Speak Greasy with Gauri Devidayal

In the final episode of Magazine St. Kitchen x Swiggy presents Speak Greasy with Gauri Devidayal Season 4, Gauri is joined by Akhila Srinivas, the founder of Courtyard and Conservatory in Bengaluru. Akhila shares her unique journey from architecture to creating a cultural hub that fosters creativity, connection, and community.

Akhila began her career in architecture after studying at Columbia University in New York. However, when she returned to Bengaluru in 2011, she realised the city lacked spaces where people could engage with culture in a relaxed and accessible way. Inspired by this observation, she coined...

In this 6th episode of Magazine St. Kitchen x Swiggy presents Speak Greasy with Gauri Devidayal Season 4, Gauri sits down with Shuli Ghosh, a passionate artisan and co-founder of the renowned Sienna, a space that merges the best of Bengali food, art, and design. Shuli shares the inspiring journey of her creative path, from her early days in Kolkata, immersed in the city’s rich cultural traditions, to her global outlook after studying at Barnard College in New York.

Raised in a household that championed the arts, Shuli’s return to Kolkata marked a pivo...

Welcome to the fifth episode of Magazine St. Kitchen x Swiggy presents Speak Greasy with Gauri Devidayal Season 4. This episode features Rashmi Daga, the founder of FreshMenu, one of India’s leading food-tech companies. Rashmi’s journey from the corporate world to entrepreneurship is an inspiring tale of resilience, innovation, and navigating challenges in the fast-paced F&B industry.

In this candid conversation, Rashmi shares the unique shift from her career in IT at IBM to the art industry and then to the ever-evolving world of food tech. Having moved to Bangalore, Rashmi thrived in its vibrant star...

Welcome to the fourth episode of Magazine St. Kitchen x Swiggy presents Speak Greasy with Gauri Devidayal Season 4. This episode brings together two powerhouse women in India’s bartending scene: Aashi Bhatnagar and Shatbhi Basu.

Aashi Bhatnagar, also known as Pocket Dynamyte, is an award-winning mixologist from Pune, known for her innovative approach to cocktail-making and for representing India at the prestigious World Class by Diageo competition. Shatbhi Basu is a legend in the Indian bar industry, celebrated as the country’s first female bartender, the founder of STIR Academy of Bartending, and the author of India’s firs...

Welcome to the third episode of Magazine St. Kitchen x Swiggy presents Speak Greasy with Gauri Devidayal Season 4. This time, Gauri sits down with Mausam Narang, founder of Eleftheria Cheese, to talk about her journey from the corporate world to becoming one of India's leading artisanal cheesemakers.

Mausam’s story begins in 2015 when she decided to make her own cheese after struggling to find high-quality, fresh options in India. With no prior experience in cheesemaking, she started experimenting at home, importing essential ingredients and converting a room into an ageing cave. Her commitment to the craft led he...

In this engaging episode of Magazine St. Kitchen x Swiggy presents Speak Greasy, Gauri Devidayal is joined by three industry experts to explore the evolving world of restaurant PR, marketing, and brand storytelling. The restaurant business is no longer just about good food and service—it’s about crafting a narrative that resonates with customers, leveraging digital media, and understanding the impact of PR in shaping a brand’s success.

Digisha Shah, founder of DSPR & Yours Truly, started her PR agency at just 22, working with some of the biggest names in the hospitality industry. Shouger Merchant Doshi, founde...

Welcome to the first episode of Magazine St. Kitchen x Swiggy present Speak Greasy with Gauri Devidayal Season 4. The premier episode features Nooresha Kably, the chef and driving force behind Izumi, widely recognised as India’s best modern Japanese restaurant. Nooresha’s journey into Japanese cuisine is an inspiring story of dedication, skill, and passion for authenticity.

Born into a Bohri household, Nooresha was introduced to a unique style of home cooking that differed from regular Muslim food. Her culinary career began unexpectedly when Zenzi, a restaurant co-owned by her partner, was shutting down. From that pivotal mome...

