MANOOSHI CHANDY, CHEF

Meet Manooshi Chandy, chef at Lavonne Academy of Baking Science and Pastry Arts, who sleeps, breathes and dreams food. While art in the traditional sense never appealed to Manooshi, she was always intrigued by science and being a person driven by emotions, it was liberating when she discovered that food, especially desserts, was a perfect way for her to express herself. She ended up being an artist after all – but with food as her medium.

When Manooshi bakes, it fills her with nostalgia, it is therapeutic and extremely gratifying. Whatever she creates, big or small, everyday or gourmet – Manooshi’s sole endeavour is to ensure the person eating it experiences the passion and blend of emotions that she feels while putting it together. She is driven and confesses that she can be quite bossy and assertive, but that has helped achieve the (almost obsessive) level of perfection required in her profession.

With over four years in the industry and having taught close to 400 students, Manooshi still makes it a point to take home every new thing she creates just so that her parents can tell her what they think. Knowing that to eat, is to eat, not only with your mouth but your eyes, nose, and heart as well – Manooshi makes sure she overcomes monotony by always innovating and experimenting and that is something she encourages all her students to do as well.

Her favourite quote is one by Charles Bukowski, who said “Find something you love and let it kill you.” so her advice to anyone interested in this line of work is, “If you have the passion for it, go for it. But go for it knowing that it will take over your life and that it is going to be a tough life to choose.” and being the Bullet fanatic that she is, she signed off in style saying, “Whatever you decide, make sure you enjoy the ride!”