Nikunj Vasoya’s journey from a humble farmer’s son in Khijadiya village, Jamnagar, to becoming the culinary star behind the Ambani family’s most cherished celebrations is nothing short of extraordinary. Raised in a family of cotton farmers, Nikunj’s passion for cooking was ignited early on as he helped his mother prepare meals after long days in the fields. This simple cooking for his family would lay the foundation for what would later become a thriving career.
The Flavourful Journey Of Nikunj Vasoya
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In 2013, while pursuing a Company Secretaryship, Nikunj realised that his true calling was in the kitchen, not the corporate world. With a dream of running his own cooking show but no clear path in sight, he decided to start small by launching a YouTube channel. This channel, aptly named “Crazy for Indian Food,” focused on authentic Kathiyawadi cuisine—a culinary tradition from Gujarat known for its intense flavours, simplicity, and use of fresh, local ingredients.
As his online fame grew, so did his ambition. Nikunj expanded his online presence, creating a network called Foodon TV, which operates six channels and four websites in six languages. Despite personal setbacks, including a divorce, he continued to focus on his career, eventually finding love again in 2021.
But it was in January 2024 that Nikunj’s culinary journey took an extraordinary turn. Mukesh Ambani, the chairman of Reliance Industries, had been on a quest to find the perfect Kathiyawadi cuisine for his family’s events. His search ended when he discovered Nikunj, who had been recommended for his authentic and flavourful dishes.
In an interview with the Indian Express, Nikunj shared that the Ambanis invited him to cook for their New Year’s dinner, which was so well received that Nita Ambani requested his services the following day as well. This marked the beginning of a close culinary relationship with the Ambani family.
How He Became The Ambanis’ Favourite Chef
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Nikunj’s expertise was called upon during the pre-wedding and wedding celebrations of Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant. The family, deeply rooted in their traditions, wanted to reflect their cultural heritage in the food served at these events.
Nikunj was tasked with preparing a variety of Kathiyawadi dishes, including Jamnagari Sev, Mamra Lili Chutney, Desi Sev Tamera Shaak, and Bajri Rotla. These dishes, known for their rich flavours and use of organic, seasonal ingredients, were a nod to the Ambani family’s cultural roots.
According to the Indian Express, one of the most memorable moments for Nikunj was cooking for a mega dinner at Anant Ambani’s wildlife project, Vantara. The challenge was to cater to an international audience, many of whom were not accustomed to the spicy and intense flavours of Kathiyawadi cuisine. Nikunj skilfully adapted his dishes to suit their tastes without compromising on the authenticity that made his cooking so special.
Nikunj Vasoya’s journey is a reminder that with dedication and a love for what you do, even the most humble beginnings can lead to extraordinary success.
Cover Image Courtesy: Nikunj Vasoya/Facebook
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