S3E125: Karen Anand on Breaking Barriers, Blending Cultures & Building a Culinary Legacy as a Woman in Food
In this episode of The AboutHer Show, we explore the remarkable journey of Karen Anand, one of India’s most respected names in the culinary world. From her early life in London and Paris to building a multi-city food enterprise back home, Karen’s story is one of grit, evolution, and cross-cultural influence.
We delve into what it means to be a woman entrepreneur in a male-dominated industry, how she’s built a legacy alongside her family, and why storytelling, especially around food and women, continues to be her driving force. Karen reflects on moments of self-doubt, shares what fuels her creativity today, and offers powerful advice to women finding their path.
Whether you're a food lover, entrepreneur, or someone chasing your own pivot, this conversation is packed with insight, warmth, and inspiration.
Chapters:
(0:00) - Introduction
Setting the tone for a rich conversation with culinary pioneer Karen Anand.
(3:21) - Navigating Different Cultures
How living across Mumbai, London, and Paris shaped her food journey and personal identity.
(10:15) - The Pivot
From International Relations to the culinary world, how Karen made a bold career shift.
(14:19) - Underestimated Because of Your Gender
Facing and overcoming gender bias in the male-dominated F&B space.
(16:20) - Pune Farmers’ Market & Personal Relationships
Building a family-run food business and nurturing it across cities.
(19:58) - Holding Your Ground
On staying confident, asserting her voice, and leading with purpose.
(22:33) - Writing and Media: Asserting a Woman’s Voice
How food journalism can be a powerful platform for women’s stories.
(26:30) - Stories About Food & Women
Exploring the stories that remain untold, and why they matter.
(30:16) - Blending Culinary Traditions
Fusing Indian heritage with global techniques in food and flavour.
(31:52) - Awards from France
What international recognition means as a woman shaping food culture.
(36:23) - Moments of Doubt
Reflecting on the internal battles and how she overcame them.
(40:00) - Advice to Her Younger Self
What she wishes she had known when starting out.
(43:34) - Message for Women
Her empowering words for women, balancing ambition and expectations.
(52:45) - Rapid Fire Round
Spices, guilty pleasures, dream dinner guests, Karen answers in a flash
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