Shyama's Kitchen

Happiest in the kitchen

Sourdough bread experiments

A little bit of spice, a whole lot of flavour - Mutton Biryani

Homemade Muhammara with veggies and my chicken croquettes

Simple chicken sandwiches for lunch with an avocado mint dip.

Pao Bhaji, another one of our favourites in this house!

As a child my siblings and I used to eat a lot of pao bhaji in Bombay. Every street corner had a pao bhaji stall. And till date we get freshly baked pao delivered to our house every morning. Certain things remain the same for decades! Like the aroma of the soft, airy, delicious bread instantly reminds me of my childhood.

I've been in Pondicherry since the past 32 years, and I've always preferred baking my own paos, tossing them on the tawa with some butter and having it with buttery and creamy bhaji! Oh the joy!

Crispy fried chicken coated with rice crispies, served with some bread sticks and a creamy pumpkin dip.

Throwback to this summer relish!

Orange grilled chicken with fresh salad

Creamy mushroom and scallion baked chicken with steamed rice

*A very late post*


This pandemic has been hard on everyone. So many have lost jobs, lost someone they love, lost so much! It has also made people cranky, irritated, bored, tired, depressed, and so much more! During this time in so glad that I have my daughter here with me. This year was about gratitude for what we have, learning to adjust, tolerate, forgive, grieve, laugh, cry together.

For my birthday my daughter made me a lavish dinner which we enjoyed with some wine and candle lights!


Spinach and ricotta stuffed Cannelloni, salami stuffed cheese pops, and grilled cabbage rolls. We ended the meal with orange cupcakes and lovely crème brûlée, which she also made herself. I am so grateful!

Crispy Chicken Croquettes served with mashed potatoes and salad.