You may know Maneet Chauhan as a frequent guest/judge on Food Network shows such as 'Chopped' or 'Guy's Grocery Games', and here she shares the journey that got her into those prime time spotlights. She shares her remarkable story with Taniya in this episode, telling her that "food is the biggest connector in this world". Hear about the Sunday morning trips to the markets in India with her father that set her on her food path, motivating her to want to be a chef from a young age. She would also help her neighbors cook as a girl, learning all about the many spices in Indian cooking. Find out how a drab $8.99 'all you can eat' Indian buffet propelled her to create authentic Indian food in the United States.
Even though Maneet graduated from a top culinary school, she found it difficult to find work right away. She built her foundation in the culinary space working for her aunt and uncle's restaurant in New Jersey, before packing up and moving to work in Chicago and then New York City. She believes that food is "the universal language" and talks in depth about it and the community connections it forms.
And does she challenge Taniya to do shots of Tequila at her restaurant in Nashville? Find out!