Food People #001: Nidhi Shetty & Rasoda

Nidhi Shetty is a dear friend I met while working at Johnson & Johnson, where she is a Business Technology Leader. She is the first person I ask when I'm seeking the best restaurants to try in Los Angeles; she knows everything from emerging pop-up kitchens around LA to the best unknown hole-in-the-wall spots to Michelin-starred restaurants.

Nidhi documents her food experiences on her Instagram account, @NidhiEats09, which I have watched grow to an impactful following. Most recently, Nidhi and her business partner, Chef Komal, launched a pop-up kitchen of their own, Rasoda, which brings to LA one of the most authentic Indian dining experiences this city has seen.

Bon Appétit! - Read Time: 15 Minutes

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Part I: Business

Lex: Describe your path to working in food.

Nidhi: My journey into the world of food started when I was a kid, all thanks to the amazing smells coming from my grandpa's restaurant. Even though I wasn't skilled in cooking, my taste buds were honed by my mom and my lovely grandaunts, who taught me to appreciate the intricate flavors of food. But what truly fascinated me was the idea of creating unforgettable experiences for others through hospitality.

As I grew older, I found myself captivated by the beauty of these culinary moments, and photography became my way of sharing the joy of food with a wider audience. Whether I'm capturing mouthwatering dishes or immortalizing the expressions of pure bliss on people's faces, I've discovered immense fulfillment in connecting people through the universal language of food.

So, my journey in the food industry is not just about savoring delicious flavors but also about building a sense of community and spreading happiness one bite at a time.

What would you say is the best thing to happen from everything you're doing to celebrate other people in food?

Oh, let me tell you about this one time! It was a few years ago when I stumbled upon this hidden gem called Marouch. It's this cozy little Armenian Lebanese restaurant tucked away on Santa Monica Blvd. And let me tell you, they have the most incredible Lebanese Kibbeh that I absolutely couldn't resist!

So, I was so excited about my experience that I couldn't help but share it on Instagram. Little did I know that Marouch was struggling financially at the time. But you know what? My post ended up being a game-changer for them. People started flocking to the restaurant, all thanks to my humble contribution.

Guess what happened next? The Food Network and the one and only Guy Fieri from Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives got wind of Marouch's amazing story. They planned to feature immigrant-owned restaurants in LA, and Marouch was lucky enough to make the cut. Can you believe it? My post actually saved the restaurant and the hardworking folks there just in the nick of time for their big break on national television!

I must say, this whole experience has been one of my proudest moments of giving back to the community. It's the reason why I started my Instagram food account, @NidhiEats09. I hope that through my posts, I can continue to support and uplift other small businesses.

That is amazing. Mission accomplished.

100%. And I hope to help many more as I grow my account.

How does your job impact how people eat? Well, not your job, but your passion?

I love writing about restaurants because I believe in being completely authentic and honest. When I review a restaurant, I make sure to cover everything from the taste to the authenticity. And it's not just limited to American restaurants! I'm all about showcasing the amazing cuisines from different regions of countries that people might not be familiar with. Take Indian restaurants, for example. It's not just about the popular dishes like butter chicken and paneer. I want to introduce people to the deliciousness of dosa's and theplas, which they may not have tried before.

On my Instagram, it's not just about discovering new places. I also want to educate my followers about the wide variety of unique food cuisines out there beyond the Americanized versions of global cuisines. There's so much more to explore and enjoy, and I'm excited to share it all with you!

What's the most shocking thing you've learned about your work?

Let me tell you about this super interesting thing I found out a while back. I was completely blown away when I discovered that most investors in woman-owned food businesses are not women themselves. Can you believe it? It's just mind-boggling to think that there are so few women investors in businesses owned by women.

Anyway, one of my main goals is to support these incredible women-owned restaurants. I'm all about showcasing them on my account, dining at their places, and finding other ways to lend a helping hand. It's just so important to me.

But seriously, that whole investor situation was my biggest shocker.

That’s also the case for many women-owned CPG food brands.

It's like you can't escape it, right?

