Today we’d like to introduce you to Anita Jaisinghani.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Anita. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I was born and raised in India and I am of Sindhi descent. I developed a love for food early in my life however trained and practiced as a microbiologist. I transitioned from a stay at home mother for my two children with an out-of-home catering business & sold chutneys through Whole Foods.
My first restaurant job was at the famous Cafe Annie, where I worked in the pastry department for two years. Following my time at Cafe Annie, I opened Indika in 2001, serving deeply personal dishes that illustrate Indian food in a new light. Pondicheri followed in 2011, then the Bake Lab + Shop in 2014 and the first out-of-state outpost in New York City in the summer of 2016. Within my food, I combine the complexities of Indian cuisine with leanings towards the ancient body of wisdom of Ayurveda, the magic of spices and the goodness of fresh, local ingredients.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
It is never a smooth ride, but I take struggles as part of the process. If I can learn from them, it is always worth it.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Pondicheri – tell our readers more, for example, what you’re most proud of and what sets you apart from others.
I take Indian food outside of the box. Breaking some rules but doing a better version of it. Bright healthy tasty version of Indian food that we feel is unique to us.
Often it feels as if the media, by and large, is only focused on the obstacles faced by women, but we feel it’s important to also look for the opportunities. In your view, are there opportunities that you see that women are particularly well positioned for?
Yes, plenty of opportunities for women, they just have to go out there and grab them. I feel there’s nothing that women cannot do that men can do and vice versa. Women just need to adapt to be able to achieve it.
Contact Info:
- Address: 2800 Kirby B132 Houston, Tx 77098
- Website: pondicheri.com
- Phone: 7135222022
- Email: eat@pondicheri.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/pondicheri
- Facebook: facebook.com/pondicheri
- Twitter: twitter.com/pondicheri
Image Credit:
Mary Cuclis, Shannon Copley, Lou Vest
Getting in touch: VoyageHouston is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
