Nisha Parmar (@nishaiscookingagain) is a private chef and food writer. Having loved cooking since she was a girl, Nisha was crowned semi-finalist of MasterChef UK (@masterchefuk) in 2018. She left her corporate-banking career, dived headfirst into the world of professional cooking and – with a glamorous book of celebrity clients, from pop icons to premier footballers – she hasn’t looked back.

She says: ‘I’ve been blessed to work with some truly remarkable people. Their energy and enthusiasm are incredible; they motivate me to keep moving forward and keep doing what I love. It’s inspirational.’
Nisha is brand ambassador for Shivering Mountain (@shivering.mountain), a premium craft gin distilled in the Peak District. Her new book, Share: Asian-inspired Dinner Party Dishes, is out now.

She lives in London with her husband and two boys. Here, Nisha tells us what makes for a life well-lived.

Nisha Parmar

Do you prefer pottering around the house or pottering in the garden?


I don’t have green fingers, so I definitely prefer pottering around the house. I find tidying and organising really therapeutic. It calms my mind and allows for creative space to come up with new recipes.


What’s for dinner tonight?


I’m making a veggie sausage and spring green pasta. I have an abundance of glorious green vegetables, so I’ll be chopping up courgettes, green beans, asparagus, tenderstem broccoli, runner beans and sauteing it all in some garlic and chilli. Separately, I’ll grill some veggie sausages, chop them up and tip them into the green vegetables with some rigatoni. Then it’s finished with a generous grating of Parmesan.


What is on your bedside table?


Currently my friend Vex King’s latest book, Things No-one Taught Us About Love.


You have unexpected spare time on your hands: do you fill it with a podcast or novel?


A podcast, usually. I’ll save novels for the beach.


What are you currently binge-watching?



I’ve just finished Emily in Paris. I have a foodie trip planned to Paris soon and Emily visits so many amazing eateries. I’m quite a dreamer; I love getting excited about holidays!


Date night in or date night out?


Out. As I cook all the time, it’s nice for me to get out of the kitchen and pay full attention to my date. We are spoilt for choice with London restaurants. I have a long list of places I want to try. I also like visiting restaurants as it keeps me inspired with new techniques and ideas.


Which famous female do you most admire?



Michelle Obama. @michelleobama


What is your most prized possession?


My TOG Santoku chef’s knife.


What is your favourite season of the year and why?


FAVOURITE SEASON

I love spring, with all the new produce filtering through. It’s an exciting time for a cook, with forced rhubarb, asparagus and the abundance of berries.

By Becky Ladenburg
June 2024