What is a cherished memory of running Nidhi Eats?

Oh, there are just so many memories to choose from! Let me share one that warms my heart. It all started when I stumbled upon this amazing place called KinKan on Virgil Avenue near Echo Park. Owned by the talented Chef Nan, who hails from Bangkok, it quickly became a special spot for me.

You see, Chef Nan began her LA journey by selling her mouthwatering bento boxes during the challenging times of COVID-19. Witnessing her determination and passion, I couldn't help but support her. So, when she finally opened her own restaurant, I became a regular visitor, forging beautiful friendships along the way.

We formed a close-knit foodie group, exploring various restaurants together. And guess what? Chef Nan became an integral part of our culinary adventures. From savoring delectable yakitori to indulging in the wonders of Bavel and even treating ourselves to a mesmerizing sushi omakase experience at Yasu in Beverly Hills, we shared countless memorable moments.

Building new friendships in the vibrant city of LA has truly been a cherished treasure for me. But you know what? This applies not just to running a CPG food business but also to any food-related endeavor. The best part is the incredible community of like-minded individuals who share a deep love for food. It's as if food has this magical power to unite people from all walks of life.

And this industry is tighter than you might think. In one way or another, we are all connected. For instance, my Art Institute of Los Angeles photography teacher, who happens to be an LA Times food photographer, is acquainted with the renowned Chef Nancy Silverton. It's amazing how everyone seems to know each other, like the talented Anne Fishbein.

Indeed, the world of food is a splendid place where friendships blossom, connections intertwine, and unforgettable experiences await.

I want to circle back to your photography skills because I've witnessed you take stunning photos. I didn't know you took a class. Can you tell me a little bit more?

During college, I decided to take this amazing photography course taught by the incredible Anne Fishbein. Just last week, I had the pleasure of catching up with her over dinner, and let me tell you, she hasn't changed a bit. She was one of the first to show up and support us during our pop-up launch, which meant the world to us. I owe all of my photography skills to her unwavering support and guidance.

Speaking of your pop-up, let's move on to that part of your food world. How did Rasoda come to be?

Well, Rasoda officially launched in 2023, but the seed of the idea was actually planted back in 2012 when I met Komal Savaria, our talented chef and founder. Komal used to live next door to me, and we quickly became the best of buddies. She would always invite me over and cook up a storm. Every time I tasted her food, I couldn't help but insist that she share her incredible talent with the world.

Fast-forward a bit. Komal pursued her passion and attended Le Cordon Bleu to become a skilled baker. She gained valuable experience working for Chef Sang at Lukshon in Culver City, where her journey in the food industry truly took off. And then came COVID, which unexpectedly made it easier for Californians to cook and serve food from home. That's when the idea for Rasoda was born.

In April 2023, we took the leap and launched Rasoda right in Komal's backyard patio. Initially, we started with reservations for small groups of eight to nine people, and soon enough, the word spread like wildfire.

Now, on Fridays and Saturdays, we proudly serve a delectable 10-course meal. Each menu is thoughtfully crafted, representing a different region of India, and every dish holds its own unique story. Rasoda, which means kitchen, aims to transport you to the heart of an authentic Indian dining experience. It's like stepping into someone's home in India and savoring their homemade goodness. That's what Rasoda is all about.

I heard that if you go to India, the best food you'll find is in the homes of your friends and family. Would you say that's true?

Oh, you won't believe it! If you ever get a chance to visit India, let me tell you, the absolute best food you'll come across is in the cozy homes of your dear friends and family. Trust me, it's like a warm hug for your taste buds! And you know what makes it even more amazing? When those recipes have been passed down through generations, just like Komal's. Her mom, grandmother, and mother-in-law have shared their culinary secrets, and we're lucky enough to share them with everyone who steps foot into Rasoda. It's a real treat, my friend!

So, in many ways, this might be the most authentic Indian food you will find in Los Angeles.

Seriously, it's the real deal. I've had my fair share of Indian cuisine, and I can be quite picky when it comes to authenticity. But this place hits the mark.

