đ Welcome to My Dastarkhaan
Hello and welcome! Iâm Haalaâan English Literature graduate with an MBA in International Business, a proud homemaker, and a passionate food enthusiast. I wear many hats: food photographer, traveler, people lover, and above all, someone who finds joy in the simple magic of home-cooked meals. I live in New Jersey with my soulmate Muyeen and our two wonderful boys, Aryaan and Kiyaan.
𧥠My Philosophy
To me, lifeâs greatest blessing is living with happiness and contentment. That, I believe, is the true measure of success. Iâm fortunate to be surrounded by a family that shares this belief. Cooking has always been my sanctuaryâa stress buster and a joyful ritual we all cherish together. We love exploring new cuisines and flavors, and every dish is a new adventure.
đż My Culinary Roots
My love for cooking began early. The aroma of spices, the rhythm of chopping and stirringâitâs always fascinated me. I grew up watching my grandmother and mother create magic in the kitchen, their dishes celebrated by family and friends. I dreamed of cooking like them one day. Luckily, I married into a family of food lovers tooâmy mother-in-law is a fantastic cook, and my husband has been a devoted foodie since childhood, thanks to his talented eldest sister.
đœïž A New Chapter
Thirteen years ago, I embraced my role as a homemaker, and my culinary journey took flight. Moving to the U.S. with my tech-savvy husbandâwho I lovingly call the worldâs best food criticâopened up a whole new world of flavors and techniques. His encouragement helped me refine my skills and broaden my perspective on food. The growth Iâve experienced as a home chef has been transformative, and this websiteâhis thoughtful giftâis a tribute to that journey.
đ From Jodhpur to Bengaluru
I hail from the sun-kissed city of Jodhpur and, through marriage, proudly call Bengaluru my second home. Our family loves to travel and immerse ourselves in new cultures and cuisines. While Indian food holds my heart, I deeply appreciate global flavors. Iâm a stickler for authenticityâfusion is fun, but I believe in honoring the original essence of a dish, especially when trying it for the first time. My favorites? Indian, Mughlai, Italian, and Malaysian.
đ„ Why I Cook
In todayâs fast-paced world, where takeout is a click away and frozen meals are the norm, I choose to cook. Not just for nourishment, but for love. Your body reflects your choices, and while trying new foods is exciting, making it a habit can have lasting consequences. It worries me when I hear that teenagers donât know how to boil an eggâit makes me wonder what legacy weâre leaving behind. Cooking should be joyful, learned at your own pace, and celebrated.
𧏠Back to Basics
Many dietitians recommend eating like our grandparents didâsimple, wholesome, and pure. While itâs hard to replicate their food quality today, even our taste buds have changed so much that pure food can feel bland. Funny, but true. When I shifted from hobby cooking to understanding food deeply, I realized that a little effort goes a long way in making your body, soul, and taste buds happy.
Let me be clearâIâm not a diet freak, and my food isnât tailored for patients. I believe in flavor with balance. I cringe at replacing ghee with olive oil or deep frying with air frying. My idea of good food? Masala chai with whole milk, paranthas drenched in ghee, and halwa made with real sugar. Life is shortâmake it delicious. Eat food that brings joy, warms your heart, and feeds your soul. And yes, sprinkle in a few healthy dishes to keep the journey going strong.
đ¶ The Heart of the Home
The kitchen is the warmest place in your homeâitâs the heart that spreads happiness. Anything made with love and a smile turns out fabulous. Put on your favorite music and cook what you love. Donât blindly follow celebrity chefsâfollow someone like you. Someone who cooks for real people. Iâve botched many dishes trying to replicate chef recipes, only to realize theyâre designed for studio perfection, not everyday kitchens. What youâll find here are real recipes, made by me, photographed during the actual process, and totally doable.
đ©âđł Learn with Me
Once you get the hang of cooking, youâll never look at frozen food the same way again. Cooking is divine and simpleâyou just need someone to guide you. I teach people how to cook, both in person and online. Whether itâs quick everyday meals or a seven-course feast for fifty guests, Iâll help you master it in your own kitchen and earn all the praise. Cooking is beautiful, and if you love good food, you can absolutely learn how to make it.