How did your culinary journey lead you from Patna to London and eventually to Mumbai?

My culinary journey has been a fascinating exploration that started in the culturally vibrant city of Patna, Bihar. Inspired by the diverse culinary traditions within my family, I embarked on this path during my formative years. After completing my academic pursuits at Notre Dame Academy, Patna and Patna Women's College, my journey took an international turn as I pursued specialized courses in Bakery, Catering, and Computers at South Tyneside College in London. It was during my time as a Sous Chef in London that I gained valuable insights into fusion and Indo-Western cuisine. London became my learning ground, and it was there that I realized the potential for innovating in food while maintaining a focus on health. This realization sparked the creation of The Cookie Dough Cake Cafe in the heart of Mumbai, marking the culmination of my culinary journey from Patna to London and eventually to Mumbai.

Can you share the inspiration behind starting The Cookie Dough Cake Cafe, especially during the challenging times of the COVID pandemic?

The inspiration behind starting this was deeply rooted in my passion for experimenting with tastes and dedication to creating wholesome, nutritious treats at home. Despite the challenging times of the COVID, I saw an opportunity to blend innovation, health, and taste. Moving through the intense competition in the food and restaurant industry especially in Mumbai, and facing budgetary constraints were initial hurdles. However, my commitment to not compromise on any front remained constant. The unforeseen obstacles posed by the pandemic only fueled our determination. My team was focused, gave our best, and the recognition as the Best Cafe in Mumbai by the Food Critics Association in 2022 affirmed our commitment to culinary excellence.

The emphasis on handpicked, homemade ingredients sets your cafe apart. How do you maintain the balance between offering healthy options while ensuring the taste remains a top priority?

It is not necessary that delicious food cannot be healthy, it is totally up to us. We can make delicious food that is also healthy. This was our idea…to make delicious food healthy. Homemade and handpicked ingredients have become our identity in the process of balancing healthy options and top-notch taste. We prioritize quality ingredients, culinary innovation, and a cozy cafe ambiance. The key lies in my amalgamation of diverse culinary experiences, bringing forth unique flavors and interactive culinary experiences. From savory fusions of Country and Continental stews to cheesy casseroles, each dish is a labor of love.

The evolution from a small bakery to an alluring cafe is impressive. Can you elaborate on the journey and the key decisions that fueled this transformation? 

The journey from a modest bakery to a multi-outlet cafe was driven by a dedication to personalized, health-conscious recipes. The transformation involved careful decisions and a commitment to not compromise on any front. The thoughtfully crafted menu of handcrafted delights, each lovingly made with homemade ingredients, played a pivotal role in catching the attention of discerning palates. Winning the Best Cafe in Mumbai award in 2022 affirmed our commitment to culinary excellence and marked a significant milestone in our evolution.

What challenges did you face during this expansion, and how did you ensure the consistent quality and experience across all locations? 

The expansion is challenging for any business. In the F&B business particularly, it is difficult because maintaining consistent quality and experience across all locations needs time and attention, followed by Financial constraints. However, our focus and creativity, combined with the support of a very strong team, ensured that each outlet adhered to the same standards of quality and customer experience. Value additions and customer appreciation further helped us to grow.

How do you stay connected with your audience and adapt to changing culinary trends to keep The Cookie Dough Cake Cafe relevant in the competitive food industry? 

Staying connected with our audience and adapting to changing culinary trends are crucial aspects of keeping ourselves relevant. We prioritize customer feedback, actively engage on social media platforms, and stay up to the culinary trends. Our culinary creativity and adaptability form the pillars of our approach, enabling us to bring fresh ideas to our menu and create a positive work atmosphere for our team.

As a culinary enthusiast, what advice do you have for aspiring entrepreneurs looking to venture into the food and beverage industry?

For aspiring entrepreneurs venturing into the food and restaurant industry, my advice is rooted in the belief that 'food is personal.' Infuse a creative and personalized touch into every dish, building a foundation of trust with your customers. Learn from seasoned culinary trailblazers, stay dedicated, and embrace the continuous journey of learning and evolving. Culinary entrepreneurship is not just about satisfying palates but also about creating meaningful connections through food.

Looking ahead, what are your future plans for The Cookie Dough Cake Cafe, and how do you envision the brand's growth and impact in the coming years?

Looking ahead, the future plans for The Cookie Dough Cake Cafe involve sustained growth and impact. We envision further expanding our presence while maintaining the same dedication to personalized, health-conscious recipes. The goal is to continue being a trailblazer, staying in tune with industry trends, and making a positive impact in the cafe world and beyond.