There are a few spots in New York City that I absolutely adore for their Indian food. Dhamaka, Semma, Adda, Roudy Rooster, and Masala Wala are my top choices. The flavors in those places take me back to my home in India. They're just that good.

I remember going to Dhamaka and trying their Pomfret Fry. It tasted exactly like my mom used to make it. It brought back so many memories. Even though she's been gone for 17 years, that dish made me feel like she had just prepared it. It was truly amazing, and it just goes to show how authentic the food is there.

I was so impressed that I even told my friend Komal that we needed something like that here in Los Angeles. There's nothing quite like those restaurants here, and it's about time we change that. We should open our own place!

Do you know what's great about our pop-up, Rasoda? We're all about vegetarian food. We're not planning on introducing meat anytime soon. We offer a unique and authentic selection of vegetarian Indian dishes you won't find anywhere else in Los Angeles. Trust me, it's a culinary experience you don't want to miss.

What does it mean to be a woman in food business today?

I have to say, it's been a pretty pleasant ride so far—fingers crossed! Maybe it's because we haven't fully launched yet, but I must admit, it's been less of a challenge in my pop-up food business compared to my corporate world.

But you know what? The support we've received from the LA community has been absolutely amazing. They've been so positive, open, and supportive of every step we've taken. Of course, I'm aware that as we continue to grow, we might encounter some of the challenges many women face in the food business. But hey, that's all part of the journey, right?

Oh, and guess what? We're catering our very first wedding this weekend! Exciting times are ahead, and I can't wait to see how it goes!

Amazing. Congratulations on the wedding—that is huge. I remember my first wedding catering made me never want to bake again, but that's because I was baking a thousand macarons from home. After a year in business, I bet you are prepared. It's going to be amazing.

Thank you. Thank you.

Part II: Food

Describe your childhood in food.

We've got a whole bunch of spice, a whole bunch of meat, and a whole bunch of desserts!

Tell me about the desserts!

Let me tell you about Gulab Jamun, these delicious sweet donut holes that are just heavenly. They are so soft and moist, and when you take a bite, they simply melt in your mouth. And the best part? They are dipped in this delightful sugar syrup that adds an extra burst of sweetness to every bite. Trust me, once you try Gulab Jamun, you'll be hooked!

My mouth is watering, too. I want to try all of them, especially the chickpeas. I haven't had sweet chickpeas before, and I think they will be delicious. I have to try this.

Let's go, buddy!

What snacks remind you of home and why?

Oh man, spicy masala peanuts, they're like a taste of home! They used to be my go-to snack, you know, to keep me company when I was up pulling all nighters during exams. Ah, those were the days!

My friend Aadit founded Confusion Snacks and makes Indian-inspired popcorn, but he's also making nuts now. We'll have to get you some of his chili chaat roasted almonds.

Oh, I want to try that!

What were some of your food traditions growing up?

One of them was the rule of using only our right hand, especially when eating with our fingers. We believe in preserving the essence of our culture through this beautiful tradition.

Another tradition we cherished was the joy of eating together as a family. It didn't matter if you finished your plate first; you always waited for everyone else to finish before getting up. We sat together, enjoyed our meals, and left the table together. Creating unforgettable moments of togetherness.

And, of course, since we relished the deliciousness of our food with our bare hands, we always had a bowl of hot water with a refreshing touch of lemon in front of us. We would dip our fingers in it to remove any lingering aroma of the flavorful spices we enjoyed.

It's worth mentioning that the water in the bowl was not meant to be drunk. These traditions may not be widely known in America unless you have the chance to visit someone's home or an authentic place. But when you come to Rasoda, you'll have the opportunity to witness and experience these heartwarming traditions firsthand.

What is your most memorable food experience?

