The First Woman Chef Of Kerala: Glad To See More Women Explore Hotel Industry

Meet Chef Latha, who has recently joined Malabar Café, a quintessential South Indian destination dining option at Grand Hyatt Kochi Bolgatty, drawing on the city’s culinary, cultural legacy and fired with Malabar spices that redefine the region’s age-old, treasured recipes with an easy cafe spirit. She is the first woman Chef of Kerala who since day 1, loved going for meals at restaurants not because she loved eating out, but she loved to watch Chefs in white coat cook with flair and elegance. She dreamt of wearing a Chefs coat someday and at an early age of 16 started cooking for her friends and family.

Born in a small village in Kozhikode, Kerala, Chef Lata fantasised of being a Chef when she was a little girl. Cooking for her was never a profession, it was a hobby turned into a passion. A well-known face in Kerala and it wouldn’t be wrong to say that she holds a celebrity status in the culinary world in Kerala.

This is what the chef told HerZindagi and we intend to inspire you all with her journey for sure!

How Has Your Journey Been In This Profession So Far? 

There have been many ups and downs in my 31 years of journey in the hotel industry. It began with an internship in a 3-star hotel, Royal Mirage in Chennai since then there’s been no looking back. Post internship I started my own catering business and restaurant called Kairali. I then decided to close my business and explore the hotel industry. I went back to Kochi and joined a small restaurant where I was not encouraged.

Hence, I decided to quit and moved to Saj Lucia, a 3-star property and Saj Earth Resort. I was thrilled to find an encouraging owner and successfully completed 7 years with the property. Later, moved to Dubai as exploring different cultures and food has always been in my interest. I worked at Raviz Hotel, a 5-star property, and other restaurants for 12 years. I am proud to say I am the first woman chef in Kerala.

There Must Be A Motto In Life That You Have Followed?

Never give up! Cooking is my passion since I was 9 years old. No amount of stress or hectic deadlines could stop me.

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Agreed That Now Women Have Started Rising As Chefs, But Earlier We Used To See Only Men. Why So? 

I am glad to see more women explore the hotel industry, unlike earlier times where women were not encouraged due to the community and societal pressures, lack of freedom, menstrual cycles, marriage, pregnancy, and night duty. I am currently with Grand Hyatt Kochi Bolgatty where we are a team of 6 ladies at Malabar Cafe. People are encouraging and excited to meet Lady Chefs as they don’t come across us often.

Is There A Right Or A Wrong Way Of Having Food? Can't We Be Our Own 'Ratatouille'?

Yes, I personally believe it is extremely important to pair the right food together. For example, Beef slows down the digestion. But when beef is consumed with orange/lemon juice it speeds up the digestion. Same goes with Drumstick leaves. They are healthy on its own but, when drumstick is consumed with meat/seafood it might cause food poisoning. Not all combination of food is accepted by our body. Hence, it's extremely important to balance it out with the right food.

A Message For Our Women Readers

Go conquer your dreams.

What's Next In The Pipeline? 

I am currently working on a book that covers my journey as the first woman chef from Kerala, different foods and cultures. I am looking forward to the cooking show that is also in the pipeline.