Kolkata's Megha Jhunjhunwala: From MasterChef India to Culinary Innovator with Hearth & I

Kolkata-born Megha Jhunjhunwala discovered her passion for cooking at the tender age of five. The former MasterChef India Season 2 contestant took a brief detour in the world of fashion but eventually returned to her culinary roots. In 2019, she launched, a bespoke culinary venture that has since garnered international acclaim, offering luxury sit-down meals in collaboration with local chefs around the world.

Megha, now 39, has quickly established a prestigious clientele that spans the globe, from a mountaineering couple in Iceland to the Ambani family in India. In an exclusive conversation, she reflected on her culinary journey, her Kolkata roots, and the influences that have shaped her distinctive culinary style.

From MasterChef to Hearth & I

Megha’s journey to culinary stardom began with her participation in MasterChef India Season 2. “The best part about MasterChef India was meeting the wonderful friends I now have across India,” she shared, adding that it was her elder sister who initially encouraged her to enroll. This experience played a pivotal role in rekindling her passion for cooking, setting the stage for her future endeavors.

The Influence of Kolkata

Kolkata, Megha’s hometown, has had a profound impact on her growth and aesthetics as a chef. A former student of The Modern High School for Girls, she later pursued higher education at the London College of Fashion and Central Saint Martins. Despite her early inclination towards art and design, Megha eventually pivoted to her true passion — food. She honed her culinary skills at Le Cordon Bleu in Paris, studying cuisine and patisserie in 2010.

“Kolkata is my roots, my foundation, and will forever be,” she stated, crediting the city’s rich culture, love, and food for shaping her culinary journey. Bengali dishes like bhaja moonger dal, jhuri alu bhaja, and Gobindobhog rice remain her comfort food after long days at work.

Finding Her Culinary Calling

Megha’s love for cooking was evident from an early age. “From what my mum tells me, I started cooking at the age of four or five,” she recalled. Her natural talent in the kitchen was nurtured by her family, and even while studying fashion in London, she would spend her allowance on grocery shopping to feed her friends and flatmates.

Her first venture, Pepperstar, was launched in Kolkata in 2009, offering bespoke 7- to 14-course sit-down private dinners and events. However, it was the creation of Hearth & I in 2019, after her move to Delhi following her marriage, that marked a significant milestone in her career.

Hearth & I: A Global Culinary Venture

Hearth & I specializes in 7- to 14-course menus, encompassing world cuisines and patisseries, with a strong focus on Western cuisine. The venture also includes regional Indian cuisines such as Bengali, Marwari, Garhwali, and Goan. Beyond private dinners, Hearth & I has expanded into catering and has hosted pop-ups and workshops across the UK, the French Alps, and Iceland.

Operating with a core team of 15, Megha collaborates with local chefs worldwide for larger events. “I think the greatest milestone is that we barely do any marketing, yet we’ve been able to grow a wonderful clientele in Delhi NCR, which, not being my home base, is a big thing for me,” she remarked. This loyal clientele has fueled the expansion of her catering wing, which has steadily grown across India and Europe.

Megha Jhunjhunwala’s journey from a young girl in Kolkata to an internationally recognized culinary innovator is a testament to her passion and dedication. As she continues to make her mark in the global culinary scene, her roots in Kolkata remain a central influence in her work.