Oh, I have this incredible food memory that makes me smile every time I think about it. It was back when my mom used to prepare a simple yet delicious meal consisting of plain white rice and mackerel fry whenever my dad was away on work trips. Those were her most laid-back and enjoyable days, where she didn't have to worry about cooking elaborate meals. It was just the two of us, my mom and I, having dinner together for a couple of nights. Can you imagine the taste of that perfectly cooked rice with a generous amount of hot ghee and a pinch of salt combined with mouthwatering fried mackerel? Oh, it was pure bliss! And to top it off, we would have some roti on the side. Just thinking about it makes me crave that wonderful experience all over again.

That is so sweet. I love that it's simple and just about family.

Yeah, and self-care.

Describe your current dining habits and rituals today.

So, when I don't have any exciting plans to try out a fancy new restaurant or go on a fun outing, I usually stick to having just one meal a day at home. It's a simple routine that works for me.

Now, when I do go out, it's usually with a big group of friends or family, and we have a delightful family-style dinner. The great thing about dining with a big group is that we get to sample a little bit of everything from the menu, unlike when I dine alone, where I can only manage to try around three dishes.

As for how often I go out, it's usually about three times a week. But every week is different. It's nice to have a balance between enjoying a home-cooked meal and indulging in the vibrant dining scene out there.

How do you consider and evaluate new foods that you tried today?

Let me tell you about this amazing Thai restaurant called Jitlada in Hollywood. It's like stepping into someone's cozy home! The place is simple, nothing fancy, just a little hole in the wall. The flavors are out of this world. They're so genuine and authentic; it's like your own mom's cooking!

For me, what sets a dish apart is the intensity of its flavors. When I taste something that really stands out, I can't help but rave about it. And you know what? I've learned so much about flavors through my travels. Exploring different countries and their cuisines has given me a true sense of what's truly authentic. It's helped me discover restaurants and chefs creating these amazing, unique flavors.

Would that apply to the restaurants you try and the foods that you pick up at the grocery store?

Absolutely! I can't settle for plain and ordinary food. Even something as simple as mashed potatoes needs a little kick. I've been jazzing up my mashed potatoes with Dalkin&Co's Taco seasoning from What's Gaby Cooking. Let me tell you, it's been absolutely scrumptious! I always crave spice and distinctive flavors in my meals.

So, you can bet that my grocery list always includes some international ingredients.

What feelings does food invoke in you and why?

When I'm feeling down, food has this magical power to lift my spirits. It's like a ray of sunshine on a gloomy day. UNI!! (Sea Urchin). It's my go-to when I'm feeling blue, and everyone close to me knows it. Just a bite of that delicious sea urchin, and my troubles melt away. It's like a nostalgic trip back to my happiest memories.

What was your last great food adventure?

I had the most amazing experience last week at Le Peigon in Portland. You won't believe it, but I got to try their delicious foie gras! It was absolutely incredible!

All right, one last question. What's a food people would be surprised that you love?

Oh, I absolutely love beef! I mean, any kind of meat, really. From brains to hearts to livers, you name it, I'll devour it. People always give me that wide-eyed look and go, "Wow, you eat everything!" Oh, and let's not forget about indulging in a shrimp's head or tail. Yum!

I will say I ate liver a lot growing up, and I still love it so much. I would say people would be surprised that I like that, too.

You know what's funny? Back in the day, I couldn't stand liver. I vividly remember this one incident when my mom cooked up a whole meal of liver and boy, was I furious! But you know how it goes; as you get older, your taste buds change, and you become more daring. So you can imagine how mind-blowing it is for me to be head over heels for goose liver. My mom would be like, "No way! My daughter actually enjoys liver?" It's seriously one of my all-time favorite things!

This issue of Salt & Main is brought to you by

Part III: Rapid Fire Questions

This interview continues with 10 rapid fire questions on TikTok and Instagram that we’ll post throughout the week.

Follow @SaltAndMain on TikTok and @SaltAndMain on Instagram to find out about Nidhi’s favorite LA dessert spot, best and worst cookie, best international snack, worst food smell, favorite ice cream flavor, what food she would not share with anyone and more.

Connect with Nidhi & Rasoda

• Follow: @NidhiEats09

• Follow: @Rasoda

• Book a seating at Rasoda

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