“Namit, most people eat to live, but you live to eat,” my dad told me many moons ago. He was absolutely right - food has been my passion for as long as I can remember, and in December 2017, I decided to take my talents to Instagram and start The Hungry Turban. It’s been a roller coaster ever since, with the stresses of trying to post as often as I can, countered by the occasional free meal :) Most importantly, it’s helped me achieve exactly what I intended to do in the first place: get the conversation started about food. Whether it’s debating the ethics of foie gras, analyzing the latest cronut flavor, or gathering with friends to watch reruns of Chef’s Table, I’m in my happy place when thinking and talking about food.

Growing up in New York, I’ve had the privilege of soaking up food culture in one of the greatest cities in the world. From dinners at the James Beard Foundation to the occasional Michelin-starred restaurant, from buzzing food markets to theatrical omakases, there’s just so much to try. There’s more to do than just eating too: in the summer of 2018, I found myself working at the EMP Summer House, the East Hampton pop-up of the former #1 restaurant in the world, Eleven Madison Park. Hustling under the brightest minds in the hospitality industry and the most talented chefs in the world, I like to say I learned more in those 4 months than in my previous 4 years of formal education.

While I’m figuring out my next move in the food and hospitality space, I’m enjoying my time as a strategist at PepsiCo, traveling around the world one bite at a time.

My Favorites

Fast Food: Subway
Fast Casual: Milu
Fine Dining: Alchemist
Beverage: Harmless Harvest
Cuisine: Japanese
Pizza: Detroit
Toppings: Spicy Pepperoni & Olives
Herb: Basil and Shiso
Peanut Butter: Crunchy
Ice Cream: Ben & Jerry's Tonight Dough or Haagen Dazs Java Chip
Sushi: Hotate (Scallop) or Uni (Sea Urchin)
Chocolate: Royce Nama Chocolates or Almond M&Ms
Cookie: Doubletree (only if it’s fresh)
Cereal: Cinnamon Toast Crunch
Chips: Kettle BBQ or Honey Butter
Coffee: Affogato (my guilty pleasure)
Movie Theater Snack: Popcorn (no butter) & Buncha Crunch
Vegetable: Eggplant
Fruit: Pomegranate
Condiment: Gochujang
Turban: Maroon (Lavender is a close second)