Saturday, December 6, 2025
ADVT 
Food

Chef Raj Thandhi - Recipe Developer & Food Stylist

Ancy Mendonza Darpan, 15 Apr, 2025
  • Chef Raj Thandhi - Recipe Developer & Food Stylist

Born in Victoria, B.C., and raised in Surrey, Raj Thandhi never expected food to be her calling. A trained graphic designer, her love for cooking truly ignited after her children were born. What started as an effort to decode heritage recipes soon became a mission—to preserve and translate traditional Punjabi flavors for a new generation.  

From perfecting age-old techniques to adapting them for a North American kitchen, she built a thriving online community of over 100,000 people who connect through cultural cuisine. To her, keeping Punjabi flavors on the table matters most—whether it’s through a classic dish, a creative fusion, or a quick weeknight meal.  

Now a professional recipe developer and food stylist, Raj collaborates with multinational brands to spotlight Punjabi flavors, ensuring they get the recognition they deserve. Her expertise has landed her on the pages of the Vancouver Sun, Globe & Mail, The Washington Post, and even on CBC.  

But she isn’t stopping there. With a hunger for knowledge, she’s now attending culinary school to earn her professional chef designation—turning a lifelong passion into a full-time career.  

Through her work, Raj Thandhi proves that food is more than just sustenance—it’s a bridge between generations, a celebration of culture, and a way to keep tradition alive in a fast-changing world. 

MORE Food ARTICLES

Sugarfree Rasgulla By Chef Raveer Brar

Chef Brar has also represented India at the World Pastry Forum (WPF).

Beetroot Kachori

With over 15 years of experience in the food industry and over 10 years as executive and corporate chef across India and the USA, chef Ranveer has been recognized for his contribution to various cuisines by institutions such as The American Institute of Wine & Food (AIWF), Academy for International Culinary Art's (AICA) and James Beard House

Hot Chocolate Kulfi

When I was younger my grandma would bring me a Fudgsicle when she would pick me up from school during the summer. 

Ghughra Galette

In the galette version, the pie crust is filled with a frangipane-like filling using the ingredients typically found in ghughra.

Seero (Semolina Pudding)

My version doesn’t have much sugar, so feel free to increase or decrease the amount of sugar to your liking.

Diwali Delights by Hetal Vasavada 

It wasn’t until Vasavada was an adult living in San Francisco that she realized how much she missed the Indian sweets of her childhood.