Instagram, especially Instagram IGTV is packed with food bloggers and vloggers. Until a few years back, television was the only medium to telecast cookery shows and those were mostly watched by housewives. Today, Instagram is most popular among youngsters who are creative, passionate and up to date when it comes to culinary skills. The evolution of culinary interest among teenagers is absolutely surprising and the social media plays a very important role here. Instagram has taken cookery skills, photography, videography and content writing to the next level and unlocked doors for many food bloggers.
You may or may not know cooking but watching the method of cooking is always gratifying. It’s always a pleasure to watch the vibrant hues of the vegetables, the popping mustard seeds, the blend of exotic spices and the rise of papad as it surges in the hot oil. Even if you are an expert cook, you can still follow these Insta food bloggers to learn the new way of preparing and presenting the same old Sambar and Idly. Also these millennial bloggers showcase the best cuisines from various hotels and restaurants. Meet top five Instagram food bloggers from Chennai to know more about their gourmet world.
Text: Vinitha Venkatesha
Blogger: Ekta Kothari
How long have you been operating this handle?
I will complete five years in November. I started very small and at that time, I was not even aware of what I was doing but now I just love it. My passion has become my profession.
What is the inspiration for a shoot?
Food was my interest and initially I used to post my travel adventure, food experiences on my personal blog. One of my friends suggested that I start a food blog on Instagram and Facebook and that is how it all started. Something that always bothered me were the comments from people outside Chennai. They kept asking me ‘Apart from Idly, what else is there in Chennai?’ Being a Chennaiite and a vegetarian I wanted to tell people that there is so much variety when it comes to food in Chennai and my anger became my inspiration. What keeps me going is the love from my followers and when people really try out food from the places I have mentioned, it really thrills me. Now many hotels and restaurants invite me for collaboration and I just love it.
Why food?
Blogging about food came naturally to me. Photography was also one of my interests and combined effort was this food blog.
Are you able to monetize your account? What are your client requirements?
Yes, I have collaboration with brands, products and events. Chennai has event happenings every day and I post stories about them during particular timeline as per my client’s requirements.
How do you plan the shoot? Do you shoot? Or do you have a photographer and a team? Tell us about some interesting experiences while shooting pictures.
I always go with the flow. I don’t do a lot of research about the restaurant. If the restaurant wants a professional photographer I hire otherwise my clients are happy with my IPhone clicks. I do the edits on my laptop and I always believe sunlight is the key ingredient for good photography.
How receptive are brands and restaurants to your ideas now as opposed to when you started?
They really welcome us and our suggestions. Restaurants are very receptive to our ideas and they work around that which really makes me feel happy.
Micro bloggers in other cities vs. Chennai – what are the opportunities and what do you miss?
Chennai is lacking opportunities when it comes to food blogging because nobody knows what Chennai has to offer. Through my blog few of the Delhi food bloggers found out that Chennai has Murukku sandwich. But there are so many delicacies available exclusively in Chennai but not many know.
Approx. revenue you earn through your handle?
There is no fixed amount but it depends on each month, sometimes I get 10k sometimes 30k. Money is a secondary thing when it comes to food blogging. So if you want to make revenue out of blogging, I would say don’t try it.
Who is your role model?
I used to watch this food series on television called “Highway on My Plate” and the show host are Rocky & Mayur inspired me to do such kind of job.
Insta page: https://www.instagram.com/foodtalk_chennai/
