Our Home Chefs –Raj Laxmi Bothra

Changing the way people dine

The past few years have seen a sudden rise in home chefs who cook from the comfort of their homes and deliver some of the finest meals. Serving some delectable culinary stories and more, we bring you a new series on the home chefs of our colony who are changing the way people dined once upon a time.

Amongst the first ones to start during covid, Raj Laxmi Bothra has now become a household name in GK2 as well as in other colonies.

While the pandemic struck some badly, for some it was a journey of rediscovering talent. The thought of serving “Ghar ka khana” – sumptuous and fresh home-cooked meals to all prompted her to finally take the plunge around Navratri in 2020. It was only onward and upwards from the time she started and there was no looking back. The colony’s WhatsApp groups helped immensely in making her popular.

Coming from a small town, village Gangashahar near Bikaner, and married at an early age, Raj Laxmi ji has been blessed with exceptional talent when it comes to cooking skills. They say the way to a man’s heart is through the stomach and Rajlaxmi ji proved the adage right.

She was ambitious and keen to learn many things but could not get the opportunity. However, once she moved to Calcutta, she made sure that both her daughters were able to learn dance and art – an aspiration tucked away in a corner of her heart. Those who know her well would also know about her love for writing poetry.

A common proverb says if you truly desire something the universe conspires to make it happen. In 2009 Raj Luxmi ji shifted to Delhi, a city that revels in rich culture and heritage since times immemorial. Here she found the environment friendlier and more conducive to pursuing her interests where she could finally learn music.

To be a culinary expert the only qualification one requires is good and consistent cooking skills. Add to it good business acumen, and a desire to earn – you have the perfect recipe for being a successful entrepreneur which defines our celebrated Home chef Raj Laxmi ji.

The long lockdown period saw her getting back to cooking after a gap of more than 4 years – something that she had almost given up and delegated to her domestic help. The appreciation she received from her husband once she got back to the craft she had mastered was unparalleled. She believes in the authenticity of traditional food and culture and hence focuses on creating dishes that assimilate all the fundamental flavors. Not the one to use frozen foods, her dishes are devoid of artificial colouring and chemicals, freshly made, and cooked after receiving orders. To keep up with the times she improvised on the packaging and presentation and even got FSSAI (Food Safety & standards Authority of India) Licensing & registration done.

The desire to be able to earn money on her own and also take care of household expenses has been a high point in her journey from being a simple homemaker to an entrepreneur.

Life is strange in many ways – while it gives us sorrows, it gives us joy too. She lost her son-in-law to covid during the second wave, but was blessed with a grandson a few months later.
Her best critique, admirer, and rock-solid pillar of support was her husband whom she, unfortunately, lost a few months ago.

Like the phoenix rising from the ashes – Rajluxmi ji has always emerged as a winner be it any situation. We wish her all the best as she plans to restart soon again. .As we get up to leave, she reiterates her mission – to serve pure, homemade, and delicious food to all!!

by Amita Bhuwania (9810085065)