About Me


Ramola Makan

Looking back on my early beginnings as a cook, I find it hard to believe the success I am enjoying today. If anyone had told me when I was 10 years old that I would be an author of several cookery books I would have laughed at them. Indeed my early attempts in the kitchen gave little indication of what was to come.

It is customary in an Indian home to encourage the daughters to learn the culinary arts.  As I come from a family of excellent cooks, I was automatically caught up in that environment and determined to prove that it was no exception. I can well remember as a six year-old my mother presenting me with some dough and allowing me to roll my own roti, using my own little board and rolling pin.

After completing High School, and design school, where I completed a course in Fashion Design. I went on to study at M L Sultan Hotel & Catering.  This re-ignited my passion for cooking.  In 1979 I started working for Barlow / Panasonic as a microwave & cookery consultant.   This inspired me so that I went on the write the world's first cookbook on Indian cooking in 1988. For this incredible feat I was awarded the Silwood Kitchen Grande Award. This was just the start, and I went on the publish four more cookbooks,
South African Indian Cookbook (Struik) in 1989
Making the best of baking (co-written with Vanessa de Beer) in 1990
Weigh Less: The Eastern Way (Weighless) in 1991
Indian Cooking, the easy way in 1992

In 2005 I joined the ELBA team, allowing me to continue my life long passion for cooking and teaching people how to cook. Working with ELBA cooking appliances broadened my horizon and I started incorporating gas cooking into my cooking style.

Over the years I have had the privilege of writing food columns for The Daily News, Post, Sunday Times & Sunday Tribune.

A few years ago I met a very determined man who then asked me for some advise, and after mentoring him for the Spekko Rice Cooking Competition which he won, he then went on to win Master Chef South Africa. I can proudly say that after working closely with Deena Naidoo, that he is a true inspiration to me.

I try out each new recipe on my family and friends,and when they ask for second helpings, I know I have a winner.

The aim of this blog is to inspire a new generation of chefs, cooks, and families to enjoy cooking as much as I have over the years.  My focus is on quick and easy recipes with perfect results every time.

I trust that you will enjoy, share and comment about my blog.


Warm Regards


Ramola Makan Blog