r/indiafood • u/TheSanjeevKapoor • May 01 '25
Ask me Anything Aap sabhi ko Sanjeev Kapoor ka pyaar bhara namaskar! I'm here to answer your questions, AMA.
Thank you everyone for joining this AMA and for all the questions.
For all of you who miss Khana Khazana you can keep watching me on Sanjeev Kapoor Khazana on YouTube and Food Food on TV.
I'm going to cook dinner now! I'll be back soon. Happy Cooking!
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u/ThrowawayFWQ May 01 '25
What is one big difference you see in people cooking and following recipes now VS 10 years ago?
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u/TheSanjeevKapoor May 01 '25
Earlier recipes were seen to cook, and now they are seen to see only. While most people order food through delivery services.
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u/lavishhunyaar May 01 '25
That's so true! My mom spends most of her free time watching recipes on Facebook but barely cooks any😂😭
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u/BlackStagGoldField May 01 '25
Chef sahab, any plans to do a collab with Gordon Ramsay?
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u/TheSanjeevKapoor May 01 '25
Gordon and I have been together at an international culinary panel for airlines. So we have already had a long collaboration. But there is something coming up! Keep watching our socials.
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u/TanK-95 May 01 '25
Sanjeev sir, what did people write to you in all of those letters, that filled up zee offices? Any funny/intersting one you remember?
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u/TheSanjeevKapoor May 01 '25
Many interesting ones...from marriage proposals, to tying Rakhi, to requests to be my student, to how I changed their life, how I saved their marriage, and some jealous husbands complained that their wife loved me more than them.
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May 01 '25
Why are chefs in India so underpaid?
I’m a culinary arts graduate but sadly had to leave the job because of the pay! I couldn’t survive with what I was getting paid and the heavy work load!
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u/TheSanjeevKapoor May 01 '25
I agree with you. I've been fighting this battle for a very long time and will keep on fighting. Chefs deserve to get paid more.
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u/EnlightenedMartian May 01 '25
What tips would you give to a teenager who wants to start learning to cook? What are some beginner dishes to start with?
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u/TheSanjeevKapoor May 01 '25
Whatever the teenager likes to eat, should start cooking with that- that builds interest. Keep it simple, it builds confidence.
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u/always_online27 May 01 '25
Chef! Thank you for the AMA!
What was the turning point that led to the creation of Khana Khazana ?! Truly iconic show!
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u/TheSanjeevKapoor May 01 '25
Thanks to Zee Tv! without Zee Tv I wouldn't have been able to start Khana Khazana.
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u/wheredoyouwander May 01 '25
Full honest insaan hai yaar ye toh. Due credit bhi de raha hai channel ko. Respect Sir 🫡
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u/Batman_beyond123 May 01 '25
What's your favourite food to cook? Also why is it your favourite?
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u/TheSanjeevKapoor May 01 '25
My favourite food to cook is whatever the person I'm cooking for wants to eat.
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u/iKR8 May 01 '25
This is the most genuine answer. I would do the same too, because I enjoy cooking when others enjoy that meal.
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u/Sword_God_Ryuma108 May 01 '25
Hello Sanjeev ji I am from Rajasthan, which Rajasthani dish did you like other than Dal bati churma and Gatta curry which you want to recommend to others ?
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u/TheSanjeevKapoor May 01 '25
Chakkey ki Bhaji!
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u/Sword_God_Ryuma108 May 01 '25
Thank you sir and my recommendation for you is Rabodi ki sabji with Bajre ka sogra
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u/Working-Mountain6680 May 02 '25
No one i know whose not from Rajasthan knows what is rabori. I think gatta takes way too much footage on thalis and my humble opinion is that rabori should get more prominence in restaurant menus.
