Baker Shivesh Bhatia’s latest cookbook is a delicious symphony of sugar and storytelling

The City Beautiful witnessed an unforgettable affair with chocolate recently as Shivesh Bhatia, the country’s beloved baker and food stylist, brought his new book Chocolate: 100 Irresistible Desserts to life at the Hyatt Chandigarh. The event was a space where velvety ganache met creative genius and fans indulged not just in chocolate, but in a slice of Shivesh’s inspiring journey.

The venue was dressed in chocolate—from delicate ruby chocolate tarts to rich, fudge brownies and whimsical mousse cups. As trays of dreamy chocolate desserts floated around, the guests were swept into a world where cocoa wasn’t just an ingredient—it was a feeling. Each creation was a testament to Shivesh’s artistry and affection for chocolate. “This book is more than a collection of recipes—it is my love letter to chocolate,” smiled Shivesh, who has turned his passion into purpose and plated it with flair.

While his previous books explored an array of confections, this one dives deep into the heart of a single, universally adored ingredient—chocolate. “It’s comfort, it’s joy, it’s nostalgia,” he explained. “I wanted to dedicate a book solely to celebrating what chocolate can truly do,” he added.

Developing the book, however, was no cakewalk. It took months of labour, love and lots of late-night testing sessions. “There were failures, plenty of them, but that’s what made it worthwhile,” he shared. So, what was the creative process behind this book like? “From experimenting with bittersweet, milk, white and ruby chocolate, to ensuring no two desserts felt the same, the process was as rigorous as it was rewarding,” informed the bubbly baker. Any favourite recipe from his book, which Shivesh absolutely loves? “It’s like choosing a favourite child. Every dessert carries a memory, a lesson, a flavour experiment, a breakthrough,” he smiled. “This book is a collage of moments from my journey. Each page is a piece of my heart,” he said.

For someone who began his culinary journey in the quiet corners of his home kitchen, his rise has been nothing short of extraordinary. Shivesh began as a self-taught baker, guided by nothing but curiosity, courage and the comforting aroma of cakes baking in his oven.

Over time, his dedication transformed him into a Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree, a digital phenomenon, and a name that’s now synonymous with Indian baking excellence. Shivesh credits his turning point to the digital wave. “Sharing my creations online opened up the world to me,” he said. “It connected me to a global community, gave me real-time feedback, and, most importantly, gave me the courage to keep going,” he added.

Today, Shivesh is not just a baker, he’s a storyteller. As a food stylist and content creator, he treats every dish like a canvas, blending colour, texture, and plating with meticulous care and an artist’s touch.

“Taste is key, but visuals add emotion. They turn a simple dessert into an experience,” he insisted. And nowhere was that more evident than at the Chandigarh launch!

So, what lies ahead for the boy who baked his way into millions of hearts? “There are ideas bubbling all the time,” Shivesh shared. From new cookbooks exploring global dessert trends to exciting collaborations and online workshops, he’s just getting started. To the young bakers in the room—those wide-eyed and hopeful—his advice was simple, but profound: “Stay curious. Don’t be afraid of failure. Use every mistake as a stepping stone. And let your passion lead the way.”

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