Few chefs embody the spirit of tradition and innovation as beautifully as Dipna Anand. A celebrated chef, author, restaurateur, and culinary educator, Dipna has become a powerful voice in modern Indian cuisine while proudly carrying forward the legacy of her family’s iconic Brilliant Restaurant.
Rooted in generations of culinary excellence, Dipna’s cooking reflects a beautiful balance between authenticity and contemporary appeal. Whether through her cookbooks, cookery school, or restaurants, she continues to inspire food lovers around the world to embrace the richness of Indian flavors.
In this exclusive interview, Dipna Anand opens up about her journey in the culinary world, the lessons learned from her family, the myths surrounding Indian food, and how women can create healthier, nourishing meals without compromising on taste.
A Legacy Rooted in Passion
For Dipna Anand, the journey into the culinary world began long before she stepped into a professional kitchen. Growing up surrounded by the vibrant energy of the family business, she watched her father work with immense passion and dedication at the iconic Brilliant Restaurant. Those early years deeply influenced her understanding of food, hospitality, and human connection.
Stories of her grandfather, who opened the first Brilliant Restaurant in the 1950s, further strengthened her bond with the family’s culinary heritage. These memories instilled a profound sense of pride and responsibility. Even as a child helping in the restaurant, Dipna felt a natural connection to the industry. That passion led her to pursue a degree in Hospitality and Catering at the University of West London, where she graduated with First Class honors and later completed a master’s degree through a scholarship. Throughout her academic journey, she remained actively involved in the family business, seamlessly blending theory with practical experience.
Preserving Authenticity in Modern Cooking
Dipna strongly believes that authenticity lies at the heart of Indian cuisine. According to her, Indian food should never lose its soul. While modern presentation and convenience matter in today’s fast-paced world, the traditional foundation—spices, techniques, and flavors—must remain intact.
She emphasizes that making recipes accessible does not mean compromising authenticity. Simplifying cooking methods, shortening preparation time, or giving dishes a contemporary presentation can help modern audiences embrace Indian cooking more confidently. However, the essence of each dish must stay true to its origins. Her mission is to help people experience real Indian flavors without feeling intimidated.
Building an Identity in a Competitive Industry
As a woman chef and entrepreneur, Dipna faced numerous challenges while establishing her own identity. Choosing a culinary career itself was unconventional, especially when more traditional professions were often encouraged. Yet she always knew her passion belonged in food and hospitality.
Establishing herself independently required resilience. Writing her first cookbook came with its own hurdles, including limited support from brands and industry collaborators. Breaking into the culinary space and earning recognition demanded persistence and determination. For Dipna, publishing that cookbook carried emotional significance because it was also her father’s dream.
She also acknowledges that success extends beyond cooking. Building awareness, managing promotions, and creating visibility require immense effort. Challenges within the family business, including the recent closure of the Western Road branch of Brilliant Restaurant after 50 years, further tested her strength. These experiences taught her adaptability, creativity, and perseverance.
Breaking Myths Around Indian Cuisine
Indian food is often misunderstood globally. What myths would you like to change?
Indian food abroad and sometimes even here in the UK is often misunderstood as being too spicy or too heavy, but it really depends on what you choose to eat and how it’s made. Indian cuisine is incredibly diverse, and today it has evolved far beyond the traditional “curry and rice” perception that many people still have. For example, on our menu at Brilliant Gastro, we offer more of a gastropub-style approach alongside traditional dishes. We do things like paneer and mushroom burgers, tandoori chicken burgers, and dishes with modern twists that still keep Indian flavours at the heart of them.
I think another big misconception is that every curry tastes the same or uses the same base sauce, which couldn’t be further from the truth. Every curry is created differently, with its own balance of spices, cooking techniques, and ingredients. Understanding which spices complement certain meats, vegetables, or lentils is such an important part of Indian cooking. That’s where the real skill and depth of the cuisine come in.
Inspiring Confidence Through Cooking
You’ve inspired home cooks globally through your cookbooks and classes. What do you enjoy most about teaching?
What I enjoy most about teaching people to cook Indian food is seeing them gain confidence in the kitchen and being completely wowed by the dishes they create themselves. When people come to my cookery school and cook in my kitchen, they often can’t believe that they’ve produced food to such a high standard. Many of them say, “I never thought I could make this myself,” and for me, that feeling is incredibly satisfying and rewarding.
Indian cooking as a cuisine can definitely feel overwhelming at first because of the spices, flavours, and techniques involved. But once you grasp the basics, you realise how joyful, creative, and versatile our cuisine actually is. I love helping people understand that Indian cooking doesn’t have to be intimidating; it’s about building confidence and enjoying the process.
For me, sharing recipes is also about passing on culture, tradition, comfort, and that whole tearing-and-sharing concept that food naturally brings. Food connects generations, families, and communities, and being able to inspire that connection through cooking is something I genuinely love.
Dipna Anand on Making Indian Meals Healthier
When it comes to healthier everyday meals, Dipna believes small changes can create a meaningful impact. Reducing excess oil, butter, or ghee can help lighten dishes without sacrificing flavor. Increasing vegetables and lentils can further improve nutritional balance.
She has also embraced grilling as a healthier alternative to frying. Grilling preserves flavor and texture while keeping dishes lighter. Indian cuisine already offers an abundance of powerful ingredients such as turmeric, ginger, garlic, cumin, and coriander—spices celebrated for their health benefits. Using these ingredients thoughtfully makes it possible to create meals that are both nourishing and delicious.
Quick and Nourishing Meals for Busy Lifestyles
Busy lifestyles often push people toward processed foods, but Indian cooking can actually be ideal for quick, nourishing meals.
Some of my favorite simple dishes include:
- Dal
- Grilled aubergine
- Quick stir-fry chicken
- Chicken tikka salad
- Khichdi with yogurt
- Chicken or paneer tikka wraps with fresh salad
These meals are satisfying, nutrient-rich, and much healthier than deep-fried snacks. A little prep in advance makes weekday cooking much easier.
For me, it’s all about balance—getting proper nutrition without losing the comfort and joy of eating.
Finding Balance Around Food
How do you maintain wellness while constantly being surrounded by delicious food?
It can honestly be challenging. I’m someone with a huge sweet tooth, and I love snacking—so balance requires mindfulness and discipline.
I’ve learned that wellness begins with mindset. At 42, I understand the importance of making sensible choices—eating lighter meals during the day, grilling more, increasing vegetables and protein, and practicing portion control.
But I don’t believe in strict restriction either. Food should bring joy.
Staying active is also essential—not just physically, but mentally. Running restaurants, filming, and managing family life can be demanding, so rest and quality time with loved ones matter deeply.
Dipna Anand’s Advice for Aspiring Women Chefs
Stay true to yourself.
Don’t feel pressured to follow trends or copy others. Your biggest strength is your individuality—your story, personality, and perspective.
Follow what you genuinely love.
This industry is characterized by its highs and lows. Success takes time, resilience, and hard work.
I’d also say never underestimate the value of family, mentors, and the people who support you. I’ve learned a great deal from my parents, especially my dad.
Most importantly—enjoy the journey.
Food is about passion, creativity, and emotional connection. If you lead with authenticity, people will always feel that.
Passion, Authenticity, and Legacy
Describe your cooking philosophy in three words.
Passion. Authenticity. Legacy.
Passion, because food has always been at the center of my life.
Authenticity, because staying true to my roots and honoring real Indian flavors matters deeply to me.
And legacy—because that is the strongest word of all.
Brilliant is more than a restaurant name. It represents over 80 years of family history, tradition, and love.
Carrying that legacy forward and making my family proud remains one of my greatest motivations.
