The City of Pearls recently played host to one of India’s most celebrated chefs, Sanjeev Kapoor. The iconic chef, widely recognised for revolutionising Indian cuisine through his television show Khana Khazana and various culinary ventures, visited Hyderabad for the exclusive launch of Wonderchef, the premium kitchen appliance brand, at Sarath City Capital Mall. His visit left food lovers and aspiring chefs enthralled. Wonderchef, co-founded by Chef Sanjeev Kapoor, is a leading name in innovative kitchen solutions.
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Tell us about Wonderchef’s plans for Telangana & Andhra Pradesh.
Especially in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, we are looking at expanding our brand presence aggressively by opening more exclusive stores. My visit here is to gain first-hand insights because the only way to grow a brand is to stay connected to the people and listen to their needs.
What did you learn from your visit?
I heard some very interesting things. People appreciate what we are doing, which is always encouraging. It reinforces that we are on the right path.
What is your thought process before introducing a new product line?
First and foremost, we identify the need we are addressing. Then, we explore how we can make the product innovative yet user-friendly and accessible. It should be easy to use and not too expensive.
Which is the one must-have utensil in an Indian household?
There isn’t just one, but if I had to pick, a single pan can do wonders. You can make tea, cook rice, prepare dal, and even sabzi in it. Technically, you don’t need a second utensil, but of course, life isn’t that simple!
Apart from the famous Hyderabadi biryani, what else do you love from Hyderabad?
Food is just one aspect. Hyderabad is also known for its bakeries. The city has developed various cuisines alongside biryani. Some iconic dishes stand out, like the Chutney Mutton from Nizam Club and there is one place where Gongura pickle is famous.
Can you share a fond memory of Hyderabad?
One of my earliest memories of Hyderabad is from childhood, and surprisingly, it’s not related to food but to pearls! My father used to visit Hyderabad and bring pearl jewellery for my mother. So, for us, Hyderabad was initially associated with pearls rather than food.
We grew up watching Khana Khazana. Now, food shows have evolved into reality and cooking competitions. What’s your take on this transformation?
I’m delighted to see how the industry has flourished. There are now not just 50 or 100 shows but thousands! People often ask if I imagined this growth when I started. The truth is, you never know how big something will become, but you always hope for its success. I’m thrilled that more people are engaging with food professionally — be it on television or even home bakers growing their businesses.
Does social media help bridge the gap between chefs and food enthusiasts?
Absolutely! Any platform that enhances reach is valuable. Social media democratises the space — it allows anyone with a passion for food to showcase their talent without the need for expensive advertising. It’s fantastic for fostering engagement and business opportunities.
What’s the future of the culinary industry, especially with technological advancements?
Technology is indispensable in modern kitchens. Take Wonderchef’s latest innovation, Chef Magic — an all-in-one kitchen robot that can chop, steam, sauté, knead, blend, and fry. It even has a built-in 7-inch screen offering guided cooking with over 370 recipes curated by me.
How does travel influence your cooking style?
Travel is a major inspiration. It opens up new ideas, techniques, and flavours. I believe one lifetime isn’t enough to explore every place, but I make the most of every opportunity to travel and learn.
Any message for aspiring chefs, cooks, or food lovers?
Be honest, be truthful, and be responsible. Food is not just about taste; it carries immense responsibility. We are what we eat, and that makes it crucial to handle food with care and integrity.