About me
I was born and brought up in a small town in Central India called Jabalpur. I then moved to Mumbai to train as a Fashion Designer in NIFT. After my college, I worked in Mumbai for a few years before moving to the U.K. in 2004. I have always been interested in food and cooking and have been greatly inspired by my mum’s cooking who has taught me everything I know about flavours.
After having my 2 children I found my interest in baking grow, it was a perfect way for me to relax and found it very relaxing. I am a creative yet meticulous baker and find baking a perfect outlet for my creativity.
Trying out new techniques and challenging myself is what keeps me going. Being on Great British Bake Off 2014 has been an amazing journey and has given me the confidence to try new combinations of flavours. I will always cherish this experience and the time I spent in the tent with my fellow bakers.
Soon after the show, I started work on my first book which is all about Indian flavours in some very western bakes. The book is called ‘The Cardamom Trail’ and was published in 2016.
After that, I went on to write my second book called ‘Chai, Chaat and Chutney’ which is all about Indian street food from the 4 corners of India. I wrote this book after intensive research into the 4 cities of India to find some of the most delicious street food. This book was published in 2017.
My third book ‘Chetna’s Healthy Indian’ is all about the food I cook at home for my family. It is the quick, delicious and healthy recipes we enjoy to balance out all the cakes I bake. This book was published in 2019.
Today I am celebrating my dad Dr Gulshan Rai Makan, a doctor of mathematics (with a daughter who can’t add 2 + 2!)
I might have skipped the maths gene but I have inherited many many things:
• early grey hair (yes he passed that on to me)
• my positive outlook to life - for all those who have always asked me - this is something I got from him!
• my sweet tooth (I could have done without this 🤣)
• and the belief that there is no alternative to hard work (I have seen him implement this all his life)
His famous words - BE HAPPY! I shall do my best ❤️❤️
To his grandkids he will always be ‘our laughing Nanu’ RIP ❤️

LUNCH BOX IDEAS - episode 8!
Chicken pasta!
Full recipe on my #youtube channel #foodwithchetna link in my profile!
Enjoy x
#chetnamakan #reels #recipes #vegetarian #healthy #lunchboxideas

LUNCH BOX IDEAS - episode 7!
Chicken satay salad!
Full recipe on my #youtube channel #foodwithchetna link in my profile!
Enjoy x
#chetnamakan #reels #recipes #vegetarian #healthy

My TOP 10 - Between the slices!
At number 8 - HARISSA CHICKEN MANGO SANDWICH!
The #betweentheslices ebook is now live on my website, link in my profile!
#chetnamakan #reels #recipes #sandwich

LUNCH BOX IDEAS - episode 6!
Beetroot Chickpea Pulao!
Full recipe on my #youtube channel #foodwithchetna link in my profile!
The pan in the video is from @hexclad_europe
Enjoy x
#chetnamakan #reels #recipes #vegetarian #healthy

My TOP 10 - Between the slices!
At number 9 - MUSHROOM CHEESE SANDWICH
The #betweentheslices ebook is now live on my website, link in my profile!
#chetnamakan #reels #recipes #betweentheslices

My TOP 10 - BETWEEN THE SLICES
At number 2 - Onion Cheese Sandwich
Delicious onion and cheddar cheese with coriander chutney!
The #betweentheslices ebook is now live on my website, link in my profile!
#chetnamakan #reels #recipes
