhi-based architect, had a passion for cooking, which began when she was twelve. Not only is she now the proprietor of a cookery class named Architect’s Kitchen, but is also a caterer.
The cookery class was born out of her desire to be creative. She is not a hotel management graduate, although it was her first choice (“I decided not to pursue it because I got to know that cooking non-vegetarian food was mandatory,” she stated).
After she completed her twelfth grade, Jain pursued a five-year degree programme in architecture from Amity University. She stated that she belongs to a family that loves food and explores all kinds of cuisines.
“Our favourites include Punjabi, Rajasthani, South Indian, Maharashtrian, Gujarati, Italian, Chinese, Mexican, Thai, and Lebanese. We also love Delhi’s street food, especially golgappas and aloo tikki. Delhi being the street food hub, we enjoy eating chaat every week,” she added.
Jain said, “As a child, I was very keen to learn how to cook. I started cooking at the age of 12. My school was the first institute where I started to learn the basics of cooking. I remember I used to read various cookbooks and magazines to try out new dishes.”
“My family was always very supportive and they encouraged me to learn more. I used to attend a lot of cooking classes as well. Even today, my friends love to eat the dishes I cook for them,” she added.
“I can cook at any time of the day, be it three in the morning or eleven at night. If you have a passion for whatever you decide to do, you are halfway through it. Secondly, I have always experimented with various different cuisines and tried my hand at all sorts of different cooking styles,” Jain said.
“India, is a land of unlimited cuisines, from kahwa (a type of tea) from Kashmir to idli sambar from Kerala. I always make it a point to try different cuisines in India whenever I travel to a new state,” she added.
According to Jain, food was always on her mind, but she never thought about making in her profession. It all started when one of her articles, on chocolates, was published in the newspaper.
“The article was followed by a random call I received from a mother who asked me whether I would teach her daughter the art of making chocolates. Then, the process started of my cooking classes and today it is called Architect's Kitchen,” she said.
“After the success of Architect's Kitchen, I joined FoodCloud.in, where I came in direct contact with true food lovers who love to eat and I love to cook for them! So, it was a continuous process, which led to my wonderful relationship with FoodCloud.in,” Jain added.
When quizzed about the name Architect’s Kitchen, she said, “ As the name suggests, it is a kitchen owned by an architect. The name struck me when I was about to start my cooking class. I can relate to this name, and people who come here like the concept too - sometimes an architect, sometimes a chef. The biggest achievement of Architect's Kitchen was the coverage it received in the Times Food Guide 2013.”
Jain did not face any difficulty while establishing Architect's Kitchen, as people were always supportive towards her. “Many a times, I wondered how I got here. I just had a passion towards cooking and today, because of FoodCloud.in, I am able to connect with foodies and deliver my delicacies to people who love to eat! A very big thanks to FoodCloud.in for helping me to make it big,” she said.
She loves to interact with new people, and said being in the food industry gives her a great opportunity to meet new people and socialise. “The initial aim at the time of establishing Architect's Kitchen was just to offer cooking classes to those who are interested in cooking. But now after three years, I do not only provide cooking classes, but also catering services for small gatherings and get-togethers. FoodCloud.in helps me reach my clients,” she added.
Jain specialises in platters and thalis, including the Mughlai platter, the Rajasthani thali, the Navratri thali, the breakfast platter, the Tandoori platter, the Chinese platter and the Italian platter.
“Through my food, I have tried to share the love of a home-cooked meal with those who are away from their homes, and crave the comfort that only a home-cooked meal can provide. It is great for me to be a part of FoodCloud.in, because this is exactly what their goal is too - to offer clients food cooked by chefs whose foods have a homely and comforting feeling,” she said.
The Navratri thali is one of her most famous thalis. It offers home-made Navratri food cooked in pure desi ghee for people who are fasting. The fare includes moongfali ki kadhi, Kashmiri mirch aloo, saboodana ki khichdi, samak ke chawal and kuttu ki puri, along with salad and raita.
“It tastes so good that I get orders in bulk for this thali, not only during Navratri but the year-round as well. People who are not fasting love it, because it is very different from the regular food. Apart from Navratri thali, I get a lot of appreciation for my Rajasthani thali from the people who have ordered it through FoodCloud.in, it is a hot-selling favourite,” Jain said.
She also loves to shop. When quizzed about her ultimate dream she said, “I would love to open my own cafe some day by the name of Architect's Kitchen.”
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