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How Cheena Soni’s Global Flavours and Comfort Food Classics are Winning Hearts

As temperatures dip and we miss the balmy sunshine entering our homes, just imagine taking a sip of a comforting noodle soup or khao suey, which is nothing short of a warm hug in a bowl. And when you want to nibble on something comforting, you dig into succulent tandoori broccoli and are instantly transported to a happy memory – that’s the power and magic of good, homemade food on you.

A bowl of Khao Suey, a Burmese coconut noodle dish, garnished with lime, herbs, and crispy onions, made with love by Cheena Soni.
Soulful and delicious khao suey from Cheena’s kitchen to your heart. Photo credit: Cheena Soni & Image credit: Tanya Munshi

As a passionate foodie, I love preparing special meals for friends and family, creating joy through shared food and thoughtful presentation.

On days I want to enjoy a different cuisine, Cheena Soni’s home-cooked dishes are my go-to. I message her my cravings—often her signature grilled chicken steak with mozzarella cheese, chicken in mushroom sauce, khao suey or daal makkhani and butter chicken, which always deliver comfort and satisfaction. Not to forget, the delicious chicken lasagna, my daughter’s favourite go-to item on Cheena’s menu. And the desserts – our personal favourite, mocha pudding, is absolutely divine!

Weekends are when my family and I like to indulge in some flavours other than the regular home-cooked, desi meals. The days I need a dose of soulful, fresh home-cooked cuisine just the way I would make it, Cheena is the one I call.

Over the past few months, Cheena and I have exchanged notes. I would share pictures of my roasted stuffed mushrooms and omelette, or my homemade yoghurt dip with olive oil, garlic, and basil. We would then discuss our love for cooking something unique while challenging our boundaries.

Someone as amazing as Cheena Soni deserves a shout-out for always coming to my rescue, not only as a fabulous home chef but also as a wonderful human being. She’s a superhero, always saving us with her mouthwatering dishes.

We caught up for a tete-a-tete, and here I am, sharing snippets of our conversations with my readers.

An article header featuring the text 'How Cheena Soni's Global Flavours and Comfort Food Classics are Winning Hearts' alongside a portrait of a woman in a car, wearing glasses and earrings, with a neutral background.
Cheena Soni – Winning hearts through comfort food classics. Photo credit: Cheena Soni & Image credit: Tanya Munshi

How it all began

“I was always very passionate about cooking, fond of trying new cuisines and recreating them at home. I was encouraged by my family and friends. A close friend gave me an order for her party, and it was a huge success, and that was the tipping point,” smiles Cheena.

Cheena especially wanted to thank Ira Gupta, a fabulous home baker, for encouraging her to start this food venture. Cheena recalls, “It was Ira who added me to the building WhatsApp groups. So, I started clicking pictures of the food I cooked at home and posting them in the society group. Slowly but steadily, the orders started pouring in, and the feedback was overwhelmingly heartening.

A bowl of chicken in mushroom sauce, garnished with herbs, with a caption indicating it is made with love by Cheena Soni.
All time family favourite – Chicken in Mushroom Sauce. Photo credit: Cheena Soni & Image credit: Tanya Munshi

The Early Challenges Behind the Apron

When Cheena started out, the toughest part wasn’t the recipes—it was everything else. Sourcing fresh, high-quality (and sometimes exotic) ingredients, cooking solo within tight timelines, finding reliable delivery support, juggling multiple orders, and still keeping every plate consistent and delightful… it was a lot.

She shares, “With time, I’ve learned to slow down and organise, stay patient, and keep innovating—whether that’s refining a recipe or tweaking my prep routine. My family has been my rock, and the love I get from customers is the spark that keeps the stove lit.”

A beautifully baked lasagna topped with fresh herbs, displayed in a glass baking dish, with an oven mitt featuring a moose design beside it. The caption reads 'Lasagna' and 'Made with love by Cheena Soni'.
Vegetarian/ non-vegetarian lasagna – handcrafted with love by Cheena. Photo credit: Cheena Soni & Image credit: Tanya Munshi

Introducing New Flavours to a Desi Palate

Another challenge was changing mindsets. Cheena observed how people were so used to familiar desi flavours that introducing global cuisines felt like a gamble. “I had to gently persuade them to try something new—starting with Khao Suey, a Burmese coconut noodle bowl no one had tasted before. I shared tasting portions, told the story behind the dish, and slowly curiosity turned into cravings,” smiles Cheena.

Today, khao suey is one of my most‑ordered dishes—Cheena now gets requests for it almost every second day! A similar journey happened with Mexican favourites like burritos and quesadillas, and even Thai flavours—these dishes, once unfamiliar, are now loved. Watching palates gradually open has been one of the most rewarding parts of this journey.

“Through it all, I’ve learnt that good food isn’t just cooked—it’s introduced. And with their feedback and smiles, every challenge feels worth it,” adds Cheena.

A plate of grilled chicken steak topped with melted mozzarella cheese, garnished with fresh herbs, presented in an inviting manner.
Dig into succulent and mouthwatering grilled chicken steak with mozzarella cheese. Photo credit: Cheena Soni & Image credit: Tanya Munshi

What Makes Cheena’s Cooking Truly Unique

Cheena feels very happy that she has led people to try new dishes they had never even heard of and is delighted to see that customers who took that first step now return for more. She says, “My food is a culinary journey that takes you on a ride of flavours, textures and aromas. The most important element that makes my cooking unique is that I source the finest quality ingredients, which I refuse to compromise on. People are getting fine dining quality, home-cooked and reasonably priced food delivered to their doorstep,” beams Cheena with pride.

A delicious homemade burger with a sesame seed bun, crispy fried chicken, and fresh greens, presented on a wooden board. The image is adorned with decorative elements and the text 'Homemade burgers' at the top.
Freshly made, homemade burgers anyone? Photo credit: Cheena Soni & Image credit: Tanya Munshi

Cheena’s Most‑Loved Dishes

  1. Lasagna
  2. Pastas
  3. Khao Suey
  4. Manchurian
  5. Chilli Chicken
  6. Puddings
  7. Chicken Curries & Dal Makhani
A bowl of Punjabi Kadhi, a traditional Indian yogurt-based dish, garnished with herbs and spices, accompanied by a serving of rice and side dishes.
The ultimate desi comfort food – Punjabi kadhi. Photo credit: Cheena Soni & Image credit: Tanya Munshi

What’s Next for Home Chef Cheena Soni

Cheena aspires to have her own space or a cloud kitchen. Her plans include expanding her menu, strengthening her delivery network in Noida Sector 137, and exploring new flavours that delight customers. She aims to become the go-to for food lovers, building an online presence, collaborating with influencers, and giving back to the community through food initiatives.

And we can’t wait to see Cheena’s culinary journey soaring to new heights.

Tanya Munshi: Writing Mentor & Coach. Founder of The Write Compass, Art for the Soul and The Lifestyle Portal

Tanya Munshi

Writing Mentor & Coach. Founder of The Write Compass and The Lifestyle Portal.

NLP Master Practitioner, Certified Art Therapist

Let’s shape your brand story into a narrative that inspires, connects, and builds trust.

The Lifestyle Portal

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