photographer: carly wollaert © | make-up artist: violeta marinova from art of colors
samridhi bansal(she/her)
founder at indian cooking classes
about
hi, my name is samridhi bansal and i’m the co-founder of indian cooking classes.
for me, joining the role model campaign is about more than representing the company. it’s about celebrating strong, resilient women and being part of a message that empowers and inspires others.
what or who inspired you to pursue your chosen career?
my role model is none other than my mom, the founder of indian cooking classes (icc). i feel incredibly blessed and privileged to work alongside her, learning from her vision and dedication every day. sharing in the journey of building something amazing together has been both inspiring and deeply rewarding, and it continues to shape who i am as an entrepreneur.
indian cooking classes
two determined and innovative women entrepreneurs have written an inspiring story:
indian cooking classes aimed at empowering individuals through culinary skills. for over a decade these classes have served as a platform not only for introducing and mastering the art of indian culinary in europe in general and in netherlands in particular, but also for fostering entrepreneurship and promoting gender equality.
led by passionate female chef and culinary expert meenu gupta and samridhi bansal, these cookery classes offer a diverse range of indian cuisines and techniques, suitable for both amateur and professional cooks. from traditional dishes passed down through generations to contemporary fusion creations, participants are immersed in a rich culinary experience that celebrates the diversity and depth of indian cuisine. it has taken them 12.5 roller coaster years to customise and perfect their model to suit the european preferences.
they are already looking beyond the netherlands and are even open to collaborations across countries and continents.
what sets these classes apart is the entrepreneurial spirit driving them. women entrepreneurs lead the charge, sharing their expertise in the culinary world. through these classes, they not only impart cooking skills but also mentor aspiring chefs, encouraging and supporting them to pursue their passions.‘celebrating india’ introduces some of the most delectable cuisine from the indian hearth lovingly curated by chef meenu, given her years of experience of european taste and preferences. the book contains indian recipes which include starters to main course, to beverages and desserts that have been a great hit with her students. published in english and dutch, the book has invited rave reviews and went on to win the very prestigious gourmand world cookbook award 2020 for the ‘best indian cuisine book in the netherlands’.