Annu Sharma is a UGC digital Creator who believes food is far more than nourishment—it’s emotion, memory, and culture served on a plate. A foodie, mom, engineer, and storyteller, she uses her platform, Cook_Create_Capture_Explore, to preserve desi traditions while embracing global influences. Through heartfelt recipes and soulful storytelling, Annu Sharma bridges borders, proving that food remains the most universal language of all.
Annu Sharma journey as an Digital creator?
My journey as a Digital Creator did not begin with a strategy, It began with joy. I first picked up my camera to share the simple meals I loved cooking at home, moments that felt beautiful to me and worth being cherished while the entire world was in lockdown, which is 2020. What started as just sharing my “Camera eating first” snapshots and reels of comfort food, quickly became a space where I could connect with others who savor the same simple, heartfelt moments in their kitchen. The more I began exploring, as is the name of my page Cook_create_capture_explore, the more I became passionate about turning this hobby into a creative journey I truly cherish.
Do you believe food is merely nourishment, or a language through which culture, memory, and identity are preserved?
In an age of viral recipes and fast content, how do you ensure authenticity and soul remain at the heart of your cooking?
To me, food is a love, life and emotion- one that speaks of heritage, nostalgia, and the stories of the people who raised us. In a world where trends flash by quickly, I pause to honor the roots of my recipes. I focus on why each dish matters-who taught it to me, where it comes from, and how it feels to share it with others. That storytelling, paired with food that’s real and unpretentious, ensures that heart and soul remain at the center of what I share.
Even after being out of India for more than 7 years, I have ensured to keep my culture, tradition and heritage alive by celebrating all festivals typical North-Indian style and sharing it with my audience. My recipes are mostly desi and I make sure to give a desi twist to all my content in some way or the other keeping my culture and heritage intact.
How does storytelling through food influence the emotional connection people form with a dish or a recipe?
Storytelling transforms food from a list of ingredients into something deeper, a memory, a feeling, a celebration. When I share not just the dish but the story behind it- the first time I made it, the memories it holds, it invites people to bring their own experiences into the kitchen. That emotional layer makes a recipe feel like home, not just a plate. When I share my real experience is when my audience is better able to connect with me. The storytelling inspires people more than we acknowledge.
Can food shape perspective and empathy by introducing people to cultures and traditions beyond their own?
Absolutely. Food is one of the most welcoming bridges between cultures. When people explore cuisine from another background, whether through reels, a shared recipe, or a familiar spic, they’re invited into that culture with curiosity and warmth. It inspires empathy because every bite carries with it traditions, celebrations, and values that are deeply human and universally relatable.
I am surprised each day to know there are so many cuisines that use the same ingredients in different ways to make different dishes. For e.g: Mexican food is so close to Indian food that sometimes it feels like the same thing for different names and the ingredients are pretty much the same ( Mexican Bean and Rice = Indian Rajma Chawal, Mexican tacos = Indian phulka).
How does food act as a living archive of culture, carrying traditions, values, and histories across generations?
Food holds history in every flavour. Recipes passed down through families are like heirloom-each twist, spice, or method tells a piece of a larger cultural story. When I prepare a traditional dish, I’m not just cooking-I’m honoring the generations who perfected it before me, and inviting others to taste a bit of that heritage. That’s how food preserves culture, memory, and values across time. for e.g: I shared a simple ripe Mango Chutney recipe that my Nani used to make and I was surprised to see how many of my western audience was impressed by it and wanted to try it for themselves.
In a globalised world, where cuisines constantly evolve, how can we preserve cultural authenticity without resisting change?
Change and tradition can coexist beautifully. Preserving cultural authenticity doesn’t mean freezing a recipe in time, it means understanding its roots while welcoming innovation. I aim to respect the essence of a dish, celebrating its history and original spirit, even as new ingredients or methods make it relevant to today’s kitchens. It’s about embracing evolution thoughtfully, not erasing where something came from. For E.g: I am currently working on a collaboration which is an automating stirring bowl and it just works perfect for my Kadhi Recipe coz we all know how long we have to stir that mixture to get the perfect Kadhi.
Do you believe sharing food is one of the most powerful ways cultures communicate with each other—beyond language or borders?
Yes. Food transcends language-it’s sensed, felt, and remembered. Food is emotion. A recipe can speak of seasons, celebrations, and community without a single word. When we share food with others, whether through a post, a meal, or a bite-we share a piece of our identity and invite the world to taste what makes it meaningful. No Border or Language can keep you away from the joy of sharing food and I believe one of the best bonds is made over good food. From celebrating Diwali to thanksgiving to Christmas food is always the Love language that everyone speaks.
Masala is more than a blend of spices; it’s a philosophy of balance. How do you see masala reflecting the complexity and diversity of Indian culture itself?
Masala is like a spark, a kick that everyone needs in life. It is poetic in its balance. Each spice contributes a unique voice, yet together they create harmony,just like the diversity of Indian culture. Every region, every household, every story adds depth and nuance to the whole. Masala isn’t just flavour-it’s a philosophy that celebrates complexity, balance, and unity in diversity.
Every household has its own masala recipe—do you believe these variations act as personal and regional identities passed down through generations?
Yes! These variations are the culinary fingerprints. Each family’s masala tells a story of regional climate, ancestral influence, personal taste, and tradition. These variations are more than recipes-they’re living heritage, passed down through generations and adapted with love. That’s why every bite feels personal and familiar.
