Hi, I'm Rakhi!
I am happily married and have two grown-up children who are both currently at university. I was born in Kenya and moved to the UK over 30 years ago. I speak English, Gujarati, Kiswahili and Hindi, and I love meeting people from different backgrounds and cultures.
Some of my earliest food memories are of visiting the open market with my mum twice a week to buy fresh fruit and vegetables. The highlight for me was always being offered samples of different fruits by the friendly market vendors while my mum shopped. My earliest cooking memory is making biscuits with my mum, followed by attending cake and biscuit baking classes when I was just eight years old. Those experiences sparked a lifelong love of cooking that has stayed with me ever since.
Working with children has always brought me immense joy. Throughout my career, I have loved helping children grow in confidence, develop independence and believe in themselves. Building positive relationships and helping children feel safe, valued and supported has always been at the centre of my work.
Before joining Cook Stars, I worked in education for many years as a Nursery Assistant and Primary School Teacher across both Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2. During my teaching career, I also ran a cooking club at my primary school. Children thoroughly enjoy learning new cooking skills, trying different foods and creating recipes together. Seeing their excitement, confidence and sense of achievement reinforced my belief in the positive impact cooking can have on children. Combining my passion for cooking with my love of working with children made Cook Stars the perfect fit for me.
When it comes to food, I don't have a single favourite dish because I love trying new vegetarian foods from around the world. If I had to choose a favourite cuisine to cook, it would be Mexican food – I love its vibrant flavours, colours and versatility.
I can't wait to share my love of cooking with children and families, helping them create delicious food, learn new skills and make wonderful memories together.
