Chef Ankita: Trading Courtrooms for Kitchens
This Women's Day, we're celebrating the incredible journeys of women who have defied expectations and carved their own paths to success. One such inspiring story is that of Chef Ankita, the creative force behind Umami Cha, a popular Southeast Asian restaurant in Bhubaneshwar. But Ankita's path to culinary entrepreneurship wasn't a straight line. In fact, it began in a completely different world: the world of law.
Before she was crafting perfect bowls of ramen and curating a unique dining experience, Ankita was immersed in the academic world of law. It's a stark contrast, the structured precision of legal briefs versus the vibrant, sometimes chaotic, energy of a restaurant kitchen. But as Ankita's story reveals, passion often leads us down unexpected, and ultimately rewarding, roads.
From Necessity to Passion:
Ankita's early exposure to cooking wasn't born out of a lifelong dream, but rather a family need. Growing up in a military family meant frequent relocations and constant adaptation. However, one constant thread was her growing interest in the science of food. When her mother fell ill, a young Ankita took on the responsibility of preparing meals. What started as a necessary chore quickly blossomed into something more. The kitchen became a laboratory, a place for experimentation with flavours and textures. The precise measurements and chemical reactions involved in baking particularly fascinated her, laying the groundwork for her future culinary endeavors. This wasn't just about making food; it was about understanding the why behind each ingredient and technique.
Umami Cha: A Vision takes shape
The dream of Umami Cha was about bringing something new to Bhubaneshwar: an authentic Southeast Asian dining experience that the city had yet to witness. But launching a restaurant is a complex undertaking, a blend of creative vision and meticulous planning. Every detail, from securing the perfect location to designing the restaurant's branding, presented a new challenge and a steep learning curve.
For Ankita, creating the right atmosphere was paramount. She envisioned a space that was both intimate and vibrant, where the décor complemented the food and enhanced the overall dining experience. This attention to detail extended to every element, from the furniture and lighting to the carefully selected crockery. She wanted the bowls, plates, and even the chopsticks to contribute to the authenticity of the meal. After a considerable search, she curated a collection that reflected her vision: a blend of earthy textures and minimalist designs, allowing the vibrant colours and aromas of the food to take center stage.
Crafting the Art of the Noodle:
At the core of Umami Cha's concept is a dedication to handmade, artisanal noodles. For Ankita, authenticity was non-negotiable. She wasn't interested in serving a mere imitation of ramen; she wanted to create the real deal. This meant rejecting mass-produced alternatives and embracing the traditional, labour-intensive process of crafting noodles from scratch.
Achieving the perfect noodle required countless hours of experimentation. Ankita meticulously adjusted flour types, hydration levels, and kneading techniques, striving for the ideal balance of chewiness and texture. It was a demanding process, but the result is evident in every bowl served – a testament to her unwavering commitment to quality and tradition.
Curating the Culinary Experience:
Creating the menu for Umami Cha was more than just listing dishes; it was about crafting a cohesive and memorable culinary journey. Ankita aimed to offer a balance of comforting classics and bold, innovative flavors, all while navigating the practicalities of ingredient sourcing and availability.
With chicken, prawns, and pork as the primary protein options, each dish was thoughtfully developed. Weeks were spent perfecting broths, experimenting with spice infusions, and finding the perfect balance of umami – that savoury, fifth taste that defines much of Southeast Asian cuisine.
The menu development process was a period of intense experimentation, filled with both successes and setbacks. Some dishes that looked promising on paper didn't translate well in execution, while others unexpectedly became instant favorites. It was a continuous cycle of refinement, ensuring that each dish not only tasted exceptional but also aligned with the overall vision of Umami Cha.
Building the Dream Team:
Ankita recognised early on that a restaurant's success hinges on its people. Finding a chef who not only possessed the technical skills to create handmade noodles but also shared her passion for authenticity was a crucial first step. After several trials, she assembled a culinary team that understood and embraced her vision, working collaboratively to refine their craft.
But it wasn't just about the chefs. Every member of the team, from the servers to the kitchen staff and the cleaning crew, needed to embody the spirit of Umami Cha. Ankita understood that hospitality is about creating a holistic experience, and every individual plays a role in making that experience memorable for the guests. This required consistent training, clear communication of expectations, and leading by example – a commitment that continues to this day.
One Bowl at a Time:
Ankita's journey has been a testament to the power of perseverance. She readily acknowledges the challenges – slow days, staffing hurdles, supply chain disruptions – but views each obstacle as a learning opportunity. Her approach is grounded in a philosophy of continuous improvement, taking each day as it comes and focusing on making small, incremental progress.
Umami Cha is a work in progress, constantly evolving, and so is Ankita. The life of an entrepreneur is one of perpetual learning, adaptation, and unwavering passion. As long as there are new flavours to explore, new techniques to master, and new guests to serve, she will continue to embrace the journey with open arms.
Ankita expresses profound gratitude to her parents and the supportive universe that have surrounded her. Above all, she acknowledges the pivotal role of Gurvansh, her partner, investor, and most steadfast supporter. His belief in her vision and unwavering support were instrumental in transforming her dream into a tangible reality. Her story on Women's day is a message to all that with, passion, right intention and support, one can always begin the journey of entrepreneurship.
