In a world where Butter Chicken and Rogan Josh often represent the entirety of Indian cuisine, Bhavna Kalra is changing the narrative. An IT professional turned culinary ambassador, she is a woman on a mission—to reconnect people with the real soul of Indian food. As the founder of The Modern Desi Co, Bhavna is turning everyday meals into deeply rooted cultural experiences, blending authenticity, nostalgia, and innovation.
From Mumbai to Perth: A Journey Born of Longing
Bhavna Kalra’s journey began not with a business plan, but with homesickness. In 2010, she moved from the vibrant city of Mumbai to the quieter shores of Perth, Australia, seeking a new life with her husband. What followed, however, was an unexpected dip into emotional and physical discomfort. The lack of access to fresh, home-style Indian food in her new surroundings left her feeling empty, both figuratively and literally.
“I was shocked at how expensive and terrible Indian food was over here,” she recalls. Used to meals filled with seasonal vegetables, lentils, fresh roti, and homemade yogurt, Bhavna found herself consuming nutrient-lacking foods that left her body and soul starved.
A visit to her doctor would change everything. The advice? “Start eating the food you grew up eating.” That simple prescription sparked what would soon become a remarkable culinary and personal journey.
Food as Healing by Bhavna Kalra: The Birth of a Culinary Passion
Bhavna returned to her roots—literally and metaphorically. She began cooking traditional Indian dishes again, experimenting in her kitchen while drawing inspiration from family recipes passed down through generations. Her childhood meals of Dal Pakwan, Sindhi Kadhi, Labra, and Dhaba Dal made their way back into her life and onto her plate. As her health improved, so did her spirit.
But Bhavna Kalra didn’t stop there. What began as cooking for herself turned into sharing stories and recipes on a blog she titled Just A Girl From Aamchi Mumbai. This blog wasn’t just a repository of recipes—it became a living memoir of her roots, complete with tales of grandmothers, seasonal wisdom, and the cultural nuances behind every spice and lentil.
“I love sharing the tales and the history behind the dishes,” she explains. “Adding context to the food adds to the experience. It is unique and personalised. And I get to bring two things closest to my heart together– India and food.”
The Modern Desi Co: More Than a Brand, a Movement
Bhavna’s blog slowly transformed into something much bigger. When she relocated to Sydney, a new world of culinary opportunities opened up. She collaborated with other home chefs, catered events, and hosted pop-up restaurants—each experience reinforcing her dream of showcasing the lesser-known side of Indian cuisine.
Eventually, that dream took shape as The Modern Desi Co.—an intimate, immersive food venture where people can book pop-up dinners and attend cooking classes hosted by Bhavna herself. But this is not your typical dining experience. Here, every meal is a journey, every bite a story.
“I wasn’t ready for a full-scale restaurant, so I researched and got council approval to host small gatherings at home. I wanted to create a degustation-style experience with a personal touch,” Bhavna shares.
Each dish served is meticulously curated—not just to delight the palate but to connect cultures. She often uses Australian native ingredients, such as lemon myrtle or wattleseed, in her Indian dishes as a respectful nod to her adopted home.
“When non-Indian guests arrive, I tell them how I’ve used some traditional Australian ingredients. They love it. It’s my way of honouring the culture I live in while staying true to where I come from.”
Bhavna Kalra: Bridging Cultures Through Food
For Bhavna Kalra, food is more than sustenance—it’s identity, memory, and bridge-building. Her goal is clear: to dismantle stereotypes and show that Indian food is not a monolith, but a rich, diverse tapestry woven from regional traditions, seasonal wisdom, and centuries of history.
Through The Modern Desi Co, Bhavna invites diners and learners to go beyond the familiar. She introduces them to dishes that are rarely found in Australian Indian restaurants—nourishing, soul-touching meals that reflect the heart of Indian kitchens.
And it’s not just the food—it’s the experience. With her background in English literature, Bhavna’s storytelling shines through in every class and dinner she hosts. Her voice, passionate and lyrical, gives each dish context and meaning.
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