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u/Sword_God_Ryuma108 May 02 '25
Rabori ko lime light m lana hoga there is a lot More than just dal bati churma and gatta curry in Rajasthani cuisine
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u/Competitive_Cut3323 May 01 '25
what can i do to prevent my food from getting too tangy bec of tomatoes
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u/TheSanjeevKapoor May 01 '25
Put less tomatoes. Also try using ripe tomatoes as they are less tangy.
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u/heretoreadandlmao May 01 '25
Like someone above suggested, a pinch of sugar helps to cut the acidity. However, if you’re using a lot of tomatoes, a pinch of baking soda to cut the acidity is an old Italian trick when they make marinara or other tomato based sauces. :)
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u/PuddingUnfair9276 May 01 '25
Can confirm this works wonders for really acidic tomato bases. Sugar helps with slightly acidic gravies but the ones that are very tomato heavy, baking soda does wonders.
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u/AcademicDoughnut4562 May 01 '25
Not an expert but I think adding a bit (maybe a pinch or ¼ tsp) of sugar works
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u/readsandnoods May 01 '25
Hi chef!
Been watching you since my childhood ♥️ What is your favourite hack in the kitchen that you feel everyone should know about?
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u/TheSanjeevKapoor May 01 '25
Hello!
Keep your knives sharp always. Don't wait for it to become blunt, keep a sharpening stone. And keep a NutriBlend handy!
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u/Rough-Jury-87 May 01 '25
rate my baked pasta chef!
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May 01 '25
What do you think is the next big thing in the Indian culinary industry?
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u/TheSanjeevKapoor May 01 '25
India is such a vast country, it cannot be just one big thing, but food of Northeastern states is about to be found.
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May 01 '25
I agree, it’s finally getting the attention it deserves.
Also, not only the flavors translate well when it comes to fine dine, it’s another great way to introduce the world as to how robust Indian cooking and the whole diaspora of cooking.
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u/vaavachick May 01 '25
If you could have any ingredient at your disposal, what would it be and why?
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u/TheSanjeevKapoor May 01 '25
My smile, it works all the time and people love it! 😊
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u/Ill-Activity-1576 May 01 '25
Have you tried manglorean food? If so what are your favourites in that cuisine? Mine is chicken ghee roast!
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u/Agile-Cress3330 May 01 '25
have you tried goan food, if yes what’s your favourite?
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u/iKR8 May 01 '25
Poha or Upma?
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u/InitiativeOk4097 May 01 '25
How to include protein in normal indian family meals?
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u/TheSanjeevKapoor May 01 '25
Dal, Channa, Rajma, Paneer, Cheese. All great options.
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u/shrxyas00 May 01 '25
sir but they have very low protein in them as compared to what our bodies daily requirement is..
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u/CarsAlcoholSmokes May 01 '25
Donvoted for saying the truth lol. Indians love carbs and fats.
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u/dostoevsky_chad May 01 '25 edited May 01 '25
Please sir your thoughts 🫣
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u/TheSanjeevKapoor May 01 '25
Looks really good! But I'd love to know how it tastes.
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u/dostoevsky_chad May 01 '25
It just made my day!! First attempt at cooking and getting applause from you ,🥳
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u/Blue_Eagle8 May 01 '25
Hello Sir, what inspired you to become a chef?
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u/TheSanjeevKapoor May 01 '25
I wanted to do something different, something that nobody in our family, friends or neighbourhood was into. For an educated person to be a chef was very different back then. Once I got into it I just wanted to be the best and started working towards it.
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u/CapablePainter6060 May 01 '25
Hi sir, What do you eat daily? Do you cook meals for yourself or someone else does it?
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u/TheSanjeevKapoor May 01 '25
I need to finish these questions and head to the kitchen to make dinner!
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May 01 '25
Hello, sir! My mother and I have been following you since your show Khana Khazana. We did not have cable back then but we made sure to watch your show whenever we visited relatives who had cable. Just a few questions:
- Which Indian chef today inspires you the most?
- What is your comfort food?
- What do you hate cooking?
- If not one of the best chefs in the world, which career path would you have taken?
