About Vidya



Welcome! Vidya Balachander is a journalist, editor and features writer with over a decade of experience. She started her career in Mumbai, India, working with prestigious media organisations such as Time Out MumbaiHindustan Times and the Indian edition of BBC Good Food magazine.

Her stint with BBC Good Food proved to be the catalyst that has since inspired a specialisation in writing about food — and how it serves as a lens through which to view and understand culture, politics, globalisation and communities. Currently based in Dubai, she has been published in several international outlets such as Saveur.com, CNN’s Parts Unknown, National Public Radio’s The Salt and Roads & Kingdoms.

She also regularly writes on food and travel for Indian publications such as Mint LoungeNational Geographic Traveller IndiaIndian Express and Goya Journal, among others.

In addition to her writing assignments, Vidya is also an experienced editor. She was also a consultant on the seventh season of Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown, CNN’s popular travel show.

When she isn’t writing (or daydreaming) about food or travelling, Vidya enjoys cooking (especially Asian or modern Indian food), browsing local markets, stocking her pantry with ingredients from around the world, meeting people, snorkelling and planning future getaways. Wine is her go-to tipple but whisky is a growing passion. She has a weak sweet tooth, but will go to great lengths to find a creme brûlée with a perfectly crackly crust.

If you’d like to know commission her for writing assignments or freelance editing work, contact her now.