Meet Surinder & Safia
Meet Surinder & Safia
The women behind Pure Punjabi Cookery School
A Culinary Heritage Rooted in Family, Culture & Legacy
At the heart of Pure Punjabi Cookery School is a mother and daughter duo — Surinder and Safia Hothi — who have made it their life’s work to preserve and teach the traditional cuisine of Northern India.
Their workshops aren’t just cooking classes. They are immersive experiences that pass on generations of culinary wisdom, taught the same way it’s been handed down in Punjabi homes — through demonstration, storytelling, and deep cultural connection.
Surinder Hothi – Founder, Home Cook, Heritage Keeper
Surinder founded Pure Punjabi in 2010, starting with small batches of Garam Masala and Tandoori Masala, made just as her mother had taught her as a young girl.
Born and raised in Southsea, Portsmouth, Surinder grew up in an English environment, attending a local girls' grammar school — but it was at home that her Punjabi roots were nurtured. From the age of 7, under the guidance of her mother Seso, Surinder learned to cook traditional Punjabi food completely from scratch.
By the time she was 11, Surinder was cooking the family meal each night. After the tragic loss of her mother, she realised the profound depth of knowledge that had been passed down to her.
Surinder is not only a lifelong home cook — she’s also a qualified personal trainer, life coach, and property renovator, whose passion for food has always remained a constant. Her skill, patience, and storytelling bring each workshop to life with warmth and tradition.
Safia Hothi – Co-Director, Culinary Creative, Teacher
Safia officially joined the business in 2013, bringing with her a powerful mix of business acumen, international experience, and creative energy. Previously an international conference producer, she worked with Fortune 500 companies in New York, London, and Amsterdam before returning home and stepping into the world of food full-time.
As Co-Director of Pure Punjabi, Safia leads on:
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Kitchen and workshop management
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Recipe and menu development
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Corporate and wedding events
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All food product production and testing
Safia’s client list includes high-profile figures such as a MasterChef: The Professionals finalist, international personal trainers, celebrities, and founders of major global brands. In 2017, she was recognised as a Top 3 Finalist for Young Entrepreneur of the Year, and represented the business at 10 Downing Street as part of the UK’s Small Business 100.
She was also named an International Gourmet Guru by the United Nations campaign, Love Pulses.
In addition to her work with Pure Punjabi, Safia works freelance in luxury hospitality, serving royalty, athletes, A-list entertainers, and leaders of multinational corporations — always bringing the values of authenticity and excellence to every experience.
Why We Teach
Together, Surinder and Safia believe that cooking is more than just preparing food — it’s a cultural act, a form of connection, and a legacy to be preserved.
Their workshops empower home cooks of all ages and backgrounds to confidently make real Indian food — the kind made in Punjabi homes, not restaurants — with no artificial shortcuts, and no watered-down substitutes.
“We’re not chefs. We’re home cooks — like our mothers, grandmothers, and great-grandmothers before us. And that’s exactly why our food connects.”
What Makes Us Different
Cultural Immersion – You learn more than recipes; you learn traditions.
Heritage Techniques – Everything is taught by hand, from scratch, in the way it was passed down.
Mother & Daughter – We represent generations of knowledge in one kitchen. Global Impact – We've taught thousands, privately hosted celebrities, and served royalty — but every student is equally important.
Ready to Learn From Us?
Whether you're a complete beginner or a passionate home cook, you'll leave our workshop with more than just recipes — you'll leave with stories, skills, and confidence.