--- title: "Sindhu Suraj: From Banker to Professional Home Chef in Bengaluru" description: "Meet Sindhu Suraj, a former banker turned professional chef running Ammana Mane Oota. Discover her journey, culinary training, and authentic home-cooked meals." canonical: https://mytribe.in/ammana_maneoota/artisanal-pickles-spice-blends/my-story-from-banker-to-award-winning-chef last_updated: 2025-09-02 --- # My Culinary Journey: From Banking to Professional Chef Tribe Verified · Award-winning home chef serving South Bengaluru. By [Ammana Mane Oota](https://mytribe.in/ammana_maneoota) · Local delivery available in South Bengaluru · ₹280 per 250g Pack (estimate) Part of [Artisanal Pickles & Spice Blends](https://mytribe.in/ammana_maneoota/artisanal-pickles-spice-blends). [View full gallery](https://mytribe.in/ammana_maneoota/artisanal-pickles-spice-blends/gallery) I traded my corporate life for a chef's hat to follow my passion for traditional cooking. Here is a look at the training and hard work that shaped the kitchen behind Ammana Mane Oota. ## Photos and videos - ![A portrait of me in my chef's uniform. This represents the professional dedication I bring to my passion for authentic Indian cooking.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/d227970b-cc66-4daa-ba93-48db136776c7) - ![A promotional image from my time at the ASK Institute of Hospitality Management & Culinary Arts. This is where I honed my skills and turned my passion into a profession.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/d1a9c75f-014b-46b8-9da1-100648a181a7) - ![Receiving my diploma on graduation day. This was a significant milestone in my journey to becoming a professional chef.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/c8f164a3-b8dc-4f79-a212-a5e06ff6f1f9) - ![A happy moment from my graduation day, holding my gold medal. This achievement was a validation of all the hard work and dedication I put into my culinary education.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/fbc8261c-f830-47f0-84e0-39e689a8ca79) - ![A selfie during my internship at Courtyard by Marriott. This experience gave me invaluable exposure to a professional hotel kitchen environment.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/f187804a-217e-437e-aa9d-ca8e292c1192) - ![Posing with my winner's certificate after being named a Suvarna Super Star. This was an unforgettable experience that celebrated my love for cooking on a grand stage.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/9b2ab8e4-67b1-49d5-bbdf-a5eec7f0216e) - ![Another shot from the Suvarna Super Star stage, holding my certificate. I am so grateful for the recognition of my culinary skills.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/b6979072-d1d9-429f-817a-add3700baae3) - ![The crowning moment on the Suvarna Super Star stage. It was a surreal and emotional experience for me.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/330444ba-dfcd-4461-a287-23e4c88e8cbc) - ![A close-up of the crowning moment, a memory I will always cherish from my time on the reality show.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/0c8731ad-1482-4eb7-9271-ea8780588d00) - ![Receiving the award and certificate on the Suvarna Super Star stage. This recognition inspires me to continue sharing my passion for food.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/4b20d406-8582-466f-9ef5-47205b871f10) - ![A proud moment on television, being recognized for my culinary journey and skills.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/9045a119-5487-42f2-a0ae-570404fda1d1) - ![A candid shot of me on the brightly lit stage of Suvarna Super Star. The experience was as exciting as it looks.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/564774f3-398b-4140-8efb-2ab73c602f40) - ![Another candid moment from my appearance on the TV show, where I had the chance to share my story.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/bd0d4fc3-f430-4d93-a98e-e6929fecca49) - ![The official "Winner" graphic from the Suvarna Super Star show. Seeing this on screen was a dream come true.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/7e1fbe66-9468-4991-88c3-29efbc8b799e) - ![A final look at the winner announcement on TV. This victory was not just for me, but for everyone who believes in following their passion.