Vina Patel

Spices are in my DNA. My family’s journey with flavors and ingredients began generations ago in Gujarat, India, where my grandparents owned a thriving spice shop. My grandmother, a bold and visionary woman, broke the norms of her time by introducing a clever marketing strategy—offering samples of her famous Handvo (a recipe featured in my first cookbook, From Gujarat with Love). Customers loved it, and in turn, they bought more spices. She was ahead of her time, proving that generosity and great food can build a business—something major grocery chains use today!

Growing up in Gujarat, my childhood was surrounded by the aromas of fresh spices and grains. My father ran a successful grain-trading business and food-processing mill, where I played with sacks of rice, lentils, and spices, making a glorious mess. Despite being surrounded by incredible home cooks—my grandmother, mother, sisters, and sisters-in-law—I never had to cook. Meals were lovingly prepared and served to me. But that changed when I got married at 22 and moved to the United States.

Suddenly, I had to start from scratch—learning how to cook for my super-foodie husband in a world where supermarket shelves were lined with processed foods. I made a promise: my children would grow up on fresh, home-cooked meals, not artificial, packaged convenience food. But raising them in California meant balancing tradition with the diverse flavors they loved. This challenge led me to explore a fusion of cuisines, proving that healthy, homemade meals can be just as quick and exciting as takeout.

At the heart of my cooking philosophy is a simple truth: food is love. A home-cooked meal, shared with family, is one of the greatest gifts we can give to ourselves and those around us. I believe cooking should never feel like a chore—it should be an opportunity for creativity, exploration, and joy. Once you master a dish, have fun with it! Play with spices, tweak ingredients, and make it your own.

My latest cookbook, The Spice Collector’s Cookbook, takes readers on a global culinary adventure, blending my Indian heritage with influences from around the world. With quick, nutritious, and vibrant recipes, I aim to inspire home cooks to embrace the art of spice and make mealtime exciting again. Even my toughest critics—my kids—now tell me my food is better than a restaurant’s, and that’s a compliment I’ll never get tired of!

If you’re looking for an engaging, knowledgeable, and passionate guest who can share culinary wisdom and inspiring personal stories, I’d love to be part of your show. Let’s talk spices, storytelling, and the magic of food!