Nisha Katona, the culinary star and co-founder of Mowgli Restaurants, is captivating audiences with her new television series, Nisha Katona’s Home Kitchen. Airing every Saturday on ITV and STV, the show invites viewers to her home, where she showcases her favorite recipes crafted from local ingredients and produce from her own garden, bringing flair to traditional Indian cuisine.
The 53-year-old chef, originally hailing from Ormskirk, Lancashire, first made her mark with Mowgli, a restaurant chain dedicated to Indian street food, which has expanded across the UK with locations including Birmingham, Manchester, Liverpool, and Glasgow. Katona's culinary ventures have helped bring Indian flavors to the forefront of British dining, but her path to stardom was far from straight.
Raised by doctor parents, Nisha initially followed the expected route toward the medical profession. She attended the University of Liverpool to study psychology but found herself captivated by the world of law after interning at barristers’ chambers. This pivotal summer job prompted her to switch her focus to law, leading her to complete her degree at Liverpool John Moores University from 1992 to 1995, where she also met her husband, Zoltan Katona.
Speaking about her pride at becoming a barrister, Nisha reminisced, "I couldn’t wait to finish my degree, go to Bar school and come home to practise in Liverpool." After being called to the Bar at Lincoln’s Inn in 1996, she established a successful practice specializing in family law and child protection for nearly two decades.
Her responsibilities as a child protection barrister included serving on the Northern Circuit, and she was appointed trustee of the National Museums Liverpool by the Department of Culture, Media and Sport. Nisha's passion for law was not lost on her family; her two daughters are now pursuing careers within the same field, inspired by their mother’s achievements.
While she was deeply entrenched in her legal career, Nisha discovered her love for cooking, which blossomed during her time at the Bar. "I started teaching Indian cooking, and people would ask me for my recipes. So, I thought, maybe there is something in this,” she told Liverpool John Moores University. This passion led her to open her first restaurant, Mowgli.
When Mowgli launched, it quickly gained popularity, which necessitated 100% of her time. She left her legal practice in 2014, admitting, "I took a sabbatical, and I’m still on it nine years on." The restaurant is now viewed as a living entity within the dining scene, always drawing crowds eager to experience the authentic flavors of India.
Katona's culinary prowess is not limited to restaurant management. She has written several cookbooks and enjoyed multiple television appearances, including hosting regular cooking segments on This Morning and appearances on Radio 4's The Kitchen Cabinet. She was also a judge on the beloved cooking competition The Great British Menu, and has competed alongside iconic personalities like Harry Judd from McFly on Cooking with the Stars.
On her current show, Nisha Katona’s Home Kitchen, she invites viewers to join her on her culinary adventures as she prepares dishes like chicken korma and tandoori monkfish tail. Each episode emphasizes sourcing ingredients locally, highlighting her commitment to sustainability and community support.
Nisha’s contributions to the culinary world have not gone unnoticed. She was awarded an MBE for services to the food industry and founded the Mowgli Trust charity, promoting food education and poverty relief. Underlining her passion and dedication, she serves not only as the face behind Mowgli but also as a champion for Indian cuisine throughout the UK.
Despite her rapid rise to fame, Nisha’s story reflects the importance of following one’s passion. Transitioning from law to food, she has crafted her own niche and empowered others to embrace their culinary creativity. Her love of cooking continues to inspire viewers and enthusiasts alike, as she brings the flavors of India to life on television and maintains her restaurant's vibrant atmosphere.
With Nisha Katona’s Home Kitchen airing weekly, fans are eagerly tuning in not only to discover new recipes but to gain insight from Katona's inspiring life story and her steadfast commitment to community and heritage. If her past also shines bright, one thing is clear: Nisha Katona is here to stay, making her mark on both the culinary and television worlds.