From Kitchen to Success: Chef Karishma Sakhrani Shares Her Journey
Karishma Sakhrani’s journey to the kitchen is a testament to listening to your passion. Before she became a celebrated chef, she built a successful career in fashion and business. Yet, it was her run to the finals of MasterChef India that revealed a deeper calling. Without formal culinary training, she took a leap of faith, honing her craft through pop-ups, private dinners, and relentless experimentation.
Now based in Dubai with her own concept, Viceroy’s Table, Sakhrani has cultivated wisdom that resonates with home cooks and food lovers alike. Her story is not just about recipes, but about philosophy.
The Wisdom of Restraint
Reflecting on her early days, Sakhrani admits her biggest mistake was overcomplication. “I was obsessed with complexity,” she shares. “I believed that effort automatically translated to excellence.” The turning point came with learning restraint. “The most memorable dishes are often the simplest ones, executed with confidence and consistency,” she says. It’s a reminder that knowing when to stop is a chef’s most valuable skill.
Trust Your Palate, Not Just the Recipe
For amateur cooks feeling bound by instructions, her advice is liberating: “Recipes are guides, not rulebooks.” She encourages cooks to trust their instincts and adjust to their taste. “Cooking is much more enjoyable when you allow yourself to be present rather than stressed about the outcome.” For her, the kitchen is a meditative space, a trance of creation.
The Secret Weapon: A Squeeze of Lemon
When asked for one ingredient that can instantly elevate any dish, her answer is immediate and clear: Lemon. “Acidity wakes everything up,” she explains. “It sharpens flavors, balances richness, and adds freshness without overpowering what’s already there.” It’s her go-to solution when a dish tastes flat—a simple reminder that balance is everything.
Dining Out and the Pursuit of Consistency
As a chef dining out, she tries not to overanalyze, but one issue stands out: inconsistency. “A dish might be great one visit and disappointing the next,” she notes, attributing it to overlooked basics or rushed execution. For her, consistency is what builds trust—a principle she carries into her own kitchen.
Home Comforts and Kitchen Leadership
Her personal comfort food? Spaghetti Aglio e Olio, a testament to the power of a few quality ingredients. In her professional kitchen, she leads with calm clarity. “I’m firm but really calm,” she says. “I believe kitchens run best on clarity, respect, and accountability rather than fear. When people feel supported, they perform better.”
Surprisingly, her favorite canvas for creativity is the humble salad, where she loves experimenting with textures and flavors. The most daunting challenge? Desserts, which demand a precision she finds both intimidating and fascinating.
A Recipe to Try: Peshawari Mutton Chapli Kabab
True to her philosophy of bold, balanced flavor, Chef Karishma shares a signature recipe for Peshawari Mutton Chapli Kabab—a beautifully spiced, shallow-fried patty where the warmth of crushed coriander seeds and the tang of pomegranate shine through. It’s a dish that embodies her journey: starting with quality ingredients, trusting the process, and creating something deeply satisfying.
Chef Karishma’s journey reminds us that the best cooking often comes not from following every rule, but from finding the confidence to listen—to your ingredients, your instincts, and your own story on a plate.
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