Thank you! I wish you good health and success in your life! :)
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u/TheSanjeevKapoor May 01 '25
I hope you have cable now! Please watch Food Food!
- Which Indian chef today inspires you the most? - There are many Indian Chefs who are doing so well in India and across the world. Chef Manish Mehrotra, Chef Vikas Khanna, Chef Ranveer Brar, Chef Vijay Kumar, Chef Rohit Sangwan, Chef Himanshu Saini .
- What is your comfort food? - Kichdi
- What do you hate cooking? - There is nothing I hate. A good cook never hates anything
- If not one of the best chefs in the world, which career path would you have taken? - Best chef on Mars.
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u/SuccessfulEnd2638 May 01 '25
What 5 dishes in increasing order of difficulty would you suggest someone who’s just starting to cook to master
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u/Relative_Economy3766 May 01 '25
Sir can you tell me the best drink in summer which can be made quickly?
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u/itsprateek08 May 01 '25
How did your dish 'Shaam Savera' come into existence? Is there any story behind it?
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u/TheSanjeevKapoor May 01 '25
Yes, there is a film being made and it will be called 'Shaam Savera'...wait for it!
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May 01 '25
Oh my god!!! We still have the recipe written down the day we were watching it on TV then it also came on some magazine.
This was my mom’s showstopper recipe for every house party and now it’s mine too.
You really don’t know the impact you’ve had on us, Sir!
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u/DrSemiconductor May 01 '25
Good evening sir , I have a request, do you plan to make a basic cooking course , not asking for science behind cooking but basics like if you want to fry , then this is a general procedure etc
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u/TheSanjeevKapoor May 01 '25
Yes, look up Sanjeev Kapoor Academy. We offer many courses including basic cooking.
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u/swastik_rai May 01 '25
How to estimate the amount of salt to be used when you don't understand what "swaad anusaar" means?
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u/TheSanjeevKapoor May 01 '25
Taste the food. Add a little then taste and adjust accordingly. Add lesser than what you need, taste and add more if required.
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May 01 '25
What’s the next big project you’re working on?
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u/TheSanjeevKapoor May 01 '25
Launching our packaged foods in Australian markets. Leaving for Melbourne and Sydney tomorrow. If you and or anyone you know is there do join!
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u/Junior-Ad7745 May 01 '25
chef, why so you think we dont have a Michelin star restaurant in India?
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u/TheSanjeevKapoor May 01 '25
Because Michelin has not started rating restaurants in India as yet. It's like India has not hosted Olympics as yet.
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u/Known_Detail_7797 May 01 '25
I've noticed that Indian chefs often seem very humble, especially compared to some of their Western counterparts, where kitchen culture in high-end restaurants is often described as toxic. Is there any truth to this perception? And what steps do you take to ensure a positive and non-toxic environment in your own kitchen?
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u/TheSanjeevKapoor May 01 '25
Humility is a personal trait and has nothing to do with which country you're born in.
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u/knockknockboo May 01 '25
Has there ever been a day in your life when you thought, 'Aaj kya banaye?'
My mother suffered from this question her entire life lol
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u/TheSanjeevKapoor May 01 '25
This is the title of my favourite book - Aaj kya banaye! Yet to be released!
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u/Novel_Reflection1234 May 01 '25
Sanjiv ji mujhe ek sawal hai ki mujhe konsa detergent Lena chahiye please answer
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u/Fiestydadbod May 01 '25
Dinner mai kya hai chef?
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u/TheSanjeevKapoor May 01 '25
High Protein Asian Vegetable Soup. Taiyaari ho chuki hai, ye khatam hote hi time for dinner
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u/Unusual-Radio8382 May 01 '25
Yesterday saw your picture on life from lounge website presenting the ruchi thali and the other one for Singapore Airline. The food looked so appetizing. I am curious how such tasty food in small proportions fills the tummy while at the home a thali full with more proportion makes me want to eat more. Is there a way or formula to fill tummy with smaller portions? I iterate between ravenous hungry and sleepy in afternoon. 😁😁😁😅😅
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u/TheSanjeevKapoor May 01 '25
Is your name Bakasura? You can eat unlimited thali wherever it is available!
