Food-obsessed, Chef Palak Patel believes that our appetites ignite a certain type of wanderlust, one in which travelers continuously seek new flavors, dishes, and ingredients. Chef Palak finds inspiration traveling around the world seeking culinary adventures near and far, experiencing meals that are not only unforgettable but go on to influence her cooking.

“Traveling has opened my eyes and taste buds to different cultures and experiences. I’m a big believer that your food is a reflection of who you are and the experiences you’ve had.” To me, travel and food have a direct relationship. My adventures traveling around the world have taught me new techniques and flavors that you can perceive and taste in my cooking. Even more exciting is when I get to experience an ingredient or technique for the first time. I bring that inspiration back with me, and it reinvigorates my cooking style. I’ve been lucky to travel several times to many different countries and each time my perspective evolves along with my palate and my respect for foods I know, foods I haven’t had before, and foods I thought I knew but I really didn’t. That is how traveling has molded me and my love for food.” Describing her recent trip to Oman, Chef Palak felt something similar: “It was absolutely inspirational. A nostalgic reminder of the familiar aroma of spices from my childhood in India!”

Palak teaches private cooking classes and creates nutritious, delicious and easy-to-make recipes focusing on using spices and herbs.  Her Indian background, culinary prowess, and travels have made her into a masterful artist at using everyday spices to deliver bold flavors in every dish she creates. Chef Palak finds inspiration traveling around the world seeking culinary adventures near and far, experiencing meals that are not only unforgettable but go on to influence her cooking. She’s traveled to more than 50 countries eating and cooking.