Welcome to The Social Foodie—a space where food, family, and love come together to create a vibrant celebration of flavors! This website is my passion project, and it’s dedicated to sharing the joy of cooking with the world. But more than that, it’s a tribute to my mother, Anju Girdhar, whose culinary skills were nothing short of extraordinary.
My name is Tanya Girdhar, and I created this site to share the beauty of home-cooked food, inspired by the rich flavors and traditions I grew up with. Cooking was always more than just a task in our home—it was an expression of love, creativity, and connection. And my mother, Anju, was the heart of it all. Her talent in the kitchen was unmatched, and she had a magical ability to turn the simplest ingredients into dishes that were full of soul and warmth.
From my earliest memories, I was right by her side, learning not just how to follow recipes, but how to feel the rhythm of cooking, how to understand the ingredients, and how to infuse every dish with love and care. The kitchen became a place of endless creativity, a place where every meal was an opportunity to learn something new, experiment with flavors, and build lasting memories.
This website is dedicated to my mother, Anju Girdhar, whose cooking was not just about nourishment—it was a gift, a way of bringing people together and making everyone feel at home. My mother was a true master of vegetarian cuisine, creating delicious, wholesome dishes that brought the family together around the table. From the simplest lentil stew to elaborate stuffed parathas, every dish she made had a story to tell.
Her approach to cooking was rooted in tradition, but she also knew how to innovate and experiment, making every meal an exciting experience. It is through her that I learned not only the techniques but also the heart of cooking. And it’s this heart that I strive to carry forward in every recipe I share here at The Social Foodie.
At The Social Foodie, we believe that vegetarian cooking is both a celebration of the earth’s bounty and a way to nourish our bodies and souls. My mother’s kitchen was filled with vibrant vegetables, grains, and legumes, and this website focuses on the kinds of meals that embrace these plant-based ingredients. Whether you are a seasoned vegetarian, a vegan, or simply someone looking to incorporate more plant-based meals into your diet, you’ll find something here that speaks to your taste buds.
I’m committed to providing you with the best vegetarian recipes, crafted with care, using fresh and wholesome ingredients. These recipes are designed to be approachable for home cooks of all levels, whether you’re an expert in the kitchen or just starting your culinary journey. Every recipe is created with the same passion and attention to detail that my mother instilled in me.
From classic comfort foods like creamy dal and aromatic biryanis, to innovative dishes like zucchini fritters and quinoa-stuffed bell peppers, you’ll find a wide range of recipes that are sure to inspire you. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or a dinner party, these dishes are meant to be shared and enjoyed.
Vegetarian Recipes: Our collection features a wide variety of vegetarian dishes that celebrate global flavors, comfort foods, and modern twists on classic meals. Each recipe is thoughtfully crafted with a focus on flavor, texture, and nutrition.
Simple Ingredients, Big Flavors: While the dishes on this website may seem sophisticated, many use simple ingredients that you can easily find in your local grocery store. It’s all about showcasing the natural goodness of vegetables, legumes, grains, and spices, creating vibrant, delicious meals.
Healthy, Wholesome Meals: I believe that healthy eating doesn’t have to mean sacrificing taste. Our recipes are designed to nourish you—whether that’s with a hearty vegetable curry or a fresh salad packed with seasonal ingredients. Eating healthy should feel like a celebration, not a compromise.
Step-by-Step Instructions: For those new to cooking or looking to refine their skills, each recipe comes with detailed, easy-to-follow instructions. I want you to feel confident in your kitchen, so you can create beautiful meals from the heart.
Family-Friendly: Food is a way to bring people together, and that’s why many of the recipes on this site are designed with families in mind. Whether you’re cooking for kids, a busy weeknight dinner, or a weekend gathering, there’s something here for everyone.
While this site is filled with delicious recipes, it’s about so much more than just cooking. It’s about the experience—the stories we tell over a shared meal, the joy we find in discovering new flavors, and the love we pour into each dish.
I hope The Social Foodie will become a place where you can find inspiration, where you can connect with the heart and soul of cooking, and where you can create meals that will bring people together in your own home.
Thank you for visiting, and I look forward to sharing my love for food with you. This website is dedicated to my mother, Anju Girdhar, whose legacy in the kitchen lives on through every recipe I create.
With love, flavors, and gratitude,
Tanya Girdhar
Founder, The Social Foodie