For Priyanka Joshi, food has always been more than what is served on a plate. Coming from Kolhapur, a region with a strong culinary culture, and having lived in Goa for several years after marriage before eventually moving to Udaipur, she has been exposed to diverse food traditions and flavours through different stages of her life. That exposure gradually developed into a deeper curiosity about food, its cultural connections and the experiences built around it.
Her entrepreneurial journey in Udaipur began in 2018, when she noticed that the city had limited options when it came to certain cuisines and food experiences. What began with experimenting and a small ice cream café eventually evolved into Foogle Café, followed by catering, cooking workshops and community initiatives.
Today, Foogle Café has two branches in Panchwati and Field Club. Alongside her work in hospitality, Priyanka has participated in MasterChef India and several cooking competitions, while also initiating the Pink Saree Run, bringing together women around fitness, wellness and community.
In a conversation with Kanan Rathore, Priyanka reflects on the experiences that shaped her, the philosophy behind Foogle, the lessons of entrepreneurship and why she believes that sometimes life plans much bigger things for us than we can plan for ourselves.
Q. How did your journey begin? What first sparked your love for food, cooking and hospitality?
I basically come from Kolhapur, and after my marriage, I lived in Goa for a few years before moving to Udaipur. So, I have had the opportunity to experience different food cultures and cuisines through the places I have lived in.
When I shifted to Udaipur in 2018, there were not many food options available, especially when it came to different cuisines. I kept trying, experimenting and exploring food. That curiosity eventually led me to start a small ice cream café in 2018.
In 2020, Foogle took its earlier shape, and eventually I also entered catering. So, the journey has been a gradual evolution, with every experience leading me towards something new.
Q. You trained in Food Production in 2022 and later gained industry experience at The Oberoi Udaivilas in 2023. What were some of the most valuable lessons you carried from those years?
Knowledge is power. It gives you confidence.
My studies and industry experience helped me understand food in a much deeper way. I learned that food is closely associated with culture, geography and communities. There is so much history, knowledge and development behind what we eat.
I also understood the importance of hard work, especially during the initial years. You have to put in the effort, learn continuously and understand every aspect of the industry.
Q. You participated in MasterChef India in 2023 and have also taken part in several cooking competitions. How have these experiences shaped you?
MasterChef is much more about food techniques. It pushes you to dive deeper into food research and development.
Competitions also allow you to meet new people and experience different approaches to food. Every such experience makes you realise that there is so much more to learn. You may think you know a lot, but there is always room to learn, explore and discover something new.
Q. At what point did you realise that you wanted to build something of your own?
Initially, I did not have much practical experience. My studies and professional exposure helped me understand how a kitchen is actually built and how it functions across different departments and sections.
I learned things such as what needs to be stored, how it should be stored, how inventory is checked and how different operations are managed. I also learned leadership, communication and delegation.
Delegating work is extremely important. You cannot do everything yourself. You need to understand people, communicate with them and build a team that can work together.
“Life plans much bigger things for us than we can plan for ourselves. Sometimes, we think too small about what is possible.”
~ Priyanka
Q. Foogle Café has now grown to two branches in Panchwati and Field Club. What was the idea behind Foogle?
It was always my dream to have a homely café, a place with a warm and comfortable atmosphere.
I also wanted to make foods that are not easily available in Udaipur accessible to people. Because of the different places I have lived in and the cuisines I have experienced, I wanted that diversity to reflect in the food as well.
Beyond the food, I wanted the café to have its own character and atmosphere. I wanted it to be cosy, while also having a space for fun and celebrations.
Books, workshops, jamming sessions and other activities became part of the café because I wanted Foogle to be a place where people could spend time and create memories, rather than simply come in, eat and leave.
Q. Udaipur’s café culture has grown tremendously. What makes people return to Foogle beyond the food?
I think it is the same homely feeling.
The activities and experiences integrated into the café also make a difference. It is not only about food. It is about the environment, the people and the things that happen around the food.
Q. As the founder of a café, which part of entrepreneurship do you enjoy the most?
Meeting new people every day.
There are so many different people who come into the café, and I enjoy interacting with them. Managing the staff and handling multiple things at the same time can be challenging, but it is also interesting.
People come from diverse backgrounds. Once, someone from Sikkim made momos for us, and they were delicious. These kinds of interactions make the journey special.
I also enjoy meeting people from different age groups. And when you become a part of someone’s celebration, whether it is a birthday or another special occasion, it feels really nice.
Q. You also conduct hands-on cooking workshops. What do you enjoy most about them?
The joy on people’s faces when they create something on their own.
Kids’ workshops are especially fun. Sometimes what they make may not necessarily be edible, but the excitement of creating something themselves is priceless.
And learning has no age limit. People continue to learn even at an older age. I remember an uncle who was around 70 coming to a workshop. That is what makes these workshops so special for me.
Q. You have received recognitions such as the Naari Samman Award, She Is Udaipur Award and My Visionary Award. What do these recognitions mean to you?
Recognition is very important because it keeps you going. It is a sign that you are doing something good, and appreciation becomes a motivation to continue.
But more than any award, customer feedback is the most precious thing for me. Every client is valuable. When someone appreciates your food, your service or the experience you have created for them, that stays with you.
Q. What has been the biggest challenge of your entrepreneurial journey?
Every day is a challenge.
The whole journey comes with a lot of challenges. You keep falling and rising. That is part of entrepreneurship.
For me, the most important thing is to take one day at a time. You cannot let every challenge overwhelm you. You fall, you learn, you get back up and you keep moving.
Q. If someone walked into Foogle for the first time and said, “Surprise me,” what would you serve them?
I would serve them our Mushroom Gulati Kebab.
Q. If you could cook for three people from different points in time, who would they be?
For someone from my past, I would choose my grandfather. I would make him cauliflower salad and matar ki gujiya.
For someone from the present, I would choose Narendra Modi. I would prepare a Gujarati thali for him, a full-course meal with kadhi, khichdi and moringa ke parathe.
And from the culinary world, I would choose Vikas Khanna. I would love to eat something cooked by him.
Q. Looking back at your journey, what is one turning point that changed the way you saw yourself?
Believing in myself and my work.
I used to doubt myself. Learning to believe in what I was doing changed my perspective. Once you start trusting yourself and your work, you begin to see possibilities differently.
Q. What is the next dream for Priyanka Joshi?
I do not plan everything.
Things keep happening, and I feel that the universe keeps giving me what I manifest. I just think strongly about what I want and keep going.
Have faith. Believe in yourself and keep moving.
I think life plans much bigger things for us than we can plan for ourselves. Sometimes, we think too small about what is possible.
For me, the idea is to keep living every day, taking one step at a time. I do not have to define one enormous dream after Foogle. I want to see where the journey takes me.
Q. Five years from now, what do you hope Foogle stands for?
Just Good food and great hospitality!
