Nice to meet you

Hello! My name is Prerana, a chef from Bangalore, India. I hold a degree equivalent to CAP Cuisine from City & Guilds, UK.  I am formally trained in French cooking and informallly in Indian cooking with 5+ years of industry experience.

Over the span of my career, I have amassed a wide range of technical skills having worked at michelin-starred restaurants, catering kitchens, a pastry shop and as a private chef. I created OOTA with an aim to share with you the culinary experiences (both professional and personal) in India and France that is unique to my journey.

I have a natural tendency to have fun with food and you will see that in our discussions and while I am preparing the dishes. I am very proud of my culture and the food I grew up being exposed to, so my dream is to open a restaurant in Paris, showcasing regional Indian ingredients using French cooking techniques.

My Professional Experience

Cheffe Cuisinière

During my time in the Hot Kitchen, I learnt how to work the grill and smoker, how to cook meats, fish and vegetables and plate them beautifully.

Pastry Chef & Chocolatière

My experience in pastry kitchens has allowed me to incorporate delicate pastry and chocolate products to my menus. This adds that touch of much-desired sugary finesse to the whole experience without relying on anyone else.

Baker

My stint as a baker gave me the confidence to delve into the world of bread-baking, a crucial part of any cuisine and very simply, a life skill!

Caterer & Private Chef

I have worked in a large catering kitchen that catered for hundreds of people at a time as well as worked as a freelancing private chef in France catering for upto groups of 15 persons. These experiences have developed my ability to think fast and think on my feet to adapt to ever-dynamic situations. . . perfect, for the services I offer to you on OOTA. 

Press Coverage

My interview with Cosmopolitan India in their Jan-Feb 2022 issue can be found here.