International Women’s Day 2026 is here, and it’s the perfect time to celebrate the women who never fail to inspire us. From mothers, grandmothers, to partners, women often shape our memories and even the food we love. To make this day extra special, we reached out to chefs and asked them about one dish that was inspired by the women in their lives, the recipe that carries heartfelt stories and memories.
Chefs Share Dishes That Inspired By The Women In Their Lives
1. Anjeer Paneer Kofte By Sombir Chaudary, Inspired By His Grandmother
This Women’s Day, Chef Sombir Chaudary of Kalpaney restaurant in Bengaluru talked about that one particular dish which was inspired by the incredible woman in his life, who happens to be his grandmother. He described the dish Anjeer Paneer Kofte as a “very personal dish” for him, as it takes him back to his childhood and the time he spent in the kitchen with his grandmother.
Talking about the same, he shared, “She loved experimenting with ingredients and believed that food should always have a touch of warmth and sweetness, just like the people you cook for. I remember how she would often add dried fruits like anjeer to her dishes, saying they brought richness and depth to a meal. Watching her cook taught me that the smallest ingredients could transform a dish into something truly special.”
He also revealed how he created the same dish for the Kalpaney menu and stated, ” I wanted to recreate those memories. The soft paneer kofte paired with the subtle sweetness of anjeer reflects the comfort and love I remember from her cooking. It’s my tribute to her and to the many women whose care and creativity shape our understanding of food and home.”
2. Gluten-Free Sugar-Free Orange Almond Chocolate Cake By Chef Sandeep Deshmukh, A tribute to His Mother
On Women’s Day 2026, Sandeep Deshmukh, a renowned chef at The Bluebop Cafe, Mumbai, talked about the one dish that is very personal to him. Known for his culinary vision, he took us down a memory lane where he revealed that one of the dishes on the cafe menu that is close to his heart is the Orange Almond Chocolate Cake.
Talking about the cake and the inspiration behind it, he said, “The inspiration behind this cake comes from the women in my life who have always balanced strength with care, especially my mother. She taught me that nurturing often comes through thoughtful choices, whether in life or in food. This dessert is a small tribute to that spirit: something warm, comforting, and made with intention.”
He also described the cake as one of the healthiest alternatives to fulfil your dessert cravings, calling it “one of those desserts that surprises people because even without refined sugar or gluten, it feels just as decadent.”
Also Read: What Is Visa-Free Travel & What Should Travellers Know Before Planning Their Trips?
3. Japchae By Chef Christopher D’Souza, A Childhood Favourite By His Mother
Chef Christopher D’Souza is known for his handcrafted dishes that sit just perfectly at Olive Cafe & Bar menu. Talking about one of his most loved dish Japchae, he revealed the inspiration behind the story.
He stated, “For as long as I can remember, whenever we would have guests over to our house, my mom would make this. Apart from our home-style food, if she wanted to make something non-Sri Lankan, this was her go-to. Soaked glass noodles, tossed with a few vegetables, but with the addition of pork, shrimp and buffalo.”
Calling his mother his inspiration behind the dish, he remembered his childhood days and stated, “As a kid, I was not a fan of that type of noodle, but I marvelled at the way she made it. When I got older, and my palette invariably changed, I understood the appeal.” He also revealed the changed version of the noodles is what he serves at Olive Cafe & Bar, BKC.
He stated, “Here at Olive Cafe BKC, I make a vegetarian version with the same elements, and it is one of the dishes that stand out for me on a personal level.”
4. Pizzettes By Chef Ruhi Gupta, A Tribute To Four Important Women
August Cafe in Mumbai is known for serving some of the best bites in the city. One of their most loved dish Pizzettes, is a light snack that’s actually a flavour bomb. But do you know the story behind this creation? Ruhi Gupta revealed the inspiration behind the dish: four women in her life— her mother, aunts, and grandmother.
She further said, “Our family high-tea conversations inspired this dish, and their love for food that is flavourful yet light and balanced shaped the way I created it.”
Talking about the dish, she added, “Pizzettes are my tribute to the women in my family. We’re a deeply food-loving family, but the women who inspire me are also incredibly mindful about what they eat—they appreciate flavour, wholesomeness, and food that feels light and balanced.” So next time you visit August cafe, you know what to must-try there!
5. Kolkata Kosha Mangsho By Soham Dhar, A Technique Learnt From His Mother
Chef Soham Dhar is known for his mastery of serving delectable dishes at Four Seasons Hotel Bengaluru. This Women’s Day, he talked about the one dish on the menu that he learned from none other than his mother.
Sharing a heartwarming story, he recalled, “Growing up in Kolkata, Sundays always meant the slow, deliberate rhythm of my mother, Shyamali Dhar, preparing Kosha Mangsho. This isn’t just a curry; it’s a lesson in patience. I remember watching her meticulously ‘bhuno’ (fry) the onions in mustard oil for what felt like hours, until they reached that perfect reddish-brown hue. She always said the secret wasn’t the spices, but the time you gave them to bloom. Her technique was a masterclass: the gradual addition of hot water, the constant stirring, and the final, resting touch of ghee.”
