Rachel Rodrigues (27) who holds a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Care and Education is currently pursuing her studies in the field of Graphic Design in the UK. Channelising her creativity into cooking and documenting Goan recipes, her journey captures the authentic flavours of home, aiming to inspire the world.
Early beginnings
My cooking journey began when I moved to the UK. Back in Goa, I didn’t cook much, as my dad is a chef and my mom is an amazing cook. Relocating gave me a reality check, pushing me to experiment with new ingredients and igniting my passion for cooking. I started documenting my creations with photos, which led me to create my cooking page, ‘cooking._.goan.’ While my main focus is on Goan cuisine, I also enjoy exploring other cuisines. I aim to create simple recipes that inspire others to make meals at home.
Cultural inspiration
What inspired me to create content around Goan cuisine is my deep-rooted love for my homeland. Growing up in Goa, I was constantly surrounded by delicious food, thanks to my parents, aunts and uncles. When I moved to the UK, I realised how much I missed those authentic dishes and wanted to share the essence of Goan cuisine with others, showing how easy it can be to recreate these recipes at home.
Finding ingredients for Goan dishes in the UK has become much simpler, especially with the Goan community growing here. Local Indian stores usually carry a wide range of essentials. I remember when people used to bring back dried chilies, jaggery, and vinegar from Goa, but now I can find most of what I need just around the corner.
Brand building
I’m currently studying graphic design, gaining insights into brand building. Through my coursework, I’m learning about visual identity and marketing strategies. These experiences are helping me develop a strong brand for my cooking journey. When I first started cooking, I often turned to YouTube videos or called my parents for guidance. Over the years, I've gained more confidence in the kitchen and can now cook intuitively. I still reach out to my parents, aunts, or uncles for their recipes, especially when I’m running low on ideas.
Creative documentation
I create posts that feel genuine. This approach not only shapes the theme and aesthetics of my content but also allows me to share my cooking journey in a way that connects with my audience. My creative process starts with inspiration, usually a craving for a favourite dish. I plan the recipe, gather ingredients, and set up my cooking space to make it visually appealing. I love documenting the entire process through videos and photos. Once done, I edit the images and write recipes, aiming to inspire my audience to dive into cooking as well! Maintaining authenticity in my content is important to me. I stay true and transparent to my cooking style, using recipes that resonate with my background and passions.
Social media
I never post a video if the dish doesn’t taste right, even if I spent a lot of time filming. During COVID, I had ample time to be consistent and develop my content. Now, I’m focusing on making more videos to reach a wider audience. The feedback has been really encouraging! My family and close friends are always supportive, and I receive messages from followers sharing photos of recreated dishes. Knowing that people enjoy my recipes motivates me to keep creating more content. But I try to be consistent, though balancing university, work, and content creation can be challenging. Since people prefer quick, engaging content, I focus on short videos with trending music. I also experiment with different styles like quick recipes, step-by-step photos, and stories to keep it interesting.
Enjoying the process
Not keeping up with trends; I prefer to be original. My focus is on capturing the cooking process and sharing recipes. Instead of following what’s popular, I stick to what feels right, keeping my content authentic and true to my passion for cooking. I never let algorithms pressure me. This page showcases my love for cooking, and I wouldn’t change that. I’m still in the early stages of building my social media platform, so I don’t stress about numbers. I post when inspiration hits, making it easy to balance with my personal life.
Outside social media
I enjoy capturing moments through photography and video editing. I love singing, exploring new restaurants, and keeping up with makeup trends. I also like binge-watching a good TV series on Netflix while enjoying a meal.
Goan delicacies
Two of my favourite Goan dishes I can’t live without; would be my mum’s chicken xacuti. It’s simply one of the best! I also can’t forget about my dad’s pork solantulem. And of course, rice it's a staple that perfectly complements both dishes.
Future goals
My future plans with cooking include expanding my skills, learning new recipes and techniques. I want to start a side business selling masalas and snacks, and someday create a food bank to give back. I aim to grow my brand and share my passion for food with a wider audience. This page is not about gaining followers but about sharing my journey, so I don’t consider myself an influencer. I believe in leading by example to inspire others. Just staying true to myself and enjoying the process is my ultimate goal.
Looking back
Looking back, I wish I’d been more consistent from the start. If I had a regular routine, I think I would have built a wider audience by now. Consistency is key, and I’ve come to realise its importance in staying committed to what I love.
