Where are you from originally and how long have you lived in Houston?

“I was born in India, but my family moved to the U.S. when I was just a year old. We lived in Chicago until I was 5, and I’ve called Houston home ever since!”

Child(ren) and Age(s)?

“I have one teenage girl and two elementary school aged boys, and a little furbaby.

One thing people would be surprised to know about you…

“People are often surprised to learn that I earned my bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering from UT Austin and later completed my MBA at the University of Houston.”

Favorite local activities to do in Houston?

“I love riding my bike with my kids within the Rice University campus and taking walks to the Houston Zoo. It’s a great way to enjoy the outdoors and explore the city.”

Are you involved in a business venture, a local organization, a creative endeavor, or in the corporate world? Please share!

“After spending years in corporate America and becoming a mom, I decided to follow my passion and start writing Indian cookbooks. My goal is to make authentic Indian cooking feel approachable and accessible for American homes—removing the intimidation that often comes with traditional recipes. More recently, I’ve been creating Instagram videos of the fun, globally inspired lunches for my kids’ school lunchboxes, sharing easy, flavorful recipes from a variety of cultures. My Instagram page is @spicegirlkitchen

I have written two cookbooks, and they are both globally available on Amazon, online at Target and Walmart, Barnes & Noble, and at local bookstores. My first book is Entice with Spice, Easy and Quick Indian Recipes for Beginners and my second book is Healthy Indian Vegetarian Cooking, which is inspired by my mom’s garden and how she can grow an Indian dinner in her backyard! More information on my story and my books is on my website, www.spicegirlkitchen.com

How has the Houston community been instrumental in getting you to where you are now?

“The Houston community has been instrumental in my journey from the very beginning. They were the first to support me when I shared my dream of writing a cookbook. I was warmly welcomed into the local culinary scene, and was invited to teach cooking classes for kids and adults at Sur La Table and Central Market. Williams Sonoma in Highland Village graciously hosted my very first book signing party at their location for my cookbook, Entice with Spice, Easy Indian Recipes for Busy People. (This was the original hardcover edition, and the latest edition is now available in paperback).

My second book signing party took place at Whole Foods for my new cookbook, Healthy Indian Vegetarian Cooking. That continued support from local businesses and families truly gave me the confidence and platform to grow. I was invited to do a Texas author tour by Central Market for their locations in different cities around the state. Le Creuset had also hosted a book signing event at their Rice Village location. Houston has always felt like a community that celebrates and uplifts its own. I am very thankful for our community and a part of proceeds from my numerous book signings have been donated to support our local nonprofits such as Urban Harvest Farmers Marker and animal rescue groups such as the SPCA and the Rescued Pets Movement.

Funniest shortcut/routine for helping you through parenthood?

After their nightly showers, instead of putting my little ones in pajamas, I dressed them in their school clothes for the next day. Saves times in the morning!

To learn more about Shubhra check out her website here: https://spicegirlkitchen.com/

For her Cookbooks: Click Here

Follow her on Instagram for recipes and ideas: www.instagram.com/spicegirlkitchen