Senior Chef Anupam Chanda shares his love for culinary arts, his approach to delivering value, and what fulfils him.
In his seven years of being a Swiggster, Anupam Chanda has been instrumental in Swiggy’s quest to delight people with food and convenience. His passion for making people happy through the culinary arts has enabled him to create exceptional value for everyone around him. Driven by the hunger for growth, fulfilment, and innovation, Anupam Chanda has brewed a rich career at Swiggy, and we’re here to get a taste of it.
Tell us about the beginning of your Swiggy ride. What was your role when you joined the company? How has that changed over the years?
My journey with Swiggy began seven years ago when I joined as a chef. At that time, my role primarily revolved around offering my culinary expertise and ensuring that quality food was delivered to customers. Over the years, my role has evolved significantly. I transitioned into a senior management position and started working on culinary innovations. This shift allowed me to contribute to the development of multiple brands, including The Bowl Company, Homely, Soulrasa, and Bengali Rannaghor, Fastrack, The Pasta Co, and Mister Monster. This journey has been incredibly rewarding, and it has given me the opportunity to combine my culinary passion with leadership and innovation to contribute to Swiggy’s growth and success.
And what led you to join Swiggy?
Joining a startup cloud kitchen was a decision driven by several factors. Two of them were my passion for culinary arts and my desire to explore new culinary horizons. Swiggy’s cloud kitchen division presented an opportunity to be creative within the food industry. Cloud kitchens were relatively new when I joined Swiggy in 2016, and this presented an opportunity to be at the forefront of an emerging industry. I was excited about the potential for innovation and adapting to changing consumer preferences. The idea of having a more hands-on involvement in cultivating a company appealed to me on a professional and personal level.
What was your first day at Swiggy like?
I remember feeling a mixture of excitement and anticipation on my first day. The day started with a warm welcome from the Human Resources team, who introduced me to the organisation’s culture, values, and mission. I went through the onboarding process, which included paperwork, getting familiar with company policies, and setting up my workspace. I had the opportunity to meet my immediate team members and colleagues from various departments. It was evident from the start that the team was passionate about food and innovation, which immediately resonated with me.
I received an overview of the company’s vision and goals, which emphasised its commitment to culinary excellence and technological innovation in the cloud kitchen space. I was taken on a tour of the cloud kitchen facilities. I got to see the state-of-the-art kitchen setup, which reflected Swiggy’s dedication to delivering high-quality food. I was briefed on my initial responsibilities, which included preparing and testing recipes. It was clear that my role would be dynamic. My first day at the company set a positive tone for my journey ahead. I could see the purpose, creativity, and growth that had attracted me to the startup. That day, and every day since then, has made me feel like a part of something big, promising, and meaningful.
How would you describe your seven-year journey with Swiggy?
My journey with Swiggy has been one of remarkable growth and transformation. The role involved using my culinary knowledge to ensure we delivered high-quality food. My profile evolved with time and allowed me to take on more responsibilities, including strategy. My transition into a senior management position marked a turning point in my career as I moved beyond the kitchen and began collaborating with other teams.
Looking back, what would you say has been the best moment of your tenure at Swiggy?
While my journey at the company has been filled with many memorable moments, one that stands out was the launch of our brand, The Bowl Company. It was a culmination of months of hard work, collaboration with the other teams, and tons of strategic planning. Seeing ‘Homely’ getting successfully introduced, and witnessing its rapid growth, was another special moment of my career. It not only demonstrated our team’s ability to innovate but also affirmed the impact we could make on the culinary landscape. That moment was a source of great pride and motivation for the entire team, including me.
If you could, what would you say to the day-one version of yourself?
If I could go back and speak to my day-one self, I would encourage them to embrace the change and develop the ability to adapt quickly, because the startup ecosystem keeps evolving regularly. I would tell my younger self that their ability to be flexible and open to new ideas is going to be a valuable asset. And lastly, I would advise them to enjoy the process.
Are there any lessons you’ve learned in your time here that can be carried forward in life ahead?
Certainly, the lessons learned during the initial startup phase can be applied to various aspects of life. Going forward, I would like to remind myself that
- Life is constantly changing, and being open to change and adaptable is a valuable skill.
- Embrace new opportunities, experiences, and challenges with a positive attitude.
- Take time to acknowledge and celebrate your achievements, no matter how small.
- Recognising your progress strengthens your determination.
What would you say played an important role in your decision to stay with Swiggy for seven years?
Several factors have influenced my decision to stay with Swiggy. The company’s values and mission resonate with my own beliefs and professional aspirations. I find purpose and fulfilment in the work we do, which is a significant motivator for me to stay. The company has consistently provided opportunities for career growth. Here, I get to take on more responsibilities and evolve in my role. I enjoy the freedom to explore new ideas and contribute to groundbreaking projects. Being appreciated and getting fairly compensated for my contributions has also been a strong reason for me to continue my journey here.
As a Swiggster, which one Swiggy value do you resonate the most with and why?
“Consumer Comes First” is the value I resonate with the most because it aligns with my personal approach of prioritising customer satisfaction and delivering exceptional value.
The philosophy empowers us to meet and exceed customer expectations. And it ensures that every decision and action revolves around enhancing the customer experience, which I believe is essential for sustainable long-term success.
How has your experience been with the Future of Work policy?
Future of Work policy supports both team and individual efforts and trusts employees to deliver what’s expected of them. I love working with my teammates to meet critical timelines that help the organisation achieve important business goals. I also appreciate being able to work independently, knowing I have a strong team to support me.