In the final episode of Speak Greasy Season 3, Gauri Devidayal speaks with Mathew Varghese and Ebaani Tewari, the talented chef duo behind Kari Apla, a restaurant rooted in the diverse culinary heritage of the Deccan Coast. Mathew and Ebaani share the inspiring journey that led them from hospitality school to becoming chef-owners of their first restaurant in Mumbai. The menu at Kari Apla reflects their childhood food memories, blending Malayali, Maharashtrian, and Andhra influences with contemporary techniques to create a nostalgic yet modern dining experience.

Mathew started his career at Taj Hotels, working his way through multiple...

Welcome to Episode 7 of Magazine St. Kitchen Presents Speak Greasy with Gauri Devidayal, Season 3. This week, Gauri sits down with Salil Deshpande, the Head of Editorial Content at Condé Nast Traveller India. With over 17 years of journalistic experience, Salil has been at the forefront of blending technology with culture, shaping CNT’s digital strategy and leading a talented team of writers and artists who craft captivating stories about travel, food, and heritage.

In this episode, Salil shares insights into the evolving Indian tourism market, exploring how Indian travellers are redefining global tourism. From seeking immersive local experiences to...

In this engaging episode of Speak Greasy, Gauri Devidayal is joined by Divya Prabhakar, the mastermind behind Bengaluru Oota Company and Podi & Spice. From humble beginnings in the hospitality sector to becoming a regional food pioneer, Divya's journey is a blend of hard work, resilience, and a passion for South Indian cuisine. She dives into her entrepreneurial story, revealing how she transitioned from working in sales and marketing for ITC and Lemon Tree Hotels to founding Bengaluru Oota Company, an intimate tasting room that redefines regional food experiences.

Divya’s journey is filled with unconventional choices—her care...

In the latest episode of Speak Greasy with Gauri Devidayal, Gauri welcomes Kunal Vijayakar, a man of many talents: ad man, anchor, TV personality, and now a celebrated food blogger with a YouTube channel that's capturing the attention of food lovers everywhere.

Kunal shares his journey of growing up in South Bombay, reflecting on a childhood where food played a central role, thanks to his food-loving family and his grandmothers’ exceptional cooking. He admits he wasn’t great at school but had ambitions of becoming an architect or opening a catering business. His passion for architecture, advertising, art...

Welcome to another exciting episode of Magazine St. Kitchen Presents: Speak Greasy with your host, Gauri Devidayal. In this episode, we sit down with the incredible Riyaaz Amlani, Founder and CEO of Impresario Entertainment Hospitality. With over two decades of experience, Riyaaz is a legend in the Indian F&B industry, responsible for iconic brands like Mocha, Social, Smoke House Deli, and Salt Water Café. He’s also a former president of the National Restaurant Association of India (NRAI) and a highly respected figure for anyone aspiring to enter the hospitality business.

The conversation kicks off with Riy...

In Episode 3 of Magazine St. Kitchen Presents: Speak Greasy with Gauri Devidayal, we sit down with Sushant Dash, CEO of TATA Starbucks, to explore the coffee giant’s journey in India. With over 24 years in the TATA system, Sushant brings a wealth of experience in marketing and branding, detailing how Starbucks has managed to craft a unique space for itself in a predominantly tea-drinking nation.

While tea dominates Indian households with a staggering 90% penetration, coffee is still niche, with just 12% market penetration. Despite this, Starbucks entered the market not merely to compete but to create a new ca...

Welcome to episode 2 of Magazine St. Kitchen Presents: Speak Greasy with Gauri Devidayal, Season 3! In this episode, Gauri chats with Sid Mewara and Shashank 'Shanky' Jayakumar, the creators behind The Big Forkers, a popular YouTube series known for its raw, unfiltered food reviews and opinions on restaurant experiences. With a strong following in India’s food content scene, The Big Forkers have built a loyal online and offline community by offering brutally honest feedback on food, travel, and the culinary industry.

Sid, a trained chef with restaurant experience in the USA, shares his journey from the high-pressure wo...

