‘A good cook must taste, taste, taste and keep a clean workstation’: Chef Rakhee Vaswani-Owner, Founder, Palate Culinary Studio and Academy

Celebrity chef Rakhee Vaswani is a natural with flavours and textures and she has a deep-rooted passion for the culinary arts and food the industry. She has over two decades of experience in the culinary business and her natural gift for teaching helped her launch Palate Culinary Academy from a small mom-and-pop shop to a state- of-the-art international cooking school where she trains budding chefs, amateurs, professionals and food enthusiasts alike, all within 4 years’ time! She has trained celebrities like Malaika Arora Khan, Arjun Kapoor (for the movie Ki and Ka) and Kriti Sanon (for the movie Raabta). She has hosted over four shows for the popular Food-tainment Channel Living Foodz including Rewind with Rakhee and Yummy Treats. Here are her answers to our Proust Questionnaire…

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What is your idea of perfect happiness?

My idea of perfect happiness is meal which is well enjoyed.

What is your greatest fear?

My fear of animals.

What is the trait you most deplore in yourself?

I am too emotional.

What is the trait you most deplore in others?

Not being punctual.

Which living person do you most admire?

My husband.

What is your greatest extravagance?

Retail therapy.

What is your current state of mind?

Knowing that I still have a long way to go.

On what occasion do you lie?

I don’t lie because I believe in honesty. But if sometimes a white lie can help someone, I’m in for it.

What do you most dislike about your appearance?

I don’t dislike any single thing in my appearance.

Which living person do you most despise?

I despise anyone who spreads negative vibes.

What is the quality you most like in a man?

Being supportive and loyal.

What is the quality you most like in a woman?

A woman who is willing to set up her own empire.

Which words or phrases do you most overuse?

To my students: ‘Taste. Taste. Taste’ and ‘Clean as you go’.

What or who is the greatest love of your life?

My husband and my career are the two greatest loves of my life.

Which talent would you most like to have?

I would like to be tech savvy.

If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?

Nothing really.

What do you consider your greatest achievement?

My institute - Palate Culinary Academy and motherhood.

If you were to die and come back as a person or a thing, what would it be?  

I would come back as myself.

Where would you most like to live?

Six months in India and six months in London.

What is your most treasured possession?

My family.

What is your favorite occupation?

When I am in my space.

What is your most marked characteristic?

My personality.

What do you most value in your friends?

Their loyalty.

Who are your favorite writers?

I don’t read much.

Which historical figure do you most identify with?

Rani Lakshmibai.

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Who are your heroes in real life?

People who support you the most.

What is your favorite name?

Mahesh.

What is it that you most dislike?

Dishonesty.

What is your greatest regret?

Not having enough time to do a lot.

How would you like to die?

In peace.

What is your favorite journey?

Life.

What is your motto?

Happy cooking and happy baking.

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