The Measure Of A Chef

               Photographed By Ellinor Forje

 

Pooja Dhingra is funny, a fact her classmates at Le Cordon Bleu readily point out. Yet she appears entirely oblivious to her own charm and to the ease with which people are drawn to her. Her English carries the lilt of a Bollywood actress, and her beauty is quietly blossoming. Dhingra seems to embody a line from a Britney Spears song, poised delicately between youth and self assured womanhood.

Her personality is an intriguing composite of culinary icons. She possesses the assertiveness of Gordon Ramsay, albeit without the expletives. She carries the approachable, almost archetypal appeal associated with Jamie Oliver. She also exudes a certain sass and sensual confidence reminiscent of Nigella Lawson. Though only half Lawson’s age, Dhingra is equally ambitious, with expansive plans and a clear awareness of the obstacles that lie ahead.

Currently completing a Diploma in French Pastry at Le Cordon Bleu in Paris, Dhingra intends to return to India to establish her own chain of pastry shops in Bombay. She is under no illusions about the challenges she will face as a young woman entering a male dominated business landscape. "People don’t take you seriously," she said, in a soft spoken voice, yet firm in her speech. At times, when reaching out to potential business contacts, the response has been abrupt dismissal; "My father would have to call," she said.

Raised in a family deeply rooted in the food and catering industry, Dhingra did not always envision herself as a chef. After high school, she briefly pursued law in India, only to realise within a month that it was not her calling. She withdrew from the programme and moved to Switzerland to study at Cézar Ritz Colleges. In 2007, she graduated with a Bachelor of International Business in Hotel and Tourism Management, and in 2008 relocated to France to refine her pastry skills. She does not regard her brief foray into law as wasted time. "By trial, that’s how you learn," she said.

Looking ahead, Dhingra plans to establish a centralised kitchen in Bombay, from which pastries will be distributed to her various outlets. She has already conceptualised her brand. "French technique, Indian flavour," she said, and continues, "the key will be to find a common ground, you have to tweak the recipes to suit the ingredients available in India, and the temperature." Her menu will also feature chocolate pralines, inspired by her internship with chocolatier Jean Charles Rochoux during her year in Paris. Her venture will be named Le 15, after the arrondissement where she lived and spent most of her time.

Catherine Baschet, development manager at Le Cordon Bleu, speaks with enthusiasm about Dhingra’s entrepreneurial drive at such a young age. "She's very focused and determined at the age of 23," she said. Having already collaborated with Dhingra on a workshop project in India, Baschet anticipates further partnerships.

Dhingra represents a generation of highly educated young women steadily reshaping India’s business landscape. Despite this, she remains modest about her achievements. "I don't think I am an inspiration yet. But, hopefully one day I could be." she said.