Aanal Kotak, an acclaimed chef from Ahmedabad, India, is making waves in Vaughan, Canada, with her latest venture, The Secret Kitchen. Renowned for her inventive approach to Indian cuisine, Aanal blends traditional flavors with global influences, creating a menu that delights and surprises. Known for her down-to-earth personality and culinary expertise, Aanal’s dishes, such as the crunchy, flavor-packed Beetroot Peanut Butter Tikki and the sensational Saag Burrata—a spicy sarson da saag topped with creamy burrata—showcase her creativity and flair. Other standout offerings, like her Broccoli Almond Soup, quirky Delhi Chaat with Hummus, and crispy Stuffed Pasta with Dips, highlight her ability to think outside the box, leaving diners craving more.
Aanal’s journey began early in her hometown, Ahmedabad, where she quickly rose to prominence as one of the youngest chefs to gain significant recognition. Her talent and charisma earned her a spot as a guest judge on MasterChef India, cementing her status as a culinary trailblazer. In addition to her television presence, she is a successful restaurateur and author, having established The Secret Kitchen as Gujarat’s first fine-dining restaurant. Today, The Secret Kitchen has expanded internationally, with locations in Australia and Canada, alongside her other ventures like Akshada, SouthAk, and The Peacock.
She has also penned Secrets of a Professional Kitchen, offering insights into her journey and the artistry of cooking. Her passion for bridging cultures through food shines in every dish as she redefines Indian cuisine with bold creativity, innovative flavors, and a personal touch that resonates with diners around the globe.
Q: Tell us about your earliest cooking memory.
A: My initial cooking memory dates to when I was just eight years old. Every Saturday, my mom would go to the Hanumanji temple, leaving me home with my dadi, who would make theplas. It was my first attempt at cooking, and though I made a huge mess, I made some oddly shaped theplas that my father enjoyed. My mom was pleasantly surprised. That day sparked my love for cooking and taught me the joy of creating something for my loved ones.
Q: You’ve introduced some unique dishes to The Secret Kitchen. What inspired them?
A: Beetroot Peanut Butter Tikki was born out of a challenge—I’ve always disliked beetroot, but I wanted to create a dish that could make beetroot enjoyable for everyone, including my son. Saag Burrata is my way of blending Indian traditions with global flavors. It’s about connecting cultures through food, which is what The Secret Kitchen is all about.
Q: How does The Secret Kitchen stand out from other Indian restaurants?
A: The Secret Kitchen is about innovation. While we offer some classics like Butter Chicken and paneer dishes, every recipe has a unique twist. Our spice blends are house-made in India and crafted personally by me. These blends create lighter, more flavorful dishes that stand out from typical Indian cuisine. While 30–40% of our menu remains consistent across locations, 50% is crafted specifically for the Canadian palate. Dishes like Saag Burrata and Delhi Chaat with Hummus exemplify how I incorporate local influences while staying true to my roots.
Q: Who inspired you the most in your journey?
A: In the professional world, Chef Vikas Khanna, but my true inspiration comes from my family—my dadi, nani, mom, and maasi. Cooking is in our genes; my son, too, is now a budding critic—his sharp palate challenges me to keep improving.
Q: A message for Canadian diners.
A: The Secret Kitchen is built on love. Every dish we serve is infused with my passion and crafted to bring people together. I hope Canadians will connect with us through the food and enjoy the innovative twists we’ve brought to Indian cuisine.