About
Hello everyone, my name is Grishma. Here on Zaika Zabardast (ZaikaZ) I am going to share my own recipes, my family recipes as well as the recipes I have tried and liked from other Bloggers, cooking books or TV shows (With proper credit given).
But before I start, first of all I would like to thank my Husband(V), my family and friends for loving my food and encouraging me to start a blog to share my recipes with them. This blog is for you guys!! Love ya!!
Now A little about ME:
I LOVE FOOD! Food is my passion. It is always in my mind. I can spend hours and hours of my life in kitchen. I never get bored about talking, eating and making food. Cooking or Baking are kind of stress busters for me.
“Food should taste good and has to be healthy (at least I try to keep it that way)” that’s my Mantra and it is impossible for me to compromise on Good food.
Here is a short story of me falling in Love with Food (Some behind the scene info) 🙂
Basically I am from Ahmedabad, India. Where I Spent 23 fun-filled years of my life with my family. I was brought up in a family who loves to cook, feed and eat as well. Every single member in my family loves good FOOD. Like my family I also love to feed people. That’s my way of showing my love to people I love and care about.
In the beginning years of my life (May be I was 12/13) rather than spending my evening time with my friends I used to help my mom getting things ready for the dinner (Chopping vegetables, washing dishes, cleaning, making tea, serving people etc…). Slowly I started making basic dishes like Roti, Rice, Daal, shaak(sabji)… etc.
I am the perfect example of “Monkey see, Monkey do”. I always learn by watching others. I never took any cooking lessons. Not even my parents had to force me to learn cooking since I had so much interest in Food. And hey, you know what, when I was in college it was MUST for me to cook dinner almost every day. My mother was pregnant with my brother and this way I was able to help my parents and had opportunity to try out new things on my own.
My mom is my Inspiration. Her food is always full of love and comfort.
That’s why we all love “Ghar ka khana (Home-cooked meal)”. Don’t we? And do I still need to mention that she is an AMAZING cook? So is my Dad who has a very unique taste for flavors. He always seeks perfection in whatever he makes (Although he will invest double the time but let me tell you one thing that the end results are all worth). He makes awesome Samosas, Upma ahhh and Paneer Bhurji..yummmm yummm 🙂
So I guess I got the perfect balance of both!!
Life moved on so I did. After finishing my under graduation in India I Came to Pocatello – IDAHO, USA (have to mention USA since many people in USA have no clue where IDAHO is) in August 2005 for further studies. Pocatello is simply the HEAVEN on the earth. Beautiful – Love it!! May be I love it more since I found the Love of my life there (V). 🙂
Pocatello is a very small University town. The only missing thing for me was an International (Indian) grocery store and a desi (Indian) restaurant. So, you can imagine how tough it is to survive for a foodie like me for 5 years. But I managed, ordered groceries online and what not!!
Like other foodies I also crave for tasty food. But for me I crave it at weird times (nahhh I am not pregnant). Oh that reminds me of me making a Paneer Butter Masala when I was preparing for my finals in Pocatello… and guess what time did I make it? 3 AM…yes, at 3 AM!! See that’s the perfect example of me not compromising on good food. And BTW I got A- in my final 🙂 So it was worth an effort.
So getting back to the point that Pocatello was the main reason for me to try new recipes, new techniques, explore unfamiliar ingredients etc…And I am kind of person who loves to make anything I have ever tasted and loved.
Again life moved on, I got done with my studies and moved to California for further studies.
In Feburary 2010, I got married to Vikas (V) and again moved to Nashville, TN.
V is the biggest fan of whatever I cook and also proudly says that “I am the best cook in his family”!! Tadaaaa… Who wouldn’t love to hear that from her husband?? That’s worth all the effort! Isn’t it?
He holds a very important position of “The tester” in ZaikaZ. And his opinions are very Honest (VERY). Say for example, If I am trying something new and it didn’t come out well, he will still eat it but after dinner he will say that “G, please do not make it again” But that happens rarely!! How sweet is that!! How supportive and honest!
He loves simple food. By the way he makes awesome Veggie sandwich which is the BEST!! He is a Research Scientist so he does not get lot of time to spend with me in kitchen but when he gets, he helps me.
Since I got married, I am a homemaker and it gave me a chance to develop my skills in Food and Foodography (Food+Photography).
Professionally I am a Freelance Graphic/Web Designer. And I heart advertising (that’s my other passion besides Food).
So I think that is more than enough for my introduction now a bit about my BLOG.
What’s up with the name ZaikaZ?
Remember my Mantra? “Food should taste good”!! So the name has to be related…right? ZaikaZabardast…where “Zaika” means “Taste” and “Zabardast” means “Awesome”. Perfect it is…Isn’t it?
I will also call it sometimes ZaikaZ just to make it easier. (And yes, that logo is also my creation) 🙂
What can you expect from ZaikaZ:
I am strictly a LACTO-VEGETARIAN and so is V: That means no meat, no fish and not even eggs. It’s all by choice; we believe that”You are what you eat”!
