Today we’d like to introduce you to Teena Arora
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Currysutra® (meaning, “the art + love of spices”) my cherished creation established in 2003 is a holistic accumulation of my 25+ years of teaching cooking classes geared towards plant-based foods and the medicinal and aphrodisiac benefits of Indian spices. My journey in learning Indian cooking that I “inherited” from my parents naturally permeated in a subsequent focus in other cuisines such as Italian, Mediterranean, Asian, and South American foods. Along the way, I have had the pleasure of meeting celebrity chefs, writing recipes for local various publications in my hometowns (Minneapolis, MN and San Carlos, CA), and competing in national culinary competitions. One day, I will complete my desire to author a cookbook encapsulating my experiences with Currysutra®.
I currently contribute to NBC’s CA Live Cooking segments and have been running my cooking school (formerly known as ‘Explore Culinary Arts’) for corporate teams in Silicon Valley’s Bay Area since 2016. Last Spring, we celebrated our 8th anniversary as a small business! At Currysutra®, we combine culinary creativity with a sense of community through engaging cooking classes, delightful private dining experiences, and unforgettable team-building events, all crafted to nurture your passion for food and connection!
I invite you to join me in the Heart of the Home to explore flavorful, healing, and uplifting foods and recipes. I offer corporate team building culinary experiences, cooking classes for both adults + kids, virtual workshops, pop-up dinners, handcrafted small-batch spice, salt, and sugar blends, as well as catering and private chef services.
Are you ready to unleash your inner chef?
Join us in the kitchen and discover the joy of cooking with us!
Xx, Chef Teena
PS. To learn more about my story, please check out this link: https://static1.squarespace.com/static/57159cbdcf80a1ba34df13e8/t/6711cd2269574c6c57b45b17/1729219874705/Chef+T+.pdf
P.P.S. I’d love for you to follow me on social media @ currysutra on Instagram
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
My chef journey has been a mix of triumphs and challenges, just like any path in the kitchen. It’s not as glamorous as it may seem—there’s a lot of hard work, sacrifice, and yes, a few blood, sweat, and tears along the way!
Starting in the family restaurant business and being a self-taught chef, I’ve faced plenty of struggles:
Long Hours and Physical Demands: The kitchen often means early mornings, late nights, weekends, and holidays. Standing on your feet all day, managing heat, and ensuring everything is perfect is exhausting.
Pressure and Stress: The kitchen is a high-pressure environment. Timing is crucial, and every dish has to be spot-on. Mistakes feel amplified when everything’s on the line.
Learning the Craft: Being self-taught, I’ve had to constantly learn and refine my skills. It’s always about mastering techniques, flavors, and how to run a kitchen—there’s never a dull moment!
Balancing Creativity and Consistency: I strive to keep dishes fresh and exciting, but I also have to maintain consistency in taste, quality, and presentation. It’s a fine line between innovation and reliability.
Navigating the Business Side: Running a kitchen isn’t just about cooking—it’s about managing a team, budgeting, ordering, and keeping the business running smoothly.
Dealing with Criticism and Setbacks: Whether it’s feedback from customers or my own self-doubt, criticism is tough, but it’s part of growing and improving as a chef.
Burnout: The physical strain and long hours can sometimes lead to burnout, and I’ve definitely had moments of feeling exhausted. But it’s all part of the journey.
Despite the challenges, the rewards keep me going—seeing a customer smile after a great meal, launching a new menu, or finally mastering a tricky dish. These moments make it all worth it, and each struggle has shaped me into the chef I am today.
We’ve been impressed with Currysutra, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
At Currysutra, we’re not just about serving incredible food—we’re about creating experiences. As a women-owned business, our mission is to bring people together through bold flavors and unique culinary experiences, whether it’s in our kitchen, at your next event, or in your own home.
What sets Currysutra apart? We offer not only the richness of Indian cuisine (often vegetarian, vegan, and gluten free) but also the flavors of Italian, Mediterranean, and Asian dishes. As a self-taught chef, I’ve spent years perfecting techniques and recipes to bring out the best in every dish. We specialize in creating vibrant and flavorful meals that combine tradition with innovation, offering something for every palate.
We offer a wide range of services to cater to every culinary need:
Corporate Team-Building Cooking Classes: We provide an engaging and fun way for teams to connect while learning new culinary skills. These classes are a unique way to build teamwork and creativity in the kitchen, all while enjoying delicious food.
Adult and Kids Cooking Classes: Whether you’re an adult wanting to improve your cooking skills or a child eager to learn in a hands-on way, our cooking classes are designed for all ages and skill levels. We focus on fun, interactive lessons where students learn how to prepare delicious dishes from a variety of cuisines.
Catering Services: We bring the flavors of India, Italy, the Mediterranean, and Asia to your special events. Whether it’s an intimate gathering or a large celebration, our custom menus are tailored to your needs, ensuring your guests are treated to a memorable culinary experience.
Private Chef Services: Looking for a personalized dining experience? Our private chef services offer you a tailored menu and an exclusive, unforgettable meal in the comfort of your own home. From small dinners to larger celebrations, we take care of every detail so you can relax and enjoy the experience.
What I’m most proud of is how our brand has evolved over time to meet the needs and desires of our community. During the height of the pandemic, we pivoted with unwavering passion, tenacity, and dedication, continuing to teach valuable life skills while cooking and serving others. We’ve also crafted our own line of spice, sugar, and salt blends, which reflect our deep love for bold flavors and seasonings. Our commitment is to provide a platform where teams, families, aspiring chefs, and home cooks can learn, grow, and have fun in the kitchen making joyful memories. Through our services, we celebrate food and culture while empowering individuals to take charge in their kitchens—whether it’s mastering essential techniques, perfecting complex dishes, or hosting unforgettable events with our catering.
At Currysutra, we want our guests to feel like they’re part of our family. Whether you’re attending a cooking class or using our catering or private chef services, we’re here to deliver an exceptional experience. Our goal is to create meaningful connections through food, inspire creativity, and share our love of cooking with others.
How do you define success?
To me, success is when you find your calling and do the work you love — it’s about finding fulfillment in both the journey and the outcome. It’s not just about achieving a goal but about the impact you have along the way—whether that’s through creating meaningful connections, helping others grow, or making a positive difference in your community. In my work as a chef and entrepreneur, success means providing an unforgettable experience, sharing my passion for food, and seeing others thrive because of it. It’s also about staying true to your values, embracing challenges, and continuously learning and evolving. Ultimately, success is about making an authentic, lasting impact that feels true to who you are. Cooking is in my DNA. I feel incredibly blessed and fortunate to be able to do what I love every day!
In the near future, I plan to begin leaving my legacy by launching a culinary non-profit organization and writing a cookbook.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://currysutra.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/currysutra/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/currysutra/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/teenaarora
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/currysutra
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/currysutra-redwood-city