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/1d9d9974-d0ea-41b9-b4f9-49341faf51ff) ## About My Story: From Banker to Award-Winning Chef Cooking at home is not just a hobby for me. After leaving my banking career, I went back to culinary school and interned in professional hotel kitchens to learn the discipline of a commercial setup. When you order from me, you are getting food prepared with the same precision I learned at the ASK Institute, but with the freedom to make it exactly how you like it for your family. My path to becoming a chef started with a simple realization: I was happiest in the kitchen. Leaving the banking sector was a leap of faith, but it allowed me to pursue formal training at the ASK Institute of Hospitality Management. That experience taught me how to manage a professional kitchen, maintain hygiene standards, and understand the chemistry of ingredients. My internship at the Courtyard by Marriott was the real turning point. Working in a high-pressure hotel kitchen showed me that high standards do not have to sacrifice the home feeling. I brought those lessons back to my own setup, Ammana Mane Oota. When you see me roasting spices for my signature Biryani Masala or hand-grinding ingredients for my pickles, I am applying what I learned in school alongside the traditional methods I grew up with. This mix of professional training and maternal instinct is what makes my food different. Whether I am catering a party or preparing a daily meal box for you in South Bengaluru, the goal remains the same: real, healthy, and authentic food without any of the shortcuts used in mass production. Winning the Suvarna Super Star title was a proud moment, but my real validation comes when a client tells me my food tastes exactly like their mother's cooking. ## About Ammana Mane Oota I am Sindhu, the face behind Ammana Mane Oota. I left a bank desk for the kitchen to cook the kind of food my family and I love to eat every day. Everything you see here is prepared personally by me, right here in my Bengaluru kitchen. [See all of Ammana Mane Oota's services](https://mytribe.in/ammana_maneoota) ## More from Artisanal Pickles & Spice Blends by Ammana Mane Oota - [Featured](https://mytribe.in/ammana_maneoota/artisanal-pickles-spice-blends/featured) - [Traditional Homemade Pickles](https://mytribe.in/ammana_maneoota/artisanal-pickles-spice-blends/traditional-homemade-pickles) - [Authentic 'From Scratch' Spice Blends](https://mytribe.in/ammana_maneoota/artisanal-pickles-spice-blends/authentic-from-scratch-spice-blends) ## More services by Ammana Mane Oota - [Home-Cooked Meal Subscriptions (Tiffin Service)](https://mytribe.in/ammana_maneoota/home-cooked-meal-subscriptions-tiffin-service) - [Catering for Parties & Events](https://mytribe.in/ammana_maneoota/catering-for-parties-events) ## Similar work from other experts - [My Culinary Journey: Inside My Veg Culinary School in Bangalore](https://mytribe.in/varshinis-kitchen/hobby-cooking-baking-classes/my-culinary-journey-the-classroom) by Varshini's Kitchen · Hobby Cooking & Baking Classes · Classes at Kitchen Studio in Banashankari Stage II - [From Dentistry to Dream Cakes: My Journey](https://mytribe.in/cookiedustbyjanice/dessert-gifting-hampers/my-story-from-dentist-to-baker) by CookieDust by Janice · Dessert Gifting & Hampers · Store at New BEL Road; Delivers in Bengaluru & Ships Pan-India - [Customer Stories and My Kitchen Journey](https://mytribe.in/anukitchen_bengaluru/party-event-catering-andhra-hyderabadi/my-story-customer-love) by Anu's Kitchen · Party & Event Catering (Andhra & Hyderabadi) · Caters within 7km of K.R. Puram - [The Roots of Old Bangalore Naati Cuisine](https://mytribe.in/karnivore.kitchen/chefs-table-events/my-story-in-the-media) by Karnivore Kitchen by Kalyan · Chef's Table Events · Chef's table events in Bengaluru & Delhi NCR - [Real Student Success Stories: From Passion to Professional Baking](https://mytribe.in/bakinghubacademy/professional-baking-patisserie-diploma-6-week-program/from-passion-to-profession-our-student-journeys) by Baking Hub Academy · Professional Baking & Patisserie Diploma (6-Week Program) · 6-Week in-person diploma course at HBR Layout - [The Art of Modern French Cuisine](https://mytribe.in/amiel_gourmet/gourmet-food-delivery/the-art-of-french-cuisine) by Amiel Gourmet · Gourmet Food Delivery · Delivers across Bengaluru; Pickup available in Sahakar Nagar & Yelahanka ## Book To book Ammana Mane Oota, message mytribe on WhatsApp: [Chat on WhatsApp](https://wa.me/916360004054?text=Hi%20Sindhu%2C%20I%20saw%20your%20story%20on%20mytribe%20and%20would%20love%20to%20know%20more%20about%20your%20home-cooked%20meals.)