Sugandha Saxena, a globally known chef, an entrepreneur, is also the gleaming face of progressive modern Indian desserts and tradition- inspired Kayastha cuisine. Hailing from a quintessential Kayastha family, the chef’s familiarity with the flavours, culture, and cuisine has been a given. Her eagerness for food sparked at an early age. Growing up, she enjoyed watching and assisting her grandmother and mother cook. With time, the fondness for food and cuisines spiked.
Her journey to being a seasoned culinary expert kicked off after completing a noteworthy post-graduation degree in International Hospitality from the ivy-league EHL Hospitality Business School in Switzerland.
How did your early experiences with your grandmother and mother influence your culinary journey and shape your approach to modern Indian desserts?
My culinary journey has been shaped by my grandmother and mother, in how I understand Kayastha cuisine. Their meticulous approach to cooking and their emphasis on tradition and authenticity instilled in me a profound respect for heritage recipes and a sharp eye for detail. However, my exploration into Indian and modern Indian desserts was a separate, personal chapter—a journey sparked by my own curiosity and vision.
The idea for Laddooh emerged from my desire to reimagine Indian desserts by blending tradition with contemporary sensibilities. This vision wasn’t directly influenced by my family but by my passion for innovation. By maintaining the traditional flavour along with experimenting with healthier alternatives and modern, aesthetic presentations I’ve carved out a unique niche for my brand, transforming how Indian desserts are perceived both in India and abroad.
In what ways do you integrate traditional Kayastha cuisine with contemporary culinary trends, and how does this fusion contribute to the success of your brands, Okhli and Laddooh?
When it comes to Kayastha cuisine, I strive to maintain authenticity by following age-old recipes and preserving the essence of tradition. At Okhli, I focus on presenting classic dishes like Mutton E Dadima (Khade Masala Ghost) and Mutton Koftas to ensure the heritage of Kayastha flavors is celebrated in its truest form.
At Laddooh, I’ve taken a slightly different approach. While staying true to traditional Indian sweets, I also offer modern options by incorporating alternative sugars like jaggery, desi khand, and Stevia etc. This fusion allows me to cater to the growing demand for healthier indulgences while providing a luxurious, personalized experience for weddings, corporate events, and special occasions. This balance of tradition and modernity has been pivotal to the success of both brands.
What role does your education at the EHL Hospitality Business School play in blending culinary heritage with a refined, modern twist, and how does this expertise support your entrepreneurial ventures?
My education at EHL Hospitality Business School has been instrumental in shaping my approach to blending culinary heritage with a modern twist. The rigorous training I received there taught me the importance of hospitality, management, and customer experience. These skills have allowed me to elevate traditional dishes while maintaining their authenticity.
EHL has equipped me with a strategic mindset, enabling me to offer personalized experiences that cater to high-end clients through Laddooh and Okhli. My understanding of quality service, business operations, and customer relationships ensures that I can balance the preservation of culinary heritage with the demands of contemporary trends, making my ventures both meaningful and scalable.
How does Laddooh balance the authenticity of traditional Indian mithai with Western influences to create a unique and innovative dessert experience?
At Laddooh, I’ve found a way to blend the authenticity of traditional Indian mithai with modern Indian compatible flavour by combining timeless recipes with modern flavors and presentation. My sweets are rooted in traditional techniques, using pure ingredients like jaggery, coconut sugar, and desi khand, but I also add innovative touches that make them relevant to a global audience.
The packaging and customization options are designed with a sleek, modern aesthetic that appeals to a luxury market. This approach helps me position Indian mithai as both timeless and trendy, creating a unique dessert experience that honors heritage while catering to contemporary tastes.
In what ways does the focus on healthier, organic, gluten-free, and sugar-free alternatives contribute to Laddooh’s appeal in the growing gourmet and wellness food markets?
The focus on healthier, organic, gluten-free, and sugar-free / Natural sugar option has become a cornerstone of Laddooh’s appeal. By using high-quality ingredients like A2 cow ghee, and customisation and finest ingredients including finest dryfruits I’m able to create sweets that align with modern wellness trends without compromising on flavor or authenticity.
A2 cow ghee, with its nutritional benefits, adds a richness to my sweets that not only enhances their taste but also supports a healthier lifestyle. This combination of indulgence and wellness makes Laddooh an ideal choice for discerning customers who seek gourmet, guilt-free desserts.
How have your international ventures and collaborations with luxury hotels and corporate entities contributed to your global recognition and the expansion of your culinary brand, Laddooh?
While I’ve had the opportunity to explore international ventures and pop-ups with Okhli, my focus with Laddooh remains primarily on the Indian market, where I see the most potential. By catering to high-end clients and offering bulk, bespoke orders, I’ve been able to establish a strong reputation within India.
How does Laddooh’s use of organic and guilt-free ingredients, combined with traditional recipes and modern twists, redefine the experience of enjoying handcrafted Indian desserts in contemporary culinary culture?
At Laddooh, I’m committed to changing the way people perceive traditional Indian mithai. By using organic, guilt-free ingredients and combining them with heritage recipes and innovative twists, I offer customers an elevated dessert experience that is both premium and authentic.
I believe that Indian mithai deserves the same level of appreciation as any high-end dessert, and I’m dedicated to crafting sweets that showcase their true potential. My approach redefines the experience of enjoying handcrafted Indian desserts, aligning them with contemporary culinary culture while honoring their rich legacy.
