Hip to dip

Chef Sonali Shah on cooking for A-listers and why dips should be a dinner party staple.

- By Camilla Foster

COOKING and sharing food has always played a significant role in Sonali Shah's life, but she never imagined she could transform that passion into a career.

"Growing up, my mum was always trying to experiment with food and we had so many cookbooks in the house and recipe cards from supermarkets," shares Sonali.

"So, I was surrounded by it, but I never really thought I could make a career of it.

"I ended up going to university and studying economics and then worked in the city, but quickly realised that it wasn't for me."

She admits the career change was "daunting," but she encourages others to pursue what they love.

"I ended up going to catering college and doing a whole career change, which was daunting, but I've always loved food," says Sonali.

"So many people have passions that they could definitely turn into a new career.

"It's scary when you've sort of built up years of a career, but I think if you have the chance you should just go for it."

Since taking this leap of faith, Sonali is now a trained chef, food stylist and recipe writer who has been able to travel the world, work alongside top food stylists and chefs, and even cook for A-listers.

"My first job out of college was cooking for actors on movie sets.