Women in Food: 10 Questions with Brook of Bhakti Chai

It's hot. You need iced chai. When I filmed by May Favorites video on YouTube one of the things I included was a new brand called Bhakti Chai, which makes chai beverages. Like srsly good chai. Srsly. When I heard the brand was founded by a woman in food I immediately asked the Bhakti PR team if we could have Brook on Healthfully Ever After for a women in food interview!

1. Tell us about yourself and your business.

Founder and CEO of Bhakti Chai, mother of eleven-year-old twins, soccer and chess enthusiast, and addicted to spicy food and drinks. I began brewing chai as a way to transport myself back to India – inhaling the fragrant cardamom and tasting the fresh pressed ginger swept me back into the chaos, colors, climate, and vibrancy of India. 

I wanted to not only provide the flavors of India in a cup – but also a mission driven enterprise. We practice Bhakti – or devotion through social action by supporting of women and girls globally. My hope is when people sip on a steaming Bhakti Chai or a refreshing Iced Bhakti; they feel inspired by our mission and also with the sustainably sourced and fiery flavor profile. 

2.  If you could define your food philosophy in one sentence it would be….

Spicy flavor fusion. I love combining rich and spicy flavors or making sauces to compliment. Chimichurri sauce is an easy favorite I make for steak, fish, or to drizzle over veggies. I also love plating for my children with enthusiastic splashes of color. Can make even the most basic chicken and rice meal look more exciting. 

3. What are your 3 must have foods in your kitchen?

Garlic, shallots, balsamic vinegar, Cholula, cumin, red peppers (see ways to add color for plating kids food above!) 

4.  It’s your birthday. What are you eating?

Oysters. Prosecco. Nibbles. Tres Leches Cake. 

5. Signature cocktail? 

Moscow Mule or Jalapeno Margarita. 

6. Food you can’t like no matter how hard you try? 

Beets. 

7. What are your go-to resources for all things food ?

Love the local Edible Magazines you can find in most regions of the country. The Epicurious app. Saveur Magazine. Whole Foods. 

8. Food fad you wish would die a horrible death?

All fads fade. I like when people can incorporate international trends, not just American trends. I live by the “everything in moderation….even moderation” mantra. Sometimes a big dose of fresh baked crusty French bread dipped into olive oil or a chocolate malt is in order. 

9.  Must have kitchen tool:

Garlic press. Wine Opener. Mini Cuisinart 

10. What’s the one thing you learned this year that changed the way you think about food?

"GMO’s are linked to our countries gluten disorders. I would rather see us label products NonGMO and thus decrease GMO’s than create more gluten free products stuffed with GMO corn and fillers instead of wheat." - Brook of Bhakti Chai