As if being head chef at one of west London’s most iconic Indian restaurants was not enough, award-winning celebrity chef Dipna Anand has been cooking up a storm across the nation with her top tips for a tasty curry and a lockdown of fully loaded sweet treats on social media.
Like so many businesses across the country, Brilliant Restaurant in Western Road, Southall, has reinvented itself over the past year to keep its customers supplied with the delicious food they are accustomed to.
Dipna, who is head chef and co-owner, has been working harder than ever to take care of her family business during these tough times, while making sure her social media followers and the British public do not miss out on their Indian menu favourites.
“The day-to-day business management has also changed; with lots more being done online,” said Dipna.
“Being able to do more online with suppliers, and other services like the council and banks, has been so important. Registering for the council’s digital portal, My Account, was super quick and easy and means I can take care of my business rates and council tax payments when it suits me.
“I’ve been very lucky to share my love for Kenyan and Indian food via shows like James Martin’s Saturday Morning and cooking with chef Gordon Ramsey, as well as my published cookbooks, but the restrictions over the past year have pushed a lot of my connections with customers and foodies online. I’ve really enjoyed creating all the how-to-videos and hosting live cook along classes, especially the ones aimed at younger cooks, they are so much fun.
“I believe that food is something that brings people together and gives so much comfort and joy to people that being able to play a part in that in some way, is precious. I have loved helping my followers carry on cooking during these challenging times. It’s kept us connected and doing something that brings them happiness.
“I’m working on some new ventures at the moment, including completing my vision kitchen where I will be coming up with new recipes, virtual cook-along sessions and much more, so look out for that.”
You can follow, like and share Dipna’s delicious recipes revealing the secrets of cooking Indian food via Facebook and Instagram.