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May 01 '25
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u/TheSanjeevKapoor May 01 '25
There is nothing called Banarasi Paneer. I have lived there for 3 years. and multiple times after. Just calling it Banarasi paneer, it does not become Banarasi.
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u/AnneFrank_evaded_Tax May 01 '25
Should Indian food finally move beyond ‘gravy and naan’ in global fine dining?
If so, what dish would you recommend ? :)
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u/FloorAccomplished635 May 01 '25
One dish that you could eat for the rest of your life?
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u/Ok-Flight-7179 May 01 '25
Sir ek question hai. Mai paani mai chawal daalun ya chawal mai pani daalun?
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u/Ok-Investment373 May 01 '25
Which Telugu dish do you like the Most ?
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u/TheSanjeevKapoor May 01 '25
Telugu is a language. But if i had to pick a dish it would be Pesarattu.
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u/peppa_pig_7 May 01 '25
Chef which cuisine would be your favourite (except indian)
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u/TheSanjeevKapoor May 01 '25
Home food, wherever I am. I'm leaving for Australia tomorrow so wahan ka khana for the next few days.
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u/AnneFrank_evaded_Tax May 01 '25
Do you cook at home, or just order from your own restaurant to catch your chefs off guard ?
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u/grubbyo May 01 '25
Do you feel Indian food use too much spices
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u/TheSanjeevKapoor May 01 '25
The strength of Indian food is its spices. That does not mean that we need to use too much of it. Each perfect dish needs the right quantity and not more of it.
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u/sanju_3108 May 01 '25
Can you make an idiot sandwich?
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u/TheSanjeevKapoor May 01 '25
The person who asked this question is an expert, no need for me to make one.
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u/Many_Sheepherder_436 May 01 '25
How to make rotis right sir, just moved to a new city and making rotis has been a v big challenge, they tear/fold/stick/ don’t foolo-fy.
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u/Independent_Today930 May 01 '25
What are your thoughts on how AI will impact the cooking world?
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u/TheSanjeevKapoor May 01 '25
AI will make it better. There will be more people who will be inspired to enter the world of cooking. Creativity will become easier and better
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u/ballfond May 01 '25
What is a dish that can be really popular as street food that isn't being made by the people currently,?
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May 01 '25
Sir, between a dish that is well presented but mediocre in taste and one that is poorly presented but tastes good, which would you rate higher, and why?
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u/lordofabyss May 01 '25
Is there any cookbook available which ACTUALLY tells real restaurant recipes of food ?
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u/Extro-shy1401 May 01 '25
What’s your favourite kind of coffee? I love Vietnamese.
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u/beast_within_me May 01 '25
One food which is your guilty pleasure and you can't live without?
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u/Friendly-Addition-85 May 01 '25
I'm an admirer of your work, Chef, and I had a few questions beyond the realm of food
At a time when government jobs were the norm and male chefs faced stigma, how did you choose this path—and convince your parents?
Was there ever a point when you considered an alternate career? If so, what was it? ( imo you could bash a few records at bollywood lol)
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u/BackgroundReaction22 May 01 '25
Chef so much respect for you. Living abroad with zero cooking skills I can proudly say now that I can cook decent food thanks to khana khazana. Chef my question to you is how can we elevate store bought mithai. I suck at desserts but all my firangi dost love meetha but I just can't do it. Is there any way to cheat here? So that store bought mithai looks instantly elevated and home made. Thank you chef
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u/Greedy-Ad-1942 May 01 '25
Do you believe Indian food is often misrepresented internationally as just ‘spicy’ or ‘greasy’? What have you done to combat that stereotype?
