About me
Where I’m Coming From…
My name is Lillian. I am an Indian-born Canadian with roots in Bangalore, India. I split my time between Montreal’s vibrant cultural tapestry and the serenity of various tropical islands. Nurturing others through food is my joy. My culinary journey spans southern India, the Middle East, Sri Lanka, Canada, Australia, Barbados, Central America and Bali, enriching my cooking with diverse influences. I aim to elevate dining into a holistic, healthful experience, championing sustainable, ethical, and local food practices.
Having lived and worked in seven diverse countries, I’ve gained a deep appreciation for food’s role in connecting people to nature, themselves, and each other. I pride myself on cooking intuitively, crafting recipes that are as visually appealing as they are flavourful.
My expertise lies in sourcing local ingredients, from seasonal vegetables and seafood to farm-to-table poultry, meat, pork, and eggs, as well as dairy and dairy alternatives. I excel at managing a dynamic kitchen and preparing everything from scratch. I am dedicated to delivering an unforgettable culinary experience that nourishes the body, mind, and soul.
What I Can Offer You…
As a private health chef, I offer personalized cooking for individuals and families in the comfort of their own homes. With over 20+ years of studying food, nutrition, and the ancient science of Ayurvedic principles, I have developed a deep understanding of the symbiotic relationship between health and food. I incorporate Ayurvedic food and nutrition into every meal I cook, crafting dishes that not only delight the palate but also nourish the body. My expertise extends to creating exquisite dining experiences for all types of events, from intimate gatherings to large celebrations. Whether it’s a special occasion or a casual get-together, I provide comprehensive services tailored to your preferences, ensuring that every dish contributes to your overall well-being.
I have shared my unique cooking style, attention to detail, and culinary expertise on projects in the Komodo National Park in Indonesia (while sailing through over 10 islands), on the Island of Barbados, on the Island of Bali, and in various cities in India, Sri Lanka, Australia, Dubai, Costa Rica, Nicaragua and Canada. Always sourcing local ingredients, I ensure to meet my clients’ culinary requests and needs.
I design each project from start to finish, keeping the occasion and the needs of the client in mind.
Moving to Canada…
Moving to Canada in my early 20s was a transformative experience. The taste of animal products was vastly different from what I was accustomed to, leading to discomfort and digestive issues. This prompted me to delve into the study of food, nutrition, and the mind-body connection. Despite following my mother’s recipes, dishes like “Dhal” tasted nothing like home, sparking my curiosity about the journey of food from farm to table.
My interest in food as a healing agent grew, and I dreamt of making healthy, sustainable, and delicious eating accessible to all. Rejecting fads, my mission is simple: to promote mindful eating and share my knowledge with family, friends, and anyone interested. Health has always been my priority, reflected in my Master’s thesis research and my career as an International Public Health Consultant for over twenty-one years. Now, I focus full-time on food and eating for functional health and wellness, believing that health is not just a part of life, but life itself.