Lekshmi Nair could rightly be called a pioneer in the culinary scene in Kerala. Even before many became cooking sensations on YouTube, garnering millions of subscribers, Lekshmi had her own cooking show aired on a leading Malayalam channel. The explorer in her travelled to different parts of the world to try out the unique cuisines and experience their culture. Now, this culinary doyen has made her presence felt in the social media too, with her YouTube channel called 'Lekshmi Nair vlogs'. Lekshmi opens up about her passion for cooking, career and how she manages to keep the new generation hooked to her channel.
Into the world of cooking
“People often ask me how I landed up in the arena of food and cooking as I had studied law. Usually food and law never go together. But, I always had a passion for cooking from childhood onwards. I was curious to know how the grown-ups cook food for others. I used to cook food in our kitchen even when I was studying in school. Later, I began admiring cookery books as much as I loved reading other books. It is said that if you desire something with all your heart, it would definitely come to you. The same must have happened in my case as well,” smiles Lekshmi Nair.
Lekshmi says that many are curious to know her favourite dish among the ones that she has cooked. However, like a mother who loves all her kids equally and cannot pick one, Lekshmi too cannot choose one from the countless dishes that she has cooked. “I must have cooked at least more than two thousand dishes by now. However, when I look back, the first dishes that I cooked when I was just entering this field was butter chicken and butter nan. I cooked it on a regular tawa without having a special tandoor oven. That dish definitely has a special place in my memory,” notes the vlogger.
Newgen kitchens
In this age of modern technology, all you need is to click on your smart phones and your favourite dishes would be delivered on your doorstep. Lekshmi Nair thinks that this has in fact made people extremely lazy. She believes that though these facilities can be helpful in certain situations (when you are unwell or lots of guests drop in unannounced), it definitely is not good when used often.
“Kitchen is the most blessed spot in the house. Our kitchens shouldn't be left dirty or unclean. The vessels should not be merely decorative pieces that adorn the kitchen. Not just the women, but the men and the children in the family too should cook something in the kitchen everyday and keep it active and thriving,” Lekshmi makes her stand clear.
The culinary expert says that it is to put food on the table that a person strives hard. Lekshmi adds that food deserves importance and should be prepared with respect. “Cooking cannot be taught. However, one could become an expert by constantly practising it. So, the new generation should learn how to cook. It definitely is an excellent investment in life. Everyone can cook well. I just want to say that more people should come forward to the culinary field.” Lekshmi Nair signs off.
