From Engineer to Chef – A Journey of Food, Passion & Courage

In this podcast episode, Kaushik sits with Sai Sri, MasterChef India runner-up, to talk about her incredible journey into the world of cooking and food entrepreneurship. From cooking her first omelet in fourth class to competing on MasterChef India, Sai shares the experiences that shaped her passion for food. Growing up in a large joint family, food became an emotion and a way to connect with people around her. During the conversation, Sai opens up about: Her MasterChef India audition dish Cooking techniques and creativity in the kitchen Breaking gender stereotypes in cooking The science behind food and molecular gastronomy Life lessons from MasterChef judges like Ranveer Brar, Vikas Khanna, and Kunal Kapur Building her own identity and restaurant journey Timestamps 00:00 - Introduction and breaking gender stereotypes in cooking. 02:14 - Reflections on college life and the lack of exposure during engineering. 04:19 - Sai’s personal connection to food as a solution to all problems. 05:03 - Her first cooking experience in the fourth grade (making an omelette). 05:59 - Self-introduction: Who is Sai Kadu beyond the profession? 09:03 - Growing up in a large joint family and its influence on her food journey. 15:06 - Discussion on breaking the stereotype of men cooking in households. 20:15 - Opinions on women-only colleges and the importance of co-ed exposure for personal growth. 27:38 - The turning point: Entering MasterChef Telugu and her mother's support. 28:56 - The difficult conversation with parents about leaving a 9-to-5 for the F&B industry. 30:15 - Adopting MS Dhoni's philosophy: Trusting the process over the result. 36:39 - The secret application process for MasterChef India. 39:52 - The overwhelming experience of being on a professional set with celebrity chefs. 43:08 - A memorable "innovation" moment involving coconut during a cook-off. 52:51 - The connection between chemistry, science, and the art of controlling heat. 57:17 - The reality of running a restaurant: Quality, consistency, and operations. 01:05:44 - Experience working with Chef Ranveer Brar and his humble nature. 01:10:05 - The physical toll of being a professional chef. 01:23:01 - Challenges faced as a young woman founder in the restaurant business. 01:34:01 - Future plans: Building a personal brand and expanding her family's legacy. 01:35:24 - Favorite restaurant recommendations and thoughts on Hyderabad's biryani culture. This podcast gives a behind-the-scenes look inside MasterChef India and the mindset needed to succeed in the culinary world. If you love food stories, cooking journeys, and MasterChef insights, this episode is packed with inspiration and practical advice. 👉 Watch till the end to hear Sai’s thoughts on turning passion into a career.