Welcome to the 3rd season of Magazine St. Kitchen Presents Speak Greasy with Gauri Devidayal. In this highly anticipated premiere episode, Gauri sits down with Dylan Eitharong, the charismatic chef-owner of Haawm in Bangkok, often regarded as the bad boy of Thailand’s culinary scene. Dylan’s unique journey from America to Thailand is nothing short of fascinating, making this a must-listen for anyone passionate about food, travel, and culture.

Born to a Thai father and an American mother, Dylan made a life-changing decision in 2019 to move to Thailand, initially to pursue love. However, this romantic adventure soon...

In this compelling final episode of Magazine St. Kitchen x Thrive presents Speak Greasy Season 2, host Gauri Devidayal sits down with Pritha Thadani, the co-founder of Please See//, a premier branding and design agency based in Mumbai. Known for their innovative work in the tech and F&B sectors, Pritha and her husband Avinash have brought fresh perspectives to some of India’s most iconic brands.

On Pritha’s debut podcast appearance, she delves into the heart of what makes branding essential in today’s crowded market. The conversation begins with the age-old question: what comes first, the pr...

In this engaging episode of Magazine St. Kitchen x Thrive presents Speak Greasy, host Gauri Devidayal sits down with Dina Weber, the dynamic founder and chief baker of SAPA Bakery in Mysore. Dina, a German native, shares her unique journey from traveling and backpacking across India to establishing a beloved bakery in the heart of Mysore.

Dina’s passion for food led her to various projects across India, from permaculture farms to school kitchens and cafés. After two years of hopping between projects every few months, Dina decided it was time to start something of her own...

In Episode 7 of Magazine St. Kitchen x Thrive presents Speak Greasy with Gauri Devidayal Season 2, we delve into the fascinating Indian coffee industry with Yahvi Mariwala, the Co-Founder of Nandan Coffee. Yahvi, a third-generation coffee grower, shares the rich legacy of Nandanvan Estate in Kodaikanal, where her family has been cultivating organic coffee since the 1960s. Originally a passion project by her grandparents, Nandan Coffee has now evolved into a recognised brand under the dynamic leadership of the sister duo - Yahvi and Parthavi Mariwala.

Gauri and Yahvi reminisce about their first meeting as stall owners at...

Welcome to Episode 6 of Magazine St. Kitchen x Thrive presents Speak Greasy with Gauri Devidayal Season 2. In this episode, we delve into the world of culinary innovation and cultural exchange with our dear friends from The Soul Company: Somanna 'Som' Muthanna (CEO & Founder) and Diganta 'Diggy' Chakraborty (Head of Brand).

The Soul Company stands as a beacon of creativity and connection in the F&B industry, curating immersive experiences that transcend borders. Born amidst the challenges of the pandemic, they quickly pivoted to pioneer new dining trends, including intimate chef tables and standalone events. At the heart...

Welcome to Episode 5 of Magazine St. Kitchen x Thrive presents Speak Greasy Season 2, where Gauri Devidayal delves into Karan Chechani, Dhruv Dewan, and Krishi Fagwani, the brilliant minds behind the transformative journey of Thrive's evolution from Hashtag Loyalty.

From their roots at EY India to college and school connections, the trio's diverse backgrounds converged to pioneer Thrive's mission. Explore the dynamics of loyalty programs, including Starbucks', and the resilience of F&B businesses amidst the pandemic. Discover the integral role of logistics, the impact of delivery aggregators like Swiggy and Zomato, and the nuances of customer satisfaction...

Join Gauri Devidayal in an enriching conversation with Anuradha Joshi Medhora, founder of Charoli Foods, on Episode 4 of Magazine St. Kitchen x Thrive presents Speak Greasy Season 2. Anuradha takes us on a culinary journey through the history and geo-politics of Madhya Pradesh's Malwa cuisine, offering insights into the royal culinary traditions of her hometown.

From learning to cook from her grandparents to navigating the challenges of starting her business during Covid-19, Anuradha shares heartfelt stories and invaluable lessons. Discover the fascinating history of Malwa, the unique cooking styles influenced by neighboring states, and the multi-flavor profile of...

