Helly Raichura's story is just as interesting as her food. In a past life, the chef from Gujarat, India, was an HR advisor for an IT company - until she quit her job to pursue her love of cooking and started offering intimate dinners out of her home. Guests had to enter via her laundry, and so Enter Via Laundry was born. There, Helly created shared meals that took guests on a culinary journey through regional India. One of the first chefs to introduce and popularize regional Indian cuisine in Australia, Helly quickly gained a following, and she featured on
MasterChefAustralia to much acclaim.
Preserving India's culture through cuisine, and showcasing its regionality on a plate, is Helly's passion. She now has a permanent venue for Enter via Laundry in the inner city of Melbourne, Australia. Never losing sight of her Indian heritage, she creates menus that educate guests on the history and seasonality of each dish.