#BigFoodEnergy Podcast

In this episode, we sit down with Chaitanya Muppala, the innovative CEO of India's first craft chocolate company. After 13 successful years transforming the Indian sweets and snacks industry at his family business, Almond House, Chaitanya is now turning his attention to chocolate. Chaitanya Muppala is not just any chocolatier. By leveraging AI and blockchain technology, he is pioneering a new era of transparency in the supply chain, putting Indian cacao beans on the global map. His unique approach blends Hyderabad’s tech expertise with the rich tradition of Indian flavours, creating a chocolate experience like no other. #foodpodcast #entrepreneurship #craftchocolate #artisanal Created By Smitha Menon In Association With Creators Journal Executive Producer: Shivam Srivastav Written and Hosted By Smitha Menon Editor: Edify Artwork: Jishnu Bandyopadhyay

In this episode, we’re chatting with Rakshay Dhariwal, the Managing Director of Pass Code Hospitality, the parent company behind some of India’s coolest bars and restaurants, including PCO, Jamun, Pings, and Saz. When PCO, one of Delhi's first speakeasy-style cocktail bars, opened in 2012, it was a game-changer. It emphasized cocktails over straight pours, offering a space for long conversations with bartenders or making new friends. Since then, Rakshay and his team have launched numerous successful bars and restaurants across the country, introduced India Cocktail Week, and most recently, India’s first premium agave spirit, Pistola. Rakshay has always been ahead of the curve, championing the idea of drinking less but better. Join us as we discuss Rakshay's journey, the challenges of starting a bar in India, and his insights on what India wants to drink! #foodpodcast #entrepreneurship #cocktails #bartender Created By Smitha Menon In Association With Creators Journal Executive Producer: Shivam Srivastav Written and Hosted By Smitha Menon Editor: Edify Artwork: Jishnu Bandyopadhyay

At Potong, Chef Pam, Asia's Best Female Chef is dishing up her heritage and creating a legacy by translating culture into cuisine. In this episode, Smitha is joined by Chef Pam, who speaks to her about how she took her personal history and translated it into a beautiful culinary experience. [Michelin star restaurants, fine dining cuisine, restaurants in Thailand, #foodpodcast ] Created By Smitha Menon In Association With Creators Journal Executive Producer: Shivam Srivastav Written and Hosted By Smitha Menon Editor: Edify Artwork: Jishnu Bandyopadhyay

In this episode of Big Food Energy, Smitha chats with Samyukta Nair, the visionary restaurateur behind some of London's most sought-after dining spots, including Jamavar, Bombay Bustle, Socca, Koyn, and MiMi Meifair. Samyukta has hospitality in her DNA, hailing from the renowned Nair family, founders of the prestigious Leela Hotels group. Listen in as we delve into how Samyukta has harnessed her family's legacy to carve out her own path as an award-winning restaurateur and entrepreneur. Discover her secrets to developing unique restaurant concepts that thrive in London's highly competitive culinary scene. From her creative process to the challenges she's overcome, Samyukta shares invaluable insights into building a successful restaurant empire. Whether you're a food enthusiast or an aspiring entrepreneur, you won't want to miss this inspiring conversation with one of the industry's most dynamic leaders. Tune in to learn how Samyukta Nair continues to elevate London's dining experience and redefine modern hospitality. Created By Smitha Menon In Association With Creators Journal Written and Hosted By Smitha Menon Executive Producer: Shivam Srivastav #Entrepreneurship, #Hospitality #londonrestaurants #Samyukta Nair

Contrary to popular opinion, life isn't all sugar and sprinkles when you run a popular brand like Le15india which has become one of the most recognised food labels on social media.   Smitha chats with the founder Pooja Dhingra about what it takes to build a pan-India patisserie🍰 business, the biggest challenges she's faced despite her many successes and what she learned about herself while being a judge on MasterChef India. It's an honest, no sugarcoat conversation 😉 Created By Smitha Menon In Association With Creators Journal Written and Hosted By Smitha Menon Executive Producer: Shivam Srivastav Editor: Pratik Belote (food podcast, new podcast, storytelling, Indian food brands) #foodpodcast #Mumbai #poojadhingra #entrepreneurship

Why do we vibe with our favourite restaurants instead of just liking them? Dining experiences are fast-evolving, and the most memorable meals these days go beyond the taste buds. In this episode, Smitha is joined by Yash Bhanage and Sameer Seth, founders of Hunger Inc. Hospitality (The Bombay Canteen, O Pedro, Bombay Sweet Shop, Veronica's. Enthucutlet & Papa's), who decode just how they have built one of India's best F&B companies by creating a larger narrative for food in India. [Indian restaurants, modern Indian cusine, restaurants in Mumbai, #foodpodcast ] Created By Smitha Menon In Association With Creators Journal Executive Producer: Shivam Srivastav Written and Hosted By Smitha Menon Editor: Urvashi Gurdasani Artwork: Jishnu Bandyopadhyay