We had the good fortune of connecting with Chinar Grover and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Chinar, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
Starting my own business was a dream come true! As a food influencer, I saw an opportunity to help restaurants, food chains, small businesses and hotels reach their target audience. I wanted to bridge the gap between amazing food establishments and foodies eager to discover new flavours. My thought process was simple: focus on adding value, creating content that inspires and building relationships that last. I believed that if I could make a positive impact, the financial rewards would follow.
My mantra? “Don’t chase money, chase value, creativity and passion. When you do, people will love your work and success will follow!”
And that’s exactly what happened! Now, I get to spend my days doing what I love, helping businesses thrive, and sharing the joy of food with the world.
Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
As a food influencer, I turn my passion into a profession, celebrating the universal language of food. I share recipes, techniques, and stories that showcase global cuisine’s diversity and richness. From India’s spices to the Americas’ flavors, I explore it all! My platform is a haven for foodies, connecting people through a shared love of food, creating an inclusive and delicious community.
I stand out with my distinct blend of Indian heritage and American perspective, shaped by growing up in Delhi and living in Atlanta. My content uniquely fuses traditional Indian cuisine with global flavors and storytelling, showcasing food’s power to bridge cultural gaps. Authenticity, creativity and passion for food drive my platform, making it a standout in the culinary world.
Food brings people together! I love how a recipe can start conversations and share memories. My platform is a space where people connect, cultural differences fade, and food becomes a shared language. I’m excited to explore new ingredients, recipes and stories to share with my community. Food has endless possibilities and I’m eager to keep discovering and sharing its wonders!
I started sharing my love for food and storytelling on social media, and it turned into a journey as a food influencer! Growing up in New Delhi, I was surrounded by delicious Indian food. As I traveled, my passion grew. People liked my recipes and stories, and my following grew through word-of-mouth, collaborations and consistent posts. Now, I’m thrilled to inspire others to explore the world through food, thanks to my amazing community.
Becoming a food influencer wasn’t easy! I struggled with weight gain. But I didn’t give up! I found a balance between enjoying food and staying fit through healthy habits and regular workouts. It took time and discipline, but I succeeded. Now, I inspire others to follow their passions while taking care of their health.
Success is a journey, not a goal. I’ve learned to work hard, embrace failures and stay true to myself. Criticism and doubts taught me valuable lessons. I listen to my audience and keep improving. Success is not just about achieving goals, but about growing as a person.
Follow your passion, no matter what! My journey shows that success is about making an impact. Take the first step and let your passion make a difference!
Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
This is something I did for one of my friend who visited me in ATL sometime back. It’s always fun exploring things with your best friend. Sharing my itinerary here.
DAY 1
Morning: Start with brunch at The Flying Biscuit Cafe for Southern classics like chicken and waffles, Biscuits & gravy.
Afternoon: Head to the world of Coca Cola – It’s ATL’s must visit. They have some new icons exhibit and the coolest part is the World of Coca Cola tasting room where we can try unique Coca Cola beverages from all over the world.
Evening: Watch a game at Mercedes Benz Stadium, enjoy some popcorns, hot dogs and cheer.
Dinner at Planta in Buckhead for it’s delectable Vegan food.
DAY 2
Morning: Grab some healthy smoothie bowls and toasts at Crave well Cafe. Visit the High Museum of Art to see a mix of classical and contemporary art.
Afternoon: Explore the Ponce City Market. Lunch at Bibi Eatery (love their falafel platter), Botiwala (Chicken tikka Roll) and Alcoholic Kombucha from The Tap. They’v got over 50 beers to choose from on tap.
Evening: Rent bikes or walk the Atlanta BeltLine to see street art and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere. Dinner at Hawkers for asian street food – Love their Korean Chicken Bao’s with sake.
DAY 3
Morning: Start the day with a hike at Stone Mountain Park. My friend is a big outdoor person so we had to do it.
Later the brunch at the First watch can be really worth it.
Afternoon: Visit the Atlanta Botanical Garden, place where arts blend well with nature and the recent exhibit is Alice in wonderland. Walk and explore the rose garden, spice gardens and Orchid space.
Evening: Dinner at Yao – Thai Chinese restaurant with live music evenings. Finish the day with ice cream from Sub Zero Nitrogen-Gourmet Ice cream experience in Sandy Springs. Watch your liquid treat become a frozen ice cream. Freshest, creamiest and fastest way to make ice cream.
DAY 4
Morning: Brunch at another broken egg cafe followed by Georgia Aquarium
Afternoon: Tubing/Kayaking on the Chattahoochee River for some adventure and day full of exploration. This is always my favorite.
Evening: Cool off and relax at Sweathouz for some sauna, cold plunge and Vitamin C shower session. Dinner at Polaris- Atlanta’s Iconic rotating restaurant & Lounge for the panoramic views of the city,
DAY 5
Morning: Brunch at Sun in My Belly in Kirkwood, known for its cozy ambiance and creative dishes.
Afternoon: Visit the High Museum of Art to see a mix of classical and contemporary art.
Evening: Catch a performance at the Fox Theatre, a stunning historic venue. For dinner, head to The Yellow Chilli of Georgia – restaurant by Iconic Indian chef Sanjeev kapoor for some Indian food debauchery.
DAY 6
Morning: Coffee and brunch at Cafe Intermezzo for the European coffee place vibe. Followed by a short road trip to Yonah Mountain Vineyard.
Afternoon: Head to Yonah Mountain Vineyard- one of my favorite wineries in Georgia. Sink in some good views, wine and cheese bites. Later driving to Helen.
Evening: Explore Helen, the German town in Georgia known for its Bavarian buildings, German bakeries and drinks.
Gorge on some fried cheese at Muller’s cafe, drinks by the stream at troll tavern and the salmon with sauerkraut. What a perfect way to end a week long trip.
Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My journey wouldn’t be the same without the love and support of incredible individuals and experiences. First, I’d like to dedicate my shoutout to my father, the ultimate foodie who sparked my passion for culinary adventures! He would take me on thrilling taste quests across Delhi NCR, introducing me to iconic Indian street food like samosas, chole bhature and kulfi. His enthusiasm was contagious, and I’m forever grateful.
Next, I’d like to thank my family. Through thick and thin, they have been my biggest cheerleaders. Whenever I have a wild idea, they help me make it happen.
Last but not least, I thank my wonderful friends and community for their unwavering support and love. Your encouragement has meant the world to me and I’m honored to share my story with all of you. Thank you for being part of my journey!
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/foodconnectindia
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chinargrover
Twitter: https://www.x.com/chinargrover
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/foodconnectindia
Yelp: @ChinarGrover
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/chinargrover
Other: Threads: https://www.threads.net/@foodconnectindia