Shraddha

Growing up in India as the eldest of three sisters, from an early age I keenly started observing my mom, aunts and all the ladies of the family cook delicious foods all the time. What I learned without going to any culinary school or working under any chef was that the right ingredients with the right quantity at the right time makes all the difference in the great soulful food. Those little tricks and techniques that I learned in our kitchens just stayed with me forever and years later after I got married and had my family it just came naturally in my cooking style.

My career as an IT professional took me across India to different places and learning about the local food in its authentic way became part of my assimilation process with the local community. Fast forward to 2015, I moved to Madison with a high school daughter and was the only earning member in the family at the time. Settling in a new environment across the continent I had my share of challenges from learning the college admission process for my daughter to maneuvering a four-wheel drive during a winter storm to finding the community connection that can make you feel at home. But what kept me going was the strong family support, friendly local communities in Madison WI and love for good food. Slowly I started to invite friends and neighbors over small gatherings to share Indian delicacies, and the authentic taste, simple ingredients and variety of menu just became super hit within no time.

Over the years I explored the Indian restaurants and food joints in and around Madison area only to realize that there is a gap in the food scenario here and the community is clearly missing out on authentic, regional Indian street food experience.

Strong Indian heritage and deep passion for quality ingredients, healthy cooking and love for engaging in the local community prompted me to look for opportunities to give back and create that experience through my products and services and that's how The Chowpati was born . The timing of my business idea is just right with the Madison Public Market opening with a goal of providing an incubator for local businesses and new entrepreneurs to take off and thrive.

Besides my professional and culinary experience I also have a artistic venture under my belt. I started painting as a hobby during the pandemic and uncovered this unique talent to express and communicate through colors. I use art to support various social causes ranging from Child Cancer Research to STEM education for girls and local food pantries to name a few. I have done a number of solo art exhibitions and art shows over the last few years and have donated my sale proceeds to non-profit organizations to give back to Madison community whom I call my home now.