On Episode 3 of Magazine St. Kitchen x Thrive presents Speak Greasy with Gauri Devidayal, designer turned cook Anurag Arora spills the beans on selling out his home pop-ups tickets in 1 minute, growing up in a vegetarian Punjabi family, his food obsessions and phases and everything in between.

Join Anurag as he traces his journey as a budding chef in a socialite mother's kitchen, becoming the popular 'nanni' chef and eventually building the global UI/UX for Uber Global, amongst other bigwigs. In a changing F&B scape post COVID, Anurag, like many other cooks across the world...

Join Gauri Devidayal on Episode 2 of Magazine St. Kitchen x Thrive presents Speak Greasy as she shares tales, trials and tips with the Ghee Roast Queen of India - Shriya Shetty, and co-founder of Mangalore’s hippest artisanal bakery & cafe, Buttercream Co. AKA BuCo.

Armed with a B.Com degree, a young Shriya stepped into the challenging F&B world in 2012 and hasn’t looked back since. From staging at Ellipsis & Gaggan and turning down scholarships to championing Kannada and Mangalorean cuisine across the world, one kitchen at a time, Shriya’s journey is for any one who be...

Join host Gauri Devidayal for an enlightening journey into the heart of India's culinary heritage with the debut episode of Speak Greasy Season 2, proudly presented by Magazine St. Kitchen & Thrive. In this captivating installment, we explore the storied legacy of Parsi Dairy Farm (PDF), India's oldest dairy brand, now spanning over a century. Delve into the intricacies of PDF's enduring success with insights from Sarfaraz K. Irani, Sales Director, and Parvana S. Mistry, Operations Director, both representing the esteemed fourth generation of PDF's ownership.

Discover the secrets behind sustaining a global business within the confines of a...

In the finale of Magazine St. Kitchen x Singapore Tourism Board presents Speak Greasy Season 1.2, Gauri Devidayal engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Paul Liew, the Co-Owner of Keng Eng Kee Seafood, Singapore. The discussion revolves around the intricate dynamics of expanding a family business, touching on the challenges of passing down trade secrets and maintaining the delicate balance between growth and protecting proprietary dishes. Paul shares the evolution of KEK, offering a glimpse into their philosophy of brand building, emphasizing employee trust, and navigating the transition from a local gem to an international culinary presence.

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In the 3rd episode of Magazine St. Kitchen x Singapore Tourism Board presents Speak Greasy, Gauri Devidayal engages in a captivating conversation with Michael Ker, Owner, Kway Guan Huat Joo Chiat Popiah. With a legacy spanning three generations, Michael shares the profound journey of preserving and evolving the tradition of popiah making. From the meticulous art of crafting popiah skins to the cultural significance of the delicacy in Singaporean festivities, the episode explores the rich tapestry of this 90-year-old family business. Gain a deeper understanding of the challenges and triumphs faced by a traditional enterprise, as Michael envisions steering...

In this episode, Gauri Devidayal delves into the world of craft distilling with Jamie Koh, the founder of Brass Lion Distillery, Singapore. From her early days as a restaurateur in the US to navigating the complexities of launching a gin brand in Singapore, Jamie shares the remarkable journey that led to the creation of Brass Lion. Learn about the unique challenges faced during the three-year licensing process and the dedication to crafting distinctly Singaporean gins. Discover the stories behind Brass Lion's innovative offerings and hurdles as Jamie discusses her vision for the brand's international expansion. Join us for an...

Join Gauri Devidayal and Renjie Wong, Area Director of the Singapore Tourism Board in Mumbai, for a delectable exploration of Singaporean gastronomy in the premier episode of Magazine St. Kitchen x Singapore Tourism Board Presents Speak Greasy With Gauri Devidayal Season 1.2.

Dive into the impact of prestigious awards like Asia's 50 Best on Singapore's culinary scene. Discover the evolution of Singapore's food landscape, from iconic hawker centers to fine dining, and understand its unique position in global gastronomy through the eyes of Renjie Wong as her reveals his favorite local spots, uncovering the secrets behind Singapore's renowned chicken...

