About Chef Monica:

Where did your food story begin?

My food story began in Aai’s kitchen, at the heart of our joint family, where the air was filled with laughter, chatter, and the aroma of fresh tadka. Cooking for many taught me that food made with love brings everyone together.

What does “home-style Marathi” mean to you?

To me, it’s flavors that hug you, meals that feel familiar, and the warmth of a family kitchen in every bite

One quirk or signature habit?

I grind all masalas fresh and cook by instinct, just like Aai. Every stir, every spice, carries a little piece of home, love, and the warmth of her kitchen, bringing comfort to everyone at the table.

What guests can expect from your cooking?

Guests can expect a variety of authentic, healthy Marathi dishes, rich in natural flavors and homely nostalgia. Cooked with no excess oil or masala, yet full of taste and comfort — every bite, from simple Varan Bhaat to Pithla Bhakri, brings back the warmth of Indian home food.

Signature Dishes

• Bharli-Vangi - Stuffed baby eggplant in a rich peanut-coconut gravy or kala masala.

• Butter Paneer Masala - Soft paneer cubes simmered in a rich, creamy tomato and butter gravy, flavored with aromatic spices.

• Kala Chana Usal - Black peas curry with coconut and goda masala or kala masala.

• Varan Bhaat - Mix daal with steamed rice, tempered with fresh ghee.

• Bharli Bhindi - Stuffed okra dry

• Different types of Pulav

• Vada Pav - Crispy potato fritter tucked in soft pav, served with spicy and tangy chutneys.

• Ras Malai - Soft, spongy paneer patties soaked in chilled saffron-infused milk, delicately sweet and melt-in-the-mouth.

Kitchen & Cooking Approach

• Style: Vegetarian

• Spice profile: Mild • Medium • Can adjust mildly on request

• Ingredients: Fresh-ground masalas • Cold-pressed oils • Ghee where needed

• Quality notes: Never compromise on freshness, timing, or honest portions. 

**All my products are made in a home kitchen and are not inspected by the Missouri Department of Health & Senior Services or local health department**

• Philosophy: Meals are home-style, comforting, and made with care, bringing a little warmth and love to every plate

Occasion Menus (Optional)

Festival specials, snack boxes, family trays, or potluck packs.

• Vada Pav - Crispy potato fritter tucked in soft pav, served with spicy and tangy chutneys.

• Batata Vada - Spiced mashed potato fritters, golden-fried and crunchy, perfect with chutney or tea.

• Samosa - Crisp pastry filled with spiced potatoes and peas, served hot with chutneys.

• Missal Pav - Spicy sprouted bean curry topped with farsan, served with soft pav, ideal for a snack or light meal.

• Pav Bhaji - Spicy, buttery vegetable mash served with soft, toasted pav; a beloved street-food classic.

• Different types of Pakodas / Fritters.

• Shrikhand - Creamy, chilled yogurt dessert with saffron and cardamom

• Basundi - Slow-cooked, sweetened milk with cardamom and nuts

• Gajar Halwa - Carrot pudding slow-cooked with milk and ghee

• Kheer (Vermicelli or Rice) - Creamy, slow-cooked milk pudding with vermicelli or rice, lightly sweetened and flavored with cardamom

• Sheera - Rich semolina pudding cooked with ghee, sugar, and nuts, warm and comforting

Food Photo Gallery