From opening India’s first macaron store in 2010 to becoming a food guru to celebrities like Masaba Gupta and the Kapoor sisters, Sonam and Rhea, Mumbai-based chef Pooja Dhingra’s journey has been nothing short of extraordinary. Along the way, she has authored two cookbooks, built a successful chain under her brand Le15 Patisserie, and judged MasterChef India alongside chefs Vikas Khanna and Ranveer Brar. Adding another feather to her cap, she recently participated in The Power Play, collaborating with popular names like chefs Doma Wang, Mythrayie Iyer, Vanshika Bhatia and Nooresha Kably.

My Kolkata caught up with Dhingra about sweet meals, Masaba, MasterChef India, manifestations and more…

My Kolkata: How does it feel to be part of The Power Play, and what went into your preparation for it?

Pooja Dhingra: I’m extremely excited and thrilled. It’s a great opportunity and I’m thankful to Masters of Marriott Bonvoy and Culinary Culture for making this happen. If you think about it, today’s diners are looking for more than just a meal —- they seek immersive, memorable experiences that engage all their senses. This was the brief we were given as chefs, and it became the guiding principle behind my preparation of a dessert that would go well with the entire meal and then execute it at The Ritz-Carlton, Bangalore.

Tell us about your culinary take at The Power Play.

I think it’s truly fabulous to have five chefs, each representing their own unique cuisine through their courses. It’s inspiring to see how their innovative approaches and unique perspectives are shaping modern Indian cuisine and all of it coming together through the Masters of Marriott Bonvoy platform.

What is the most unusual combination of ingredients suggested by your followers and something you created out of it?

Oh my god! I get the weirdest combinations. One with karela, cream cheese and sour cherries was bizarre, but I made a cheesecake and it ended up actually tasting good.

At the Food Superstars 2024 Culinary Culture chat with Vir Sanghvi, you spoke about your next big venture — healthy desserts. Tell us more…

It’s not a venture yet. I am on a journey of health and fitness and I hope at some point that will lead to something.

What are Masaba Gupta and Rhea Kapoor’s favourites?

Masaba (Gupta) loves anything with a lot of texture and things that are comforting. The Parle G pudding we made that became viral was created for Masaba. Rhea (Kapoor) loves old-school cookies, chocolate cake and chocolate mousse.

What are your best memories from MasterChef India?

My best memories are time spent getting to know the other judges and seeing the evolution of our home cooks. They entered with a certain skill set and all left so much more evolved.

The popular macarons by chef Pooja Dhingra

How do you see the patisserie industry in India currently?

The patisserie industry is rapidly expanding, with increasing demand and a constant stream of new concepts emerging to meet it. In this context, platforms like The Power Play by Masters of Marriott Bonvoy play a crucial role in promoting this dynamic field. They not only help redefine culinary leadership but also open doors for more women to lead, inspire, and shape the future of this industry.

Are you planning to open Le15 Patisserie in Kolkata?

Maybe in the future! It’s definitely on my wish list.

As a big believer in manifestation, what are you currently manifesting?

Haha! I’m manifesting many things, but a good, long vacation is definitely on the top of the list.

Rose and Raspberry Tres leches — a chef Pooja Dhingra special recipe

The last question — when Pooja is not cooking, she is …?

Spending time with friends and family or playing pickle ball.