Join Gauri Devidayal in a conversation with Madhav Dayal, the 27-year-young head chef of Miguel's Cocktails & Petiscos in Goa. From his early days experimenting with caramel custard at the age of 10 to his global culinary experiences at Gaggan and working alongside celebrated Chef Ritu Dalmia, this podcast offers a rich tapestry of Madhav's culinary journey. Madhav's commitment to lifelong learning, dedication to providing top-notch dining experiences and love for Delhi's street food create a rich narrative of his culinary adventures.

Episode 8 of Speak Greasy welcomes you to the culinary world of Chef Seefah Ketchaiyo, Co-owner, Mumbai's Seefah Restaurant and Kembara Hyderabad. The episode unfolds as a flavorful narrative, exploring the origins of Seefah, a name chosen with deep significance to partnering with her husband Chef Karan Bane, their shared passion for culinary excellence and the challenges faced in bringing their dream restaurant to life. More than a culinary tale, this episode is a testament to resilience and creativity, offering a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the transformative journey that turned Seefah into a space where flavors thrive, and diners experience Asian...

Embark on a journey with Gauri Devidayal as she explores the world of Japanese food culture with Chef Brehadeesh aka Breddie. We have the Japanese Mint, the CBSE Hindi book and the South Indian Institute to thank for Breddie's Pune-based Japanese restaurant, Ginkgo. Breddie shares his journey of his love for the Land of The First Sun while giving an educational guide about the F&B culture. Tune in for what promises to be a crash course on Japan, and the most interesting episode of Speak Greasy.

In this episode of Speak Greasy, Gauri Devidayal chats with consultant-turned-culinary hit Chef Sandeep Sreedharan. Esca Brahma, as he is popularly known, shares how his corporate life played a role in F&B journey, following his vision over money, and starting a second innings at the age of 45. Tune in to know more about Sandeep's journey and what goes behind launching a restaurant (or 2) in Goa.

Join Gauri Devidayal as she chats with Chef Mohib Farooqui, culinary professor par excellence and founder of Accentuate Food Lab, Aurangabad. Exciting stories of serving Hillary Clinton, working in Sydney and discussing the future of the culinary education space - this episode has it all. Follow along the story of this chef who is on his way to put Aurangabad on India's culinary map!

On this exciting episode of Speak Greasy, Gauri Devidayal invites Azmat Ali Mir, the founder of Sarposh - a restaurant specializing in Kashmiri cuisine in Bangalore. Discover the intriguing journey behind Azmat's venture, her passion for bringing Kashmiri culture and flavors to the forefront, delving beyond Wazwan cuisine and unearthing tales about Kashmiri food. Get ready to savor the essence of Kashmir in this delightful conversation!

Join Gauri Devidayal as she dives into conversation with Australian celebrity chef - Sarah Todd. Former model turned restaurateur, Sarah talks about her journey and her passionate love for India and its chillies. After her stints at MasterChef Australia (2014 & 2022), she has cooked for the Australian Open and has launched restaurants in Goa and Mumbai. Follow along the story of Sarah whose love for Aloo Gobi and Kheema has made her a popular name in India!

Join Chef Luke Robinson as he shares his culinary journey, from working at iconic restaurants like The Fat Duck and Nobu to helming the kitchen at Evelyn’s Table in London and now, sharing his global influence and ingredient-focused approach as Executive Head Chef at The Table, Mumbai. Listen in for fascinating stories, cooking tips, and insights from this talented chef as gives a ringside view into some of the best restaurants in the world!

Welcome to the first episode of Speak Greasy! Join Gauri Devidayal as she interviews husband Jay Yousuf, the mastermind behind Mumbai's Magazine St. Kitchen and Co-Founder, Food Matters Group.

Discover the fascinating journey of how this unique culinary playground was born in the heart of an industrial area and transformed into a platform for top chefs to showcase their talents. From secret supper clubs to hosting top-notch chefs, this unique kitchen has seen it all. Learn about its evolution during the COVID-19 pandemic, from supplying bread to becoming a full-fledged bakery.

Tune in for anecdotes...