Shalini Passi's Food Secrets Revealed: Exclusive

Social media sensation, philanthropist, and art collector Shalini Passi, who rose to fame with her stint in 'Fabulous Lives vs Bollywood Wives,' connects with Jayveer Singh exclusively. In this conversation, she gets candid about her favorite foods, shares her cooking disasters in the kitchen, and reveals the dishes she loves to cook. To discover more about her intriguing eating habits, read this exclusive interview.

Excerpts...

What's the most adventurous food you've ever tried?

The most adventurous food I've ever had would probably be yak milk tea. I tried it in Ladakh. It's a traditional salted tea made with yak milk. The taste was completely different from anything I'd had before — rich, buttery, and slightly salty. Definitely an acquired taste, but a memorable experience.

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What's a dish you're still trying to master in the kitchen?

I'm forever trying to master my grandmother's Gajar ka Halwa. I absolutely loved the way she made it — rich, comforting, and full of nostalgia. No matter how many times I try, I just haven't been able to recreate that exact taste. There's something about hers that can't be replicated.

What's one food you loved as a child but don't enjoy anymore?

One food I loved as a child but don't really have anymore would be bread. Although I still enjoy it, I just don't eat it now. Honestly, most of the things I loved as a kid — like ice creams, chocolates, all the usual treats. I still like it. The difference is, I just don't have them anymore, not that I've stopped enjoying them.

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Have you ever had a food disaster while cooking?

Once, I was making a banana cake and didn't realize that the gas oven had gone off. I had put the cake in, thinking everything was fine, but when I came back, it had completely spoiled. It had started to rise, and then just collapsed because the oven wasn't on. Another time, the oven was too hot and things got burned.

What's your go-to comfort food when stressed?

I actually stopped turning to food during stressful situations years ago. Now, I channel that energy into action. It's my way of regaining control and clarity.

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If you could have dinner with any historical figure, who would it be?

It would actually be four remarkable individuals: Ratan Naval Tata, M.F. Husain, Audrey Hepburn, and Mother Teresa. The conversations around that table would be unforgettable.

What's the biggest food trend you're skeptical about?

The biggest food trend I'm not a fan of is fusion food. I much prefer originals. If it's Indian, it should be an authentic recipe from the region, prepared the traditional way. I'm not into mixing cuisines just for the sake of it.

What's your favorite dessert, and do you have a sweet tooth?

Yes, I have a terrible sweet tooth, which is exactly why I've stopped eating sweets altogether!

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What's the most memorable food-related travel experience?

I'd say there are a few. I absolutely love gelato, so traveling through Italy and trying different flavors was such a treat. One standout moment was in Courchevel, where I had this incredible truffle soup that I still think about. And of course, I always enjoy fresh oysters whenever I'm by the seaside.

If you could invent a new dish, what would it be?

If I could invent a new dish, it would definitely be a creative take on kadhi chawal with pakoras. It's one of my all-time favorites. Maybe a spicier version with a twist, using a different blend of regional spices to give it a bold, unique flavor while still keeping the essence of the original dish intact.