This book was born from a desire to honor the custodians of these culinary traditions and to preserve these priceless recipes for future generations. In an age of fast food and fleeting trends, Flavours of Gujarat invites readers to slow down and savor the sweetness of tradition.
Whether you are an enthusiastic home cook, a curious traveler, or simply someone with a sweet tooth, we hope this book takes you to the heart of Gujarat—where every bite tells a story.
Dr. Neeraj Agrawal is a distinguished hospitality and tourism expert with more than 34 years of experience in academia and the hospitality industry. He earned his Ph.D. from HNB Garhwal University and holds multiple degrees in Hotel Management and Tourism.
Currently, he serves as an Assistant Professor at the University Institute of Hotel and Tourism Management (UIHTM), Panjab University, Chandigarh. Throughout his illustrious career, he has held several leadership positions, including Dean and Director, at prestigious educational institutions.
A prolific researcher and author, Dr. Agrawal has written numerous books and has published extensively in leading hospitality and tourism journals. He has presented research papers at both national and international conferences and has made significant contributions to curriculum development in hospitality education.
In recognition of his outstanding work, he has received several awards and honors for his research, academic mentorship, and contributions to hospitality education. He actively participates as a resource person in faculty development programs and skill enhancement workshops.
His areas of interest include collecting hospitality literature, organizing academic and professional events, and engaging in community service. Through his extensive expertise, dedication, and commitment to excellence, Dr. Agrawal continues to shape the future of hospitality education and inspire the next generation of hospitality professionals.
Deepa Chawla is a dedicated hospitality professional with over 25 years of experience in the hospitality industry and academia. She is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Hotel Management and Tourism and holds a Master's degree in Hotel Management, along with Bachelor's degrees in Arts and Hotel Management.
Her expertise spans various domains of hospitality, including Food Production, Hotel Operations, Training, and Hospitality Education, making her a valued mentor and industry leader. Through her extensive knowledge and practical approach to training, she has played a significant role in shaping the next generation of hospitality professionals.
In addition to her academic contributions, her commitment to excellence and strong industry engagement continue to inspire both students and professionals alike. Her passion for hospitality education and professional development reflects her dedication to advancing the standards of the hospitality industry.
Nidhida Kavi is from Bhavnagar, Gujarat. Her father was a writer and poet, while her mother served as the Principal of a large and prestigious school. She has one sister, and together they were raised by their parents to be responsible and independent, receiving an engineering education.
She got married at the age of 22, and after the age of 32, she began working as a government-approved contractor. She has one son, Dhiman.
In 2018, she ventured into the field of culinary arts. Her mother was an exceptional cook, and this rich culinary legacy was passed down to both sisters. Today, she is a moderator of two large cooking groups on Facebook, where she manages the communities with dedication and enthusiasm while regularly sharing her innovative recipes.
She has published more than 1,250 recipes across social media platforms. She has also hosted 25 live recipe shows on Amul's official Facebook page and appeared on Colors Gujarati TV in a television program titled "Rasoi Show."
With her passion for cooking, creativity, and commitment to sharing culinary knowledge, Nidhi D. Kavi continues to inspire food enthusiasts and home cooks through her recipes and engaging online presence.