With over 20 million followers across his social media platforms, Notorious Foodie has become a global sensation. Yet, less than two years ago, the self-taught home cook revealed his face for the very first time. One detail, however, remains shrouded in mystery: his name.
Famous for his inventive recipes, ASMR-driven videos, and globe-trotting food reviews, the enigmatic culinary star has deliberately kept his identity under wraps, choosing instead to let his craft take centre stage.
In his first-ever interview, Notorious Foodie opened up to Arabian Business about the intrigue surrounding his anonymity and the philosophy behind his approach.
“When I started the page, I didn’t tell anyone,” he shared. “None of my friends knew I had the page, probably until four years in, just because I was nervous to start posting on social media. There’s always a bit of hesitation about what people are going to think. But once it grew to a decent size, people sort of found out.”
From the very beginning, his vision was clear: the food would always be the star. “I didn’t want it to be about me or about me talking to the camera. It’s just always been food first. And I guess I’ve never had an opportunity to share my name, so I’ve just kept it as a sort of secret.”
Born in the UK to an Indian family, Notorious Foodie spent much of his childhood in Dubai, a city celebrated for its rich and diverse culinary influences. After returning to the UK for university, he pursued a career in venture capital—a field he describes as “boring” and a far cry from his current creative path.
His decision to remain nameless has only amplified the intrigue around him, a dynamic he acknowledges has helped fuel his success. “I think it’s added to it a little bit,” he admitted. “But also the content is very different. It’s maybe some of the ingredients I use and the style – it’s quick, it’s fast, it’s very therapeutic to watch. So I think not knowing who is behind the camera, I guess, is an interesting thing.”
He added, “In most of the other content out there, there’s always a main personality, and everyone knows their name, face, and how they sound.”
But for Notorious Foodie, the ethos remains unchanged. “For me, it’s always been food first.”
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