How Chef Raina Mirchandani Is Redefining Success, One Cooking Class at a Time

Between managing the fast-paced dining room at Burgerology Midtown in Manhattan and growing her culinary company, Did You Khado, Chef Raina Mirchandani is creating a career defined not only by ambition, but by resilience.

Born and raised in India, she moved to Queens, New York, with a goal set in mind. Raina discovered her love for food in her grandmother’s kitchen, where she’d stand on a step stool, pretending to do her homework but secretly learning the difference between raw and ripe, how to use spices, and how heat plays a role in flavor. Recipes were passed down to her at the age of 5, and meals became her language of love. Those early memories inspired a lifelong passion that led her to culinary school, years of professional kitchen experience, and eventually the launch of Did You Khado in New York City. 

The name itself (Did You Khado?) is inspired by the familiar Sindhi expression, “Did you eat yet?” More than a greeting, it’s a gesture of care, warmth, and hospitality. That philosophy remains at the heart of every experience Raina creates. Her classes are designed to do more than teach recipes; they bring people together through food, storytelling, and shared experiences.

Building a business while maintaining a demanding full-time career has never been easy. Today, alongside her work at Burgerology Midtown, Raina continues to expand Did You Khado with the same determination that has carried her through one of the most challenging periods of her life. Personal setbacks tested her resilience, but they also strengthened her commitment to building something meaningful. Rather than allowing adversity to define her, she used it as motivation to keep moving forward.

Building Did You Khado, One Experience at a Time

Did You Khado has become known for transforming cooking into an immersive experience. Guests don’t simply follow recipes; they prepare every dish from scratch, learn the cultural history behind each meal, and leave with both new culinary skills and food to enjoy at home.

Drawing inspiration from Indian cuisine, seasonal ingredients, and professional culinary techniques, Raina has taught more than 4,500 guests through public classes, private events, and corporate experiences across New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut. She has also worked as a private chef for celebrities. 

Every event is intentionally designed to feel welcoming. Carefully selected playlists, thoughtfully curated menus, and a relaxed atmosphere encourage conversation, laughter, and genuine connection. It’s an experience where strangers often leave as friends.

More Than a Cooking Class

As demand has grown, Did You Khado has expanded beyond traditional cooking classes to include:

• Hands-on cooking experiences for individuals, couples, families, and private groups.
• Corporate team-building events that strengthen collaboration through cooking.
• Private chef experiences and celebrations.
• Catering for intimate gatherings and special occasions.
• Gift experiences for food lovers looking to share something memorable.

Regardless of the occasion, the mission remains the same: to create moments where food becomes a bridge between cultures and people.

A Career Built on Resilience

For Raina, entrepreneurship has never been about overnight success. It’s been built through consistency, discipline, and an unwavering belief in showing up every day, even when life becomes difficult.

“My work ethic comes from a combination of personal discipline, strong values, and past experiences,” she says.

That mindset has helped her balance restaurant management, recipe development, event planning, and business ownership while navigating significant personal challenges behind the scenes. Through it all, she has remained committed to creating experiences that leave people feeling inspired, connected, and welcomed.

She believes the qualities that have shaped her journey most are resilience, creativity, and a deep appreciation for the cultures that influence her cooking.

Her advice to aspiring chefs and entrepreneurs is refreshingly simple: stay curious, embrace setbacks, and never stop learning. Every challenge offers an opportunity to grow.

Looking Ahead

Chef Raina Mirchandani’s journey is proof that success isn’t measured solely by titles or milestones; it’s measured by perseverance, purpose, and the impact you leave on others.

While continuing her leadership role at Burgerology Midtown, she remains dedicated to growing Did You Khado into one of New York’s most distinctive culinary experiences. Through every class, every shared meal, and every story told around the table, she continues to remind people that food is about far more than what we eat; it’s about connection, culture, and creating memories that last long after the plates have been cleared.