Padma Lakshmi just served up a piping hot family moment that’s breaking the internet. The Emmy-nominated host shared a chaotic kitchen adventure with daughter Krishna Thea Lakshmi-Dell, 15, demonstrating their unique take on masala chai – complete with forgotten stove knobs and honey-drizzled chaos.
From Top Chef to TikTok Mom
While best known for 17 seasons hosting Bravo’s Top Chef, Lakshmi has reinvented herself as a digital-age culinary storyteller. Her Hulu series Taste the Nation recently scored its third consecutive Critics Choice Award, with Season 4 reportedly exploring Native American foodways.
#ChaiGate Goes Viral
The February 15 Instagram video shows Krishna crushing cardamom pods while Lakshmi quips about straining philosophies: “Why peel ginger when you can strain it later?” The post racked up 1.2M views in 48 hours. Foodies debated:
- Crushed vs whole cardamom
- Milk-first vs water-first brewing
- Honey vs sugar sweetness
Teen Queen’s Milestone
Krishna celebrated her 15th birthday on February 20 with museum trips and cake-cutting tributes. The UN International School graduate – whose father is venture capitalist Adam Dell – recently collaborated on TikTok’s “Suspect Challenge”.
| Project | Accolade | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Taste the Nation | 3× Critics Choice Winner | 2021-2023 |
| The Encyclopedia of Spices & Herbs | NYT Best Seller | 2016-Present |
| Endometriosis Foundation | $28M Research Funding | 2024 Impact Report |
MIT to Mainstream Maven
The former MIT visiting scholar continues blending academia with accessibility:
- New cookbook targeting college students (Fall 2025)
- UNICEF partnership combating child malnutrition
- Upcoming PBS series on Ayurvedic medicine
