q&a with chef ishrath
Meet Chef Ishrath, the heart behind a supper club that’s as nostalgic as it is nourishing. Raised in a traditional Indian home, her passion for cooking was born at her mother’s side and blossomed with encouragement from loved ones. Whether she’s serving daal chawal that recalls childhood comfort or experimenting with new flavors picked up in Dubai, every dish is infused with warmth, tradition, and a deeply rooted sense of hospitality.
From caring for relatives to crafting tiffins for her children, Ishrath’s kitchen has always been a space of generosity and connection. Her supper club channels this same spirit—where stories are shared, memories are stirred, and every guest is made to feel at home. With dreams of recreating the joy of her family’s summer holidays in Kundapura, she invites you to gather around the table and experience food not just as sustenance, but as a heartfelt love language.
Q: Tell us a little bit about yourself.
I grew up in a traditional Indian household, where my mom was an excellent cook. I spent a lot of time assisting her in the kitchen, and that’s where my passion for cooking began. After marriage, my husband loved everything I made, which motivated me to keep exploring new recipes and techniques. Additionally, one of my aunts in Dubai, who is a pro in the kitchen, also shared her culinary expertise with me, further expanding my cooking knowledge.
Q: Coastal Den is known for its warmth and hospitality. What’s your secret to making every guest feel at home at your table?
We lived in Bangalore, and our home often served as a welcoming space for people coming from the villages in search of work. I grew up watching my mom host and care for everyone with love and hospitality. When I became the woman of the household, I naturally continued this tradition. I’d prepare tiffins for my three kids and my niece and nephews, ensuring they had nourishing meals for the day. Hosting became second nature to me, and I took pride in carrying on my mom’s legacy of hospitality.
Q: If you could host a dream supper anywhere in the world, where would it be, and what would be on the menu?
If I were to host my dream supper club, it would be at my grandmother's home in Kundapura. It would take me back to the summer holidays spent there with my big gang of cousins. We’d gather around a large dining table, enjoying a variety of dishes, and each one of us would get a mango to eat with the meal. The highlight was a big bell, which would ring as an alarm, calling everyone to the table. I’d love to recreate these small yet precious memories in my dream supper club, bringing a sense of nostalgia and warmth to every dish and every guest.
Q: Outside of the kitchen, what’s a personal ritual or tradition that brings you a sense of calm or joy?
My five daily prayers serve as a personal ritual that brings me peace of mind. It allows me to disconnect from my responsibilities for a few minutes, creating a space where I can focus solely on my connection with Allah. This time provides me with a sense of tranquility and balance
Q: Your cooking is deeply rooted in Mangalorean flavors, but has living in Dubai introduced you to any new ingredients or techniques that have changed the way you cook?
Over time, many ingredients have become a staple in my daily cooking. I’ve incorporated Arabic spices, Asian flavors, and even cheese, which isn’t traditionally part of our cuisine, but has now become an essential element in my cooking. I’ve also explored numerous new ingredients and techniques, which have greatly enhanced my culinary repertoire.
Q: What’s one dish from your childhood that instantly makes you feel at home?
The food that takes me back to my childhood memories is daal chawal, a comforting dish of lentils (daal) served with rice (chawal), often paired with chicken or fish. The comfort it provides always reminds me of my mom and her cooking, filling me with warmth and nostalgia.
Q: Food is such a powerful way to share culture. Is there a tradition from your upbringing that you love introducing to guests at Coastal Den?
Cooking, for me, is a heartfelt way to express love. It’s about recalling the flavors someone enjoys and preparing those dishes with care. I believe food is a powerful way to show affection and thoughtfulness, as it’s always been a way we express love in my family. To me, food is a
love language—a meaningful gesture to show the people we care about how much we appreciate them and want to make them feel special.
Q: If you could only cook with five ingredients for the rest of your life, what would they be?
If I had to choose just five ingredients to have for the rest of my life, they would probably be rice, onion, chili, chicken, and coconut. It’s a tough decision, as there are so many ingredients I love, but these would give me the versatility and flavors I enjoy the most.
Q: If you could invite three people—past or present—to one of your supper clubs, who would they be and why?
If I could invite three people to my supper club, the first would definitely be my dad, who is no longer with us. I’d love to see his reaction to the idea of me hosting supper clubs. The second would be my father-in-law, who always enjoyed my cooking so much that he preferred staying with us rather than visiting his other son's home. The third person would be someone who was like a brother to me, someone I never had. Sadly, all three of them have passed, and it will remain a dream for me.
Q: What’s one thing people might be surprised to learn about you outside of food?
I’m a good badminton player, and my kids always say I drive like an F1 driver! It’s their way of describing my driving style, and it adds a bit of fun to everyday life. I hope that’s enough to surprise you all!
Q: What advice would you give to someone who wants to start their own supper club?
Just do it. Don't think so much!
Q: What’s next for Coastal Den? Any exciting ideas or projects you’re dreaming up for the future?
I’m planning to collaborate with chefs to create some interesting and innovative menus. I’m really excited about the potential to combine our skills and bring something unique to the table.