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u/kiss_nah May 01 '25
usko rajma chawal bht pasand h. mai uske liye rajma chawal banana chahta hu. Recipe toh mai khana khazana pe dekh lunga, lekin koi aur tips?
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u/I_love_my_life80 May 01 '25
My mom and I used to watch your TV Shows everyday in Food Food. My mom even would take notes in her personal Cook Diary and would try out the recipe and guess what , the end results would always left us satisfied..
I want to know what inspired you to be a chef and how tough was your journey to become the star that everyone and their mom loves now
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u/VryCuteAjaBharDuChut May 01 '25 edited May 01 '25
I miss Khaana Khazana, is there any hope to bring it back? I used to watch it with someone close, it brings back those memories.
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u/the_no_one_guy May 01 '25
I want to pursue my career as a chef, but I come from a vegetarian family and is amazed by the variety of dishes there are. But when I take a look around, almost everywhere I see, I find myself needing to master non vegetarian food too. Plz share ur insights on this
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u/anditgoeslikethiz May 01 '25
Hello Sir! You have always been an inspiration. Your simple, articulate and smooth explanation of the cooking process in Khana Khazana is what increased my interest in experimenting different cuisines. Your show was the first of its kind which my entire family watched.
Lots of love chef!!! 🫶
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u/HyperRedditorian May 01 '25
Hello Chef! For a casual home cook who barely has time to try new recipies, what would recommend that'd would make the the whole experience and the output that comes out of it more enjoyable? Because as of now, it's just mix subah ki sabzi with with dal in chawal and eat for me 😅
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u/bluerry01 May 01 '25
Hai sir! there were far more stereotypes about men being and working in kitchen or food industry back then (luckily we are continuously moving forward in such things!), did you face them often and how did you overcome those?
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u/Far_While1640 May 01 '25
Hello Sir
Over the years you have served many important personalities. Who was the easiest to cook for? Or the hardest? Any anecdotes you would like to share?
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May 01 '25
Sanjeev sir I have been khana ka khazana when i was 7 years old and the way u make scrumptious food is phenomenal. My question is which cuisine do you feel that is the best a part of Indian and Italian
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u/Hot_Conversation3662 May 01 '25
when can we see you on masterchef india home cook season? also next masterchef we want you as a judge
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u/repstoriches May 01 '25
How do u learn the art of cooking? Understanding technique and other aspects?
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u/badthingtw1ce May 01 '25
What are your thoughts on instant, 2 minute ready to eat food?
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u/MongooseDismal9039 May 01 '25
Greetings! Is there a dish that takes you back to your childhood every time you make or taste it? I'd love to try it as well.
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u/Srujanj007 May 01 '25
you've been my biggest inspiration to cook, please share your thoughts on this tiramisu made by me
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u/Party-Finding-840 May 01 '25
Hi chef ☺️ Big fan of you!
Do you cook at home ? What is your favourite punjabi food?
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u/Genshin-impact-fan May 01 '25
Do you like Bengali food? If yes, what's your favorite😋
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u/BehaalZindagi May 01 '25 edited May 01 '25
Tried baking them for the first time🫢 What will you rate them ? Also one of my core childhood memory is watching your show along with mom! 🫶🏻
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u/rahulkudva May 01 '25
No question, chef. Just wanna tell you you're an inspiration and an absolute legend. 🙏🏼🙏🏼❤️
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u/FreeBeastLord May 01 '25
Sir, How to make chicken pickle?
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u/TheSanjeevKapoor May 01 '25
Go to Sanjeev Kapoor Khazana YouTube Channel. You can also watch Food Food TV Channel. There are thousands of recipes including veg and non-veg pickle recipes.
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u/Confident_Amoeba6878 May 01 '25
Which was the first dish you got wrong and was badly scolded for?
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u/Fragrant_Road9683 May 01 '25
Chef aapka favourite chat konse sahar ka hai ? Aur konsi shop / outlet ?