But that does not mean you will not expect to see delicious and healthy recipes. V has a sweet tooth so I do make dessert often and they are way healthier than deserts that contain Eggs and are full of fat. I will sometimes try vegan recipes too. But no worries as I said earlier I will not compromise on taste!! ;).
I make everything from scratch. It definitely takes time but it’s healthy plus I strongly believe that fresh ingredients make all the difference in the world. So give it a try you will feel the difference.
I will only post recipes which I have tried and liked. All the recipes posted on this blog are either my original recipes or my family’s. I will also post recipes which I tried from my fellow bloggers, cookbooks or TV shows (with proper credit given).
Sorry Meat lovers if I disappoint you. But I strongly encourage you to try out Meat-free recipes. You will love the change.
In the end all I have to say is that, Do not just make Food for the sake of it!! Spend some of your valuable time on it. Enjoy your cooking! Let your positive energy and love flow in to it!! You will enjoy the end result and stay healthy too!! Believe me it’s totally worth.
Can You use my recipes or photographs?
Anyways, It was nice to meet you! Please feel free to leave a note or contact me on zaikazabardast(at)gmail.com. I hope my creation will encourage you to cook for yourself and your family. I also look forward to all your comments/suggestions on the ZaikaZ. That will help me provide you what you are looking for in this blog. And your comments/suggestions will make this blog even more enjoyable for both of us. Stay Tuned!!
Thanks n love,
Congrats Grish!!Cool description..waiting for the recipes now!:)
Thanks Deepu 🙂 And BTW you are the first one to subscribe my blog as well as first one to comment!! Likes it 🙂
Good One Grishma!!,
All the Best, I am not sure how many receipes I will try, but definately when we meet (anytime in future), would ask you to make some delicious food :).
Again hearty Congratulations & Best of Luck
All the Best Grishma & Vikas.
Definitely, I will try some of your recipes, don’t know how much will I success 🙂
Anyways Hearty Congratulations & Best of LUCK!!
Thanks Suruchi 🙂 I really appreciate it. Now come visit us soon 🙂
nice program
Thanks. I am glad you liked it. Stay tuned!!
Vikas
Zaikazz and
Jakkaazzzzzz
all rhyme…great…we are very glad to have enjoyed the food made by you G. Esp those masala puris you made us on our move to Dallas…we can never forget that. I guess it is good food, healthy food, good healthy tasty food and more importantly food made out of lots of LOVEEEE..keep it up sissy…hello to V.
Miss you guys…miss those days…
Pavan and Padmaja
Thank u so much Pavanbhai!! It was my pleasure to make things for you guys 🙂 I hope you will enjoy the blog and please pass the link to Padmajabhabhi as well.
Now make a plan to visit us so we can live those days again 🙂
Kem cho? 🙂 Good to see another Gujarati friends here. 🙂 Your blog is quite good. I like your faster version of Fada Lapsi. Will try in cooker next time. Keep going, gal! 🙂
Hey Sonia,
Welcome and thanks for your kind words. I hope you will enjoy the Quicker version of Lapsi 🙂 baki tamaro blog pan saras che ne kai 🙂
Awesome.. Love your website Grish!!!
Thanks Anu 🙂 I really appreciate it!
Nice to come across a fellow lacto vegetarian! All the best!
Hey Anushruti..thank u 🙂 It’s nice to meet you too!!
Hey Grishma,
You are awesome…..A big Congratulations !!!!!!!
Thanks Archana 🙂
Welcome to the blogging world! Look forward to following your recipes!
Best, Vivek
Hey Vivek,
Thanks for warm welcome. Welcome to ZaikaZabardast. Hope to see you in some of the NashvilleFoodBloggers events. Stay tuned!!
Cheers!
Grishma
Hi there!
Thanks for checking out The Vegan Man Cave. Glad the Virago review was helpful. You have a great blog with awesome pics. I’ve added you to my Blog Roll.
Thanks for reading!
Thanks Brian. I really appreciate it. I hope you will enjoy my recipes as well. Thanks again. BTW you should join NashvilleFoodBloggers.com team that we we all can be connected.
Hi Grishma,
Congratulations, very interesting recipes. Great photographs. I think you call yourself amateur but looking at the quality of photos I think you should be professional.
Do you have a request feature? If I want to request a recipe, how can I do it?
No no, do not worry, I am not going to cook, it is for my wife….
Thanks,
Wish you the best.
Ravi
Hey Ravi,
Thank you very much for your compliments. I am still learning Food Photography. Still long way to go. 🙂 And yes you can request for recipes on my Facebook page here: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Zaika-Zabardast/218738074805607. Also you can subscribe to the blog so you get regular updates(Not for you for your wife). Thanks again. Stay tuned.
Grishma, welcome to food blogging and to Nashville. I too moved here from California, am originally from Bulgaria and feel very much like you about food (except that I eat meat, eggs and everything else that the Earth gives ;). Your blog looks beautiful. I am looking forward to more of your recipes.
