Pinky Chandan Dixit is indeed a multi-faceted ‘food’ creator and restaurateur. Armed with a degree in Hotel Management from Sophia Polytechnic and a Diploma from the prestigious Le Cordon Bleu, London, Pinky Chandan Dixit stands as the powerhouse behind Mumbai’s iconic dining destination – Soam, a contemporary Indian restaurant specializing in home-style comfort cooking.
With over eight years of dedicated cookbook research for Tarla Dalal under her belt, she brings a wealth of culinary expertise to her latest venture, Aamchee, which showcases Mumbai’s culinary journey. Pinky also co-founded the popular QSR, Wraps & Rolls.
Hailing from Mahabaleshwar, where she was raised, she believes that food needs to be healthy, local, sustainable and seasonal, and the offerings at Soam are an effort to move towards that direction.
Beyond her culinary achievements, Pinky proudly embraces the role of a devoted mother to a 12-year-old, expertly navigating the delicate balance between family life and her passion for food. Here, Pinky Chandan Dixit tells TheGlitz about her milestones and more…
Over To Pinky Chandan Dixit
Your journey has had many momentous milestones. Could you tell us about the life-changing milestones that have moulded you to be what you are today?
It was a simple journey that my brother and I started 19 years ago to create a place that served home-style Indian food – Soam. All the food is pre-plated and served as a meal for one.
We’ve since then introduced and celebrated seasonally appropriate menus that have now become the hallmark of Soam. So we serve food that is appropriate to be eaten at that time of the year. For instance, fasting foods In Shravan, paunk and oondhiya in winter, pakodas and street food in the monsoons, and khichdi in the early winters. During summer we serve mango-based delicacies like Aamras, panna, mango salad etc.
What are the setbacks you have faced? How did you tackle these setbacks or challenges? And what lesson have you learned from it?
Every setback is a new learning curve that helps us grow, adapt, recalibrate, and become better versions of ourselves!! Especially so after Covid. Learning new ways of working, adapting to a digital age and training staff with new technology have been challenges for us.
When you look back, what are the three qualities in you that have helped you become what you are today?
My stubbornness, optimism, and sometimes my temper helped me get there.
Who are the people who have been the wind behind your wings?
My family and my fabulous team, most of whom have been with me since the founding of Soam 19 years ago.
Lastly, if there was a quote to define you, what would it be?
Pinky Chandan Dixit
A quote that would define me would be, “I did it my way!”
