News Summary
- After her dream of becoming a nurse remained unfulfilled, 23-year-old Purnima Shah discovered her true passion in cooking and pursued hotel management studies.
Born in Karjanha Municipality of Siraha, Purnima Shah initially did not have aspirations connected to cooking. After studying science in her higher secondary education, she aimed to become a nurse, but her dream was cut short when she was not selected for a scholarship.
Feeling disheartened, she returned home—a pivotal moment many young people face in life. However, sometimes life leads us to discover our true passions. Purnima’s interest in cooking had been growing since childhood.
Master Chef Santosh Shah recognized her enthusiasm and advised her, ‘If you love cooking, pursue it seriously. Enroll in hotel management; I will support you.’ This advice changed the course of Purnima’s life.
After completing her higher secondary studies in Janakpur, she moved to Kathmandu and enrolled at Gate College in Dhumbahari to study hotel management. She excelled academically, never ranking second in her class. Believing that theory without experience is incomplete, she worked in hotels while continuing her studies.
Purnima also competed in the cooking reality show ‘Chef Nepal,’ securing seventh place. She left the competition when she had to travel to Dubai for training. Her two years of experience there significantly boosted her confidence.
Her time abroad not only strengthened her expertise but also reinforced her determination to elevate cooking beyond a profession to an identity. Upon returning to Nepal, she joined Mithila Thali in Gairidhara, Naxal, run by Master Chef Santosh Shah. Now, at 23, she manages the entire kitchen there. For Purnima, cooking is not just work; it is her joy and way of life.
Mithila Thali is more than a place to eat; it offers a cultural experience. Each dish presented captures the lifestyle, traditions, and flavors of the Madhes and Mithila regions on one platter. The blend of dishes, serving style, and taste balance distinguish Mithila Thali from other eateries. Its hallmark is the ‘homely feeling’ it imparts.
The food here symbolizes more than nourishment; it represents family, culture, and warmth. Young chefs like Purnima are striving to fuse this tradition with modern techniques, taking it to new heights.
Never feeling tired of kitchen work, Purnima shares, ‘I never get weary of cooking. Sometimes I’ve woken up at 2 a.m. to prepare meals. Feeding others brings me the greatest happiness.’
Her fish curry is a customer favorite, and her rice pudding is equally loved. Praise for her dishes motivates her to improve and enhance flavors.
From Grandma’s Hearth to the Global Stage
Purnima’s connection with cooking began at age seven when she relished the meals her grandmother prepared over an open fire. This early fondness blossomed into her career. She enjoys making traditional Nepali dishes and also wishes to learn Punjabi cuisine.
Her ambitions extend beyond flavor; she envisions introducing Mithila cuisine internationally. ‘I want to develop this into a successful business,’ she says.
Still in the learning phase, her next goal is to study Nutrition Science abroad. She believes food is not just about taste but a lifestyle linked to health. ‘We must pay more attention to cleanliness and health while cooking,’ she explains.
The recognition of female chefs in Nepali kitchens is still emerging. Purnima views this as an opportunity. ‘Nepali female chefs are not widely known yet. I want to break that barrier,’ she states. She firmly believes cooking is not just a male profession but one where women can demonstrate equal brilliance.
She hopes her success will inspire many more young women to enter the field. Accordingly, she aims not only to advance her own career but to be a role model for the next generation of female chefs.
Previously, the chef profession in Nepal did not enjoy much prestige, but Master Chef Santosh Shah has elevated it by showcasing Nepali flavors on international platforms. For Purnima, he is both an inspiration and a role model. ‘His path has given us the courage to dream big,’ she says.
She is continuing her journey to elevate the profession and bring Nepali cuisine to the world’s stage. Occasionally, she shares her culinary creations on TikTok, where she has over 26,000 followers.
With the momentum she has built, Purnima is poised to become a successful female chef in the future.
Her plan is to return to Nepal after gaining more knowledge and experience abroad, becoming an even better chef. Purnima Shah’s story is not just a young woman’s career journey but a message of turning setbacks into success.
Though her dream of becoming a nurse was unfulfilled, she found her true identity in the kitchen. Today, she is not only cooking delicious meals but also advancing her dream—a dream whose taste the world will savor one day.
