18/09/2026
6 days. More than 1,500 people served. ❤️
But when I look back at our Paryushan week, the number isn’t what I remember most.
I remember the responsibility.
Cooking with very specific dietary requirements meant we couldn’t simply cook the way we normally do. We had to think differently, adapt recipes, respect the traditions of the community and still make sure that when someone took that first bite, the FLAVOUR was there.
And as a chef, I loved that challenge.
Because I have always believed that having a dietary requirement should never mean you have to settle for food without taste.
Over these six days, we cooked without vegetables, onion, garlic, curd or lemon/lime — yet the food still had to feel comforting, authentic and full of flavour.
There were long hours, huge quantities, constant planning and some very busy services — including serving 250+ people in a single day.
But there was also something much bigger.
I saw volunteers working side by side.
I saw food being prepared and served with so much care.
I had the beautiful opportunity to offer prasad to Bhagwan.
And I saw a community where food was truly about bringing people together.
By the end of the six days, FoodWithATwist had served **more than 1,500 people.**
For me, this experience was a reminder of the kind of chef I want to be.
One who listens.
One who adapts.
One who respects different dietary and cultural needs.
And one who never believes that flavour should be compromised because of them.
Thank you Melbourne Shwetambar Jain Sangh for trusting FoodWithATwist and welcoming us into your community. ❤️
Six days I’ll remember for a very long time.
**No-Mess Catering • Soulful Food • Modern Twist • We Create Memories ❤️**