In this special Desi in Design x Desi Bakes episode, Sravya Attaluri sits down with Hetal Vasavada, a California-based baker, food writer, and cookbook author celebrated for her innovative take on Indian-inspired desserts in her newest cookbook, Desi Bakes. With a background in biochemistry and a pivot from healthcare to food, Hetal shares her journey from corporate America to becoming a full-time creative entrepreneur. Together, they explore how she infuses South Asian heritage into her bakes, the importance of community and collaboration in the food world, and the creative process behind developing her cookbook.

Hetal also reflects on embracing mistakes, the role of baking in mental health, and the significance of preserving traditional craftsmanship through food and design. Learn how she is helping redefine representation in the culinary industry, all while staying true to her roots.

Keywords:

Hetal Vasavada, Milk and Cardamom, Desi Bakes, South Asian desserts, baking and mental health, Indian-inspired baking, cookbook author, MasterChef, food styling, food photography, creative entrepreneurship, cultural preservation, textiles and design, women in food, recipe development, collaboration, Gujarati heritage, representation, slow content, desi creativity, baking as self-care.