As the beloved host and judge of Top Chef, Padma Lakshmi has tasted her fair share of unusual dishes. “To be honest, I’m not a big fan of offal,” she admits to Closer. “The duck testicles during the D.C. season had me seriously stressing out!” Thankfully, most of the dishes she’s encountered on the Bravo food competition series have been absolutely delicious—or at least easier to swallow. Since stepping into the spotlight on Top Chef in 2006, the former fashion model has fully embraced her passion for food. At 51, Padma has authored two cookbooks, a memoir, and created and hosted the Hulu series Taste the Nation, which celebrates the food and traditions of immigrant communities across the United States.
The divorced mother of 12-year-old daughter Krishna, Padma recently partnered with DAH!, an Indian-inspired natural foods company. “I’m thrilled to bring this to the American public because it’s something new and exciting for them,” she shares. “And trust me, it’s absolutely delicious!”
From Family Traditions to Food Television
How did your upbringing prepare you for a career in food television?
“Food has always been a central part of my life. From a very young age, I was surrounded by it. Some of my most cherished memories are of cooking alongside the women in my family, especially my grandmother. She taught me so much about layering flavors and the importance of experiencing food with all my senses. That foundation has been invaluable in my career. It’s what allows me to connect with food on a deeper level and share that passion with others.”
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What did you want to be when you grew up?
“Growing up, I dreamed of being an actor and a writer. I studied theater and American literature in college, and I’ve dabbled in acting over the years—appearing in shows like 30 Rock and Star Trek, as well as some historical dramas. But the last 15 years have been all about food. It’s been an incredible journey, and I feel so fortunate to have found my calling in this industry.”
Keeping Top Chef Fresh and Exciting
How do you keep Top Chef feeling fresh after nearly two decades?
“One of the keys to keeping the show vibrant is filming in a new city each season. It allows us to explore regional specialties and collaborate with local chefs, which adds a unique twist to every challenge. My producers are genius at coming up with ways to push the chefs out of their comfort zones. People often underestimate the diversity of American regional cuisine and the rich cultural influences that shape it. We’re committed to showcasing that diversity and giving viewers a deeper understanding of what it means to eat locally.”
Do you have a favorite American city for dining?
“Oh, hands down, it’s New York City. But Houston is a close second. I had some unforgettable meals there during Top Chef. There’s just something magical about the food culture in both cities—it’s vibrant, diverse, and always evolving.”
Exploring America’s Culinary Heritage
Will there be another season of Taste the Nation?
“Absolutely! We’re already in production for Season 2. While I can’t reveal too much yet, I can tell you that I’m beyond excited about the stories and communities we’ll be featuring. Keep an eye on my social media for sneak peeks into where we might be filming next. It’s going to be an incredible season!”
What was one of the first dishes you ever learned to make?
“As a latch-key kid growing up in New York City, I often had to fend for myself after school. I’d doctor up canned soup with whatever spices or herbs I could find, turning it into a meal or snack. That was probably the first real cooking I did on my own. It taught me the value of improvisation and creativity in the kitchen.”
Passing Down the Love of Cooking
Have you passed your love of cooking on to your daughter, Krishna?
“Definitely! Krishna is quite independent in the kitchen now. She even made fried chicken all by herself once! And when I wasn’t feeling well, she prepared a dish of couscous, vegetables, and sriracha butter that hit the spot perfectly. It’s amazing to see her confidence grow and her culinary skills develop.”
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What do you enjoy cooking together?
“Our household is all about late-night snacks! One of our go-to treats is midnight nachos. We use thin, crispy chips, pile them high with gooey cheese, and top it all off with a fiery homemade tomatillo salsa. Krishna has truly mastered the art of making a killer plate of nachos. It’s a bonding experience we both love.”
Life Beyond the Kitchen
What’s the best part about being a mom?
“Spending quality time with my daughter. She’s such great company, and no one makes me laugh like she does. Watching her grow into this amazing young woman fills me with so much pride and joy.”
What do you and Krishna do for fun?
“We love roller-skating together. I’ve been skating my whole life, but I still only know how to move forward and backward. I’d love to learn some tricks, and with the recent resurgence of roller-skating, I’m hopeful more rinks will open up. It’s a fun activity that we both enjoy.”
What’s the most common question fans ask you?
“How I manage to stay slim while indulging in so much food on both Top Chef and Taste the Nation. The truth is, it takes a lot of hard work and discipline. But it’s all worth it when you’re doing something you love.”
A New Collaboration with DAH!
How did your partnership with DAH! come about?
“I receive countless food products to try, but DAH! stood out immediately. The collaboration felt natural and organic. I loved the idea of creating and building flavors together, and I knew it would be a great partnership. I’m proud to work with the talented team at DAH! to introduce a brand-new lassi flavor inspired by my book, Tomato With Mixed Berries. It’s a project I’m truly passionate about.”
What makes DAH! special?
“The richness of the yogurt is unmatched. It’s so creamy and luxurious, yet it still retains that signature tang I associate with Indian yogurt. What surprised me most was how much my kids and nephews loved it. It’s comforting to know that DAH! is a healthy option with minimal sugar, making it perfect for the whole family.”
Reflecting on Accomplishments and Future Goals
What are you most proud of so far?
“Writing my memoir, Love, Loss, and What We Ate, was a labor of love that took me five years to complete. It’s a deeply personal work that I’m incredibly proud of. Beyond that, creating Taste the Nation has been a career highlight. But being a mother is, without a doubt, the most important role I play.”
Where do you see yourself in five years?
“I hope to continue producing Taste the Nation and explore more projects where I can step behind the camera. I want to create opportunities for other women, people of color, and underrepresented groups in the industry. It’s important to me to use my platform to amplify diverse voices and perspectives.”