He further called the dish, “my tribute to her dedication.” It is a nostalgic anchor that he now brings to the Four Seasons, honouring the silent, powerful craftsmanship of the woman who taught him that the finest flavours cannot be rushed.
6. Cassoulet By Vedant Newatia For His Special One
Chef Vedant Newatia, the founder and head chef of Atelier V and Masala Code, talked about that one dish, Cassoulet, he made only once for his special one.
Recalling his training days, he shared, “During my years of training abroad, there was someone I was very close to who had an incredible palate. She pushed me to try combinations I might have dismissed otherwise. She could taste something and immediately understand what was missing. That instinct was rare, and it stayed with me throughout my culinary journey.”
Talking about the dish, he stated, “The dish I created for her was a Cassoulet. It is slow-cooked and layered, the kind of dish that takes all day and asks for your full attention. I served it with hand-torn focaccia, still warm, and cauliflower chips on the side for a bit of crunch and contrast.”
7. Mutton Nalli Curry By Chef Harish Rao, Dedicated To His Mother
Harish Rao, who is a brand chef at Hosa, also talked about a dish that is very close to his heart. The Mutton Nalli Curry is a slow-cooked, deeply flavourful curry made with tender mutton nalli (bone marrow), simmered with aromatic spices, onions, and a rich, soulful gravy.
Talking about the inspiration behind the story, he stated, “This dish is very close to my heart and is inspired by my mother. Growing up, she always loved cooking for our family and me, and many of my earliest memories of food are connected to her kitchen.”
He further dedicated the dish to his mother and said, “The Mutton Nalli Curry reminds me of those flavours and that care, which is why I would like to dedicate this dish to her.”
8. Apple Pie By Chef Vanshika Bhatia, Her Mother’s Favourite
For Women’s Day 2026. Chef Vanshika Bhatia also talked about her mother’s favourite dish that she loves to recreate. She said, “I created our signature Apple Pie, being that it’s my mother’s favourite flavour, and I wanted to bring out the feminine delicacy of the pie, which I did using thinly sliced apples along with filo pastry.”
Describing the dish, she stated, “The filling is made of a hearty almond paste to give it the nourishing element that all women have. A rose for a rose.”
9. Joojeh Kebab Chef Abol Fallah, From His Mother’s Kitchen
Abol Fallah is the chef of Gather Pune, known for his exceptional culinary vision. The chef talked about the one dish that was inspired by his Iranian household.
Talking about the dish, he said, “For me, Joojeh Kebab is more than a dish; it is a memory of Sunday evenings filled with fire, laughter, and family. Growing up in an Iranian household, barbecue gatherings were a ritual. I still remember standing beside my mother and the women in my family as they marinated the chicken with saffron, citrus, onions and gentle spices, teaching me that cooking is an act of love and patience.”
“This dish is my tribute to the women who nurtured me, preserved tradition, and unknowingly laid the foundation of my culinary journey.”
10. Cacio-e-Pepe By Chef Manuel Olveria For His Wife
Manuel Olveria also talked about a dish he made, which was inspired by his wife, Mickee. He shared with us, “Mickee is a big pasta person. On days when she wants something comforting, it’s usually either a Cacio e Pepe or Gnocchi with Basil Pesto & Pine Nuts from our menu at La Panthera. She says it always reminds her of her first trip to Europe, when her mom took the family along. Pasta was the one thing that worked for everyone at the table, easy, familiar and something both the kids and adults were happy to order.”
11. Warabi Mochi By Chef Mohit Singh, An Inspiration By His Sister
Chef Mohit Singh, Head Chef at Otoki Restaurant, talked about the one dish that is inspired by his own sister: Warabi Mochi. He said, “Warabi Mochi honours the modern woman, and it’s inspired by my own sister, whose presence taught me flavour’s true power.”
He added, “It’s not just sweet, it’s all about the game of textures and stunning beauty, with her warm sibling touch in every layer: mango mochi’s juicy vibrancy like her summer fruit chaat that we used to enjoy as kids, strawberry mochi’s fresh burst of nostalgia from childhood treats, Chantilly cream’s silky hug like her soft nature, pear’s refreshing crispness echoing her fruit salads, and honeycomb’s golden crunch for that extra sparkle she always added.”
This Women’s Day, this dessert is a tribute to sisters and women everywhere who transform everyday moments into something extraordinary.
12. Chicken Kori Roti By Chef Beena Noronha, For Her Mother
This Women’s Day, Chef Beena Noronha also opened up about one dish that she loves to make and the inspiration behind it. Talking about the same, she stated, “For me, cooking has never been just about food. It has always been about memory. Some of my earliest and most comforting memories are of standing beside my mother in the kitchen, watching her cook with instinct, patience and quiet confidence.”
“Chicken Kori Roti is one of those dishes that instantly takes me back home. It is deeply rooted in Mangalorean cuisine, and in many homes, it is more than just a meal. Crisp rice rotis served with a fragrant coconut-based chicken curry create a beautiful contrast of texture and flavour. Each bite is warm, comforting and deeply nostalgic,” she shared.
This Women’s Day, tell us about your favourite dish that reminds you of a special woman in your life. Let us know in the comments below!
Cover Image Courtesy: Supplied