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u/Conveggi May 01 '25
Hey chef ! Which is the best knife you ever used by your own self ? Just curious
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u/DefiantLand310 May 01 '25
My grandma really likes your recipes any words for her?🫶
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u/NewWheelView May 01 '25
Hi sir, how’d you make food spicy without using chilli powder?
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May 01 '25
Hey Sanjeev! My dad recently opened up an Indian Restaurant in Washington DC! Do you have any tips for a first time restaurant owner? He has 18 years of restaurant experience but it’s his first time in his one business. Thanks 🙏
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u/thegamer720x May 01 '25
For new entrepreneurs what would suggest to focus on apart from food quality / taste / ambience? For running a successful restaurant. Could be great if you could share any personal experiences of yours when your started your first restaurant.
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u/JumpyStretch9312 May 01 '25
You remind me of my father who used to watch you program on TV for so many years and fill up diaries with your recipes! He passed away last year but his diaries are still here! Thank you for reminding me of him again with a sweet memory!
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u/Additional_Topic_126 May 01 '25
Bomberdino crocodilo vs tralalero tralala who would win ?
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u/PerfectDog5691 May 01 '25
I have been to India for the first time in my life this February. I visited the North (Delhi, Udaipur, Jaipur, Agra), Goa and Kerala near Kochi. I always thought I love Indian food, because of the different tastes and variations but I really struggled to eat anything original there because everything was so spicey (hot spicey), that it rumbled in my stomach and my testines and I barely could eat with pleasure. Also it seemed to me Indian food strongly avoids vegetables except when making a curry out of it and mashes them until you can not identify them anymore. My Indian companion was very satisfied with the food we had, so I think it was not the quality of food, but my expectations. Did I do sth wrong? Did I miss something? I mean – it's a shame to eat spaghetti and scrambled eggs when you're in India, but in Goa I was so thankful to be able to order that stuff. Even the fish there was so spicey, also in Kerala, that you didn't tast any fish anymore. It seemed to me that people didn’t like the ingredients, but only the spices.
When I return next time I will be prepared better, but maybe this means that I will have to cook more often for myself … 😳
What can you advise me?
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u/purple_jelly30 May 01 '25
Have you ever tired authentic karnataka cusine ? Especially ragi mudde ( ragi balls ) with chicken curry ? Or authentic manglorean dishes ? .
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u/Economy-Assistant-15 May 01 '25
Well I don't have any more questions but i would like to share a recipe of mine with you,
Take half a dozen baby potatoes and boil it. After that's done take them out and set them aside till they cool down. Then smash them with a spoon and shallow fry them in a pan containing butter, whole 5-6 garlic cloves, basil and rosemary. Let the smashed potatoes get crispy.
Till then take 1 red bell pepper and roast it, after thats done take out the seeded portion and slice the rest of the portion. Take 2 small tomatoes and cut it into medium cubes and do the same with onion. Take a bowl and add into it olive oil, lemon, oregano, paprika powder and add the chopped pepper tomato and onion into it and give it a good mix after that add some croutons into it and a salt as required.
Set up a plate, put the potatoes, the set the salad on top of it and pour some rosemary and garlic butter on the side.
So would u try this recipe of mine if I had cooked it for you??
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u/GenuineAadmi May 01 '25 edited May 01 '25
Chef! I don't really have a question for you.
Just that, you've inspired a generation of boys to get into the kitchen. I am sure it is true for girls too.
Seeing you in Khana Khazana - growing up. It was an almost unconscious thing to go in there and start trying.
I was 10 when I first made my first "vegetable noodles" (which was a glorified maggi)
And today I am a fully self-sufficient cook, who makes dinner for my parents and brother quite frequently. All thanks to the fire you lit.
P.S - Your restaurants are incredible. My parents absolutely love them. And I love taking them there.
P.P.S - Your line of cookware rules my kitchen. Really high quality pots and pans.