How I Developed My Philosophy of Mindful Cooking - My Journey as Chef Peesh Chopra

 


By Chef Peesh Chopra

My philosophy of mindful cooking didn’t come from books or trends.
It came from experience—long hours, mistakes, burnout, and quiet moments alone in the kitchen.

Early in my career, I chased speed and perfection. I believed efficiency was everything. But over time, I noticed something troubling: the faster I cooked, the more disconnected I felt—from the food and from myself.

There was a phase when cooking felt mechanical. I was producing meals, not nourishment.

That’s when I started slowing down—not intentionally at first, but out of exhaustion. I cooked fewer dishes. I simplified flavors. I stayed present with each step.

And something shifted.

I slept better. I tasted more. I felt calmer.
The kitchen stopped feeling like pressure and started feeling like purpose again.

That period reshaped how I cook today.

Mindful cooking became my foundation—not as a concept, but as a survival tool. It taught me that food carries emotion, and the cook’s state of mind matters more than any garnish.

This journey is what continues to shape my work as Chef Peesh Chopra.
Not just creating meals—but creating meaning through food.



This personal journey is part of a broader philosophy that guides my work as a chef. I’ve explained the professional framework behind mindful cooking, wellness, and intentional food practices in detail in this article on Medium:👉 https://chefpeeshchopra.medium.com/peesh-chopra-mindful-cooking-philosophy-wellness-d25cf965354c

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