There’s a quiet revolution brewing in our kitchens—one where the aprons belong not to celebrity chefs, but to everyday culinary magicians cooking from home. The Home Chef trend is growing faster than ever, and if my taste buds and calculations are to be trusted, restaurants better watch out—because these chefs are here to stay and slay.
Recently, I had the pleasure (more like a flavour explosion) of ordering from Zoey’s Kitchen, helmed by the ever-bubbly and charming Rumana Saleem. She’s a true artist of Oudhi cuisine—a heritage rich in subtle aromas, intricate spices, and soulful cooking. What she sent me wasn’t just food, it was a “consignment of aroma and taste”.
The Dish That Spoke Volumes
The Order: Pulao (or Biryani, as the world insists on calling it) with Shami Kawab
From the moment the delivery box was opened, the fragrance of गुम मसाले (subtle hidden spices) hit me like a nostalgic memory of old Lucknow streets. The “opening ceremony” was over in seconds (yes, that fast), and the real show began.
The Pulao (aka Biryani)
Let’s start with the star.
- Aroma: Rich and delicate at once—a rare balance.
- Texture: The rice was perfectly cooked—not sticky, not dry. Just… right.
- Mutton: Here’s where things get poetic. The botis were khasta—a crisp-edged, tender delight you never find outside a handful of legendary places (think Achche Bhai at Raja Bazaar, and even that’s on request).
- Masala: A subtle marriage of spices that embraced both rice and meat, not overpowering either.
- Raita: Now this was a chef’s kiss. Oudhi-style with just red chilli powder and garlic. No fancy chutneys or overpowering masalas—just authentic simplicity.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (10/10)
The Shami Kawab
Oh boy.
- The texture was soft, yet held together beautifully thanks to what I assume is Rumana’s secret blend of wholesome cumin and coriander seeds—clearly ground with care.
- They were shallow-fried, preserving flavor and giving them that golden crust.
- The taste? Bold yet not loud—like a well-spoken compliment.
Only one suggestion: A slightly smaller size might help elevate the crispness even more.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ (9.5/10)
Final Thoughts
What makes home chefs like Rumana stand out isn’t just their skill—it’s their soulful connection to the food. There’s care, heritage, and emotion in every bite, something most commercial kitchens can’t replicate.
So, here’s to the rise of Home Chefs—the unsung artists of today who, in the very near future, might just redefine the food industry as we know it. And if Zoey’s Kitchen is any indication, that future is mouth-wateringly bright. Link to Rumana Saleem https://www.facebook.com/rumana.saleem
An article by Aly Rizvi (Entrepreneur & Food critic )