Sumantha Raghubir says her love for cooking was inspired by her late grandmother, Ghoria Dukhan, and her mother, Shirley Raghubir, whose home was always filled with delicious meals and warm hospitality.
For Sumantha Raghubir (45), some of life's richest memories are not found in elaborate celebrations or expensive meals, but in the comforting aroma of a simple family recipe.
Although she relocated to Pretoria in 2003, the values and traditions she learnt in her childhood kitchen in Kharwastan continue to shape her passion for cooking today. Raised by her mother, Shirley Raghubir, and her late grandmother, Ghoria Dukhan, Sumantha grew up surrounded by remarkable home cooks who believed that no visitor should ever leave empty-handed.
"My Nani and my Mum were the kind of people who would never let you leave their home without eating," she recalls. "You could never say you weren't hungry. They would quickly prepare a variety of dishes from everyday ingredients, and everyone would sit together. It brought so much joy, and everything was made with love."
Watching them transform basic components into delicious family meals inspired Sumantha's lifelong love for cooking and baking. Today, she enjoys experimenting with new techniques and adding a personal touch to the dishes she prepares for her own family.
