CEO and Founder @ Milk and Cardamom
Food Photographer | Recipe Developer
Hetal Vasavada’s journey is a masterclass in reinvention, a tale of passion meeting precision, and creativity blending seamlessly with strategy. From a biochemistry and forensic chemistry degree to the world of food media, entrepreneurship, and digital marketing, her story is one of bold pivots, relentless ambition, and an undying love for flavors that tell a story. Hetal’s academic foundation was built at the University of the Sciences in Philadelphia, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry and Forensic Chemistry. Her analytical mind and attention to detail naturally led her to pursue a master’s in Biomedical Sciences at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, with a focus on Organizational Development and Leadership. But even as she navigated the world of scientific research, another passion simmered beneath the surface—food. It wasn’t just about cooking; it was about storytelling, about infusing heritage into every bite, about the science behind textures, aromas, and flavors. While others saw the laboratory as a place of formulas and equations, Hetal saw it as a kitchen in disguise—a space where precision created magic. Before she became a household name in the culinary world, Hetal worked in healthcare analytics. As an associate consultant at Triage Consulting Group and a reporting analyst at Columbia University Medical Center, she was responsible for data-driven insights, uncovering millions in underpayment risks, and optimizing financial workflows. Numbers made sense to her, but something was missing—the creativity, the vibrancy, the joy of crafting something with her hands.
That missing piece revealed itself in 2015 when Hetal took a leap of faith and stepped onto the set of MasterChef Season 6. Out of 40,000 hopefuls, she secured a coveted spot among the top six contestants—a groundbreaking achievement for a vegetarian who had never cooked meat before. Week after week, she wowed judges Gordon Ramsay, Graham Elliot, and Christina Tosi, proving that Indian spices and a deep understanding of flavor could transform the simplest ingredients into a culinary masterpiece.
Her time on MasterChef wasn’t just about competition; it was a launching pad. It gave her the confidence to pursue food full-time and turn her passion into a brand. What started as a blog soon evolved into a thriving business. In 2012, Hetal founded Milk & Cardamom, a food media and digital marketing platform dedicated to modern Indian-inspired baking and cooking. Her mission? To celebrate her heritage, share bold flavors, and introduce the world to the magic of Indian spices in desserts and pastries.
Her debut cookbook, Milk & Cardamom, was an instant hit, earning a spot in The New York Times and being named one of the best cookbooks of 2019 by The San Francisco Chronicle and The Washington Post. But she didn’t stop there. Her second book, Desi Bakes, took her innovative approach to Indian-inspired desserts even further, earning recognition in The Wall Street Journal, Forbes, Eater, and more.
Beyond writing, Hetal became a sought-after food photographer, recipe developer, and social media strategist. She collaborated with major brands like Nielsen-Massey, California Strawberries, Driscoll, and Diaspora Co., using her expertise in digital marketing to craft compelling food content that resonated with audiences worldwide. Her skills weren’t just limited to her own brand—she helped Bay Area restaurants and food businesses elevate their online presence. As a freelance content creator and social media manager, she worked with renowned establishments like San Francisco Cooking School, Brenda’s French Soul Food, and Humphry Slocombe, bringing their flavors to life through stunning visuals and engaging storytelling.
Her time as a Digital Marketing Manager at Humphry Slocombe further sharpened her ability to merge data with creativity. She developed SEO strategies, executed paid campaigns, and played a key role in increasing wholesale sales by 20%. Her tenure at Chewse, where she led content and social media efforts, saw a 136% increase in social media impressions and a 120% boost in engagement—numbers that proved her marketing acumen was just as strong as her culinary skills. Hetal isn’t just a baker or an author; she’s a visionary entrepreneur who understands the power of storytelling, culture, and innovation. Whether it’s through her cookbooks, online classes, or brand collaborations, she continues to inspire a new generation of home cooks and food lovers.
Her journey is proof that passion and persistence can lead to unexpected yet fulfilling destinations. She transformed from a scientist into a culinary force, from a corporate consultant into a creative entrepreneur. And through it all, she’s remained true to her roots—using food as a bridge between tradition and modernity, science and art, numbers and flavors. And if there’s one thing Hetal Vasavada has shown the world, it’s that success isn’t about following a straight path—it’s about following what excites you, even if it leads you somewhere you never imagined.
