For as long as I can remember, I have loved food and cooking.

My grandmother Iona was my cookery teacher and my food hero! For countless weekends and holidays, I sat beside her watching, helping, and learning while she created elaborate meals that graced our tables. Fast forward decades later, and I did a PhD in Education in which I encouraged and analysed the development of young people's interpersonal learning through a context that I knew and loved so well... cooking practices. 

The plan was to put the findings of my research into practice by establishing a cookery school, an endeavour combining my greatest loves: learning, food and people. However, shortly after completing my doctorate, I was diagnosed with congenital cataract. The subsequent surgery exposed a void in the market for authentic Indian food, as I was pushed into the realm of supermarket meals to feed my son and myself during recovery.

This led to the personal quest I embarked upon, by creating my line of delicious, handcrafted ready-to-cook products as I recognised the stark difference between homemade Indian flavours and store-bought alternatives.

Whilst spending many long hours in my happy place — my own kitchen, fuelled by curiosity, passion, a deep need, and the belief that ‘anyone’ can master the art of cooking delicious Indian food that isn't complicated (but with a little ‘help’), or expensive, I quietly and lovingly set out to develop ingots of magic, that will facilitate you (whether a beginner or a pro) to recreate magic in your own kitchen.

So, I'm thrilled to introduce you to Monalisa's Kitchen! It is here that I inevitably find myself disappearing to, trying to discover what truly brings me happiness on a plate, and simple yet exciting ways of sharing it with you all.

Thank you for being on this journey with me.

I just know you're going to love it!

Xx

Monalisa