Grishma, welcome to food blogging and to Nashville. I too moved here from California, am originally from Bulgaria and feel very much like you about food (except that I eat meat, eggs and everything else the earth gives). Your blog looks beautiful. I hope to see you around and looking forward to your recipes.
Thank you very much for such a warm welcome Anna! I also look forward to see you around. Are you a member of Nashville Food Bloggers? If yes, we will meet up soon. 🙂
Stay tuned!!
What a cute and sweet ‘about’ section! Enjoyed reading it. You and your V have created a very adorable space! Will visit often. Great pics, looks so professional. The recipes are simply too good. Invite me to your home!!! Best wishes!
Radha Rayasam.
Come on over Radha!! That will be really fun. 🙂 And thank you for your compliments.
3 am? Really? You are an amazingly dedicated cook and you are gorgeous on top of it! I love your blog and am looking forward to reading more of it.
Hi Ameena, yes you heard it right..it was 3 AM 🙂 And thanks for your compliments. Welcome to ZaikaZabardast. You yourself have one interesting blog as well. looking forward to share our knowledge and recipes.
Hi discovered your blog through twitter. Nice collection of recipes you have. What struck me was the advertising bit, since I’m frm that field too.. Glad to connect!!
Hey Anamika! Yes I love food as well as advertising 🙂 And thank you. I hope you enjoy my space here 🙂
Hey Grishma!
Awesome work on this blog. I loved it. Fantastic photography. Keep it up!
Payal
Thank u very much Payal! I hope you will enjoy my space 🙂
You have a nice site. Meet my brother’s site. He is a photographer. http://redsstudio.com/
Shankar
Your blog is as cute as you are! I can sense your enthusiasm in this little description. It is so infectious that it is threatening to jump out of my screen to come at me:-). I am smiling already:-)
You have a subscriber already!
Hello again….:)
I am really smiling reading and knowing about you 🙂
Nice to know a foodie who sounds like me when it comes to taste n cooking at odd hours whenever the craving hits :):)
I know right…If I feel like eating anything on odd hours, I will end up making/eating it. Only a foodie like you can understand this feeling, right? It is good to meet you.
Hi Grishma,
I am Lakshmi, Editor of Bawarchi.com.
Bawarchi.com is home to thousands of expert and user contributed recipes.
Just wanted to know if you would be interested in joining our expert panel ( http://food.sify.com/experts/ ).
Do let us know so that we can mail you the way forward.
Regards
Lakshmi
Hi Lakshmi,
I would love to join your expert panel and would appreciate more details.
Thanks,
Grishma
Grishma,
First of all, I totally love your name. What does it mean? (Do tell me!) Your blog is wonderful. I absolutely loved reading about you and totally related myself to you on so many things. Firstly, my mums an inspiration too for the cooking I do. Secondly, My husband is the official tester. He is too honest about all the tastings. Thirdly, along with blogging about food I have also developed an interest for photography.
You blog certainly treats all the healthy recipes which are vegetarian. Its good in a way I get to learn the vegie options more. Its been a pleasure going through your blog. I have just recently started blogging it has just been so addicitive especially finding some fab bloggers like you!
Cheers 🙂
Gursahiba
Gursahiba, Thank you very much for kind words. The meaning of my name is Summer.
Hi there would you mind letting me know which hosting company you’re using? I’ve loaded your blog in 3 different web browsers and I must say this blog loads a lot faster then most. Can you recommend a good internet hosting provider at a reasonable price? Thanks, I appreciate it!
Hello, I am using WordPress domain itself.
Hi, today i tried poori bhaji and it really came out superb. My husband also liked it a lot. Saw your other recipes as well i am eager to try them too. They look mouth watering. I just wish to post more recipes so that people like me who don’t know much about cooking can try all these and make our husband happy. Thank you.
Hey..Just went through your blog word by word….its really cool, your passion and dedication both.I must have made a visit to your place as I was in Nashville, NY from 2009 to 2011.Prepared lemonade roohafza and I was flipping through sites for some more refined and tasty recipe..and then I came across your blog…Cool job …carry on I have bookmarked it…I’ll definitely try out those listed.. 🙂
Hi Grishma.. Nice Photographs and recipes.. I am from Gujarat too.. and an amateur blogger. Do visit my space @ http://myworldofvegrecipes.blogspot.com. Thanks !!
I just discovered and love your site. I also love Indian food. I have a friend that is teaching me to cook Indian dishes. Her husband’s name is Vikas as well. I look forward to getting updates from you.
I am trying your Rooh Afza lemonade recipe for a party tonite, will let u know the reaction tmrw !
Hello Shankar, Hope everyone enjoyed refreshing Roohafza lemonade! 🙂
It was AWESOME ! Everyone loved it….Thanks !!
Hi Girishma, love your blog and i tried your quinoa granola, turned out so good that since yesterday i am enjoying them with my tea. I will be trying your other recipies soon.