Friday, December 19, 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

Crispy Okra Salad (Kararee Bhindi)

Crispy Okra Salad (Kararee Bhindi)

From American Masala: 125 New Classics From My Home Kitchen by Suvir Saran with Raquel Pelzel (Clarkson Potter/Publishers, October 2007)

Gulkand Gilori

Gulkand Gilori

Almond triangles stuffed with gulkand flavoured mawa. This is a unique sweet, which I created last Diwali.

Chef Hari Nayak’s Chickpea, Mango and Watercress Salad

Chef Hari Nayak’s Chickpea, Mango and Watercress Salad

This recipe contains shredded raw mango. If you find getting hold of raw mangoes a challenge then you can easily substitute this with any other crunchy vegetable like radish

Eat Your Heart Out

Glittery red hearts, chocolate and sugary treats conjure up February’s infamous holiday. Valentine’s Day is just around the corner and you may be craving some sweet indulgences.

Darpan Spirits: It’s Cocktail Hour!

With wedding season quickly approaching, brides and grooms are looking for the next ultimate cocktail to serve at their wedding receptions. The Keefer Bar is a Vancouver hot spot offering a funky,

Special Yellow Dal Tadka

traditional dal with seasoning which will be a great combination with Palak Puri, any Indian breads or rice of your choice.

Dal – Ingredients