A Passion for Cooking, A Purpose in Crisis
Cooking had never been a task for Pune’s Home Chef Neha Mahalas. It was her language of love, her way of unwinding, and a skill she nurtured with joy. Whether it was a weekend Pav Bhaji for her kids or a comforting bowl of dal-chawal for her family, Neha found happiness in feeding others.
But everything changed when the COVID-19 pandemic hit.
What was once a personal joy turned into a mission — a heartfelt calling to serve those in need through the power of home-cooked meals.
A Simple Request That Sparked a Movement
“It started when a friend asked if I could prepare tiffin for her daughter, who was stuck alone in Pune during the lockdown,” Neha recalls. “Without thinking twice, I packed a meal and sent it over.”
That one tiffin sparked something bigger.
Soon, word began to spread in her community. Students, senior citizens, and families — all affected by the pandemic — started reaching out to her. Many were unable to cook, and food delivery apps didn’t feel like a safe or healthy option.
“I realized there were so many people struggling to find clean, home-cooked food in Pune. That’s when I started taking more orders — not for business, but to help,” Neha says.
Feeding 50, All by Herself
With growing demand, Neha found herself preparing meals for up to 40–50 people every day. All from her home kitchen. Alone.
“No kitchen staff, no delivery team — just me,” she shares with a smile. “But it never felt exhausting. The joy of feeding others gave me energy I never knew I had.”
Despite the rush, Neha stayed true to her core values — hygiene, quality, and cooking with love. She never compromised.
“I only take as many orders as I can personally handle. I want to ensure the food I serve is fresh and honest — just like what I’d cook for my own family.”
A Safe Space for Home Chefs — Her Journey with PinkAprons
Neha’s journey as a home chef took a more structured turn when she joined PinkAprons, a platform that empowers home chefs in Pune and Mumbai.
“What I love about PinkAprons is how they treat home chefs with empathy,” Neha says. “They never overload me with orders. They always ask, ‘Are you comfortable taking this one?’ That level of respect means everything to me.”
With Pink Aprons handling logistics and customer coordination, Neha was able to focus entirely on what she does best — cooking heartfelt, healthy meals.
A Meal That Meant More Than Food
One of the most emotional moments in Neha’s journey came during the second wave of COVID in March 2021.
“A family of six, all COVID positive, contacted me. No one was ready to deliver food to them,” she remembers. “I couldn’t say no.”
Understanding the emotional and financial stress the family was under, Neha made a compassionate decision — she charged for three people but cooked for all six, every day.
“That’s what humanity is. You help when you can. That’s the power of home-cooked food — it carries comfort and care in every bite.”
When the Healer Became the Patient
Ironically, in the same month, Neha and her entire family tested positive for COVID.
“I had to pause my food service. It was tough, but I had no choice,” she says. “But as soon as we recovered, I was back in the kitchen by July. I missed it too much.”
Beyond Indian Meals — A Global Touch from a Local Kitchen
From classic Indian dishes like Biryani, Gulab Jamun, Pav Bhaji, to global favorites like Pasta and Chinese stir-fry, Neha brings variety to her tiffins while keeping health at the center.
If you’re looking for home-cooked food near you in Pune or a reliable healthy tiffin service, Chef Neha’s kitchen offers more than just meals — it serves warmth, empathy, and a story in every bite.
Final Thoughts: A Recipe for Hope
Chef Neha’s story is more than a business tale. It’s about how one woman, in a time of crisis, used her love for cooking to serve, heal, and inspire. With every meal she sends out, she reminds us that in the darkest of times, food — especially home-cooked — can be the light we all need.
Looking for fresh, hygienic, home-cooked meals in Pune?
✨ Explore Chef Neha’s menu on PinkAprons
📍 Serving: Hinjewadi, Wakad, Baner, and nearby areas
📞 Order Now for Tiffin or Daily Meals
