Architect by Design, Foodie by Destiny — The Culinary Journey of Anish Mungekar

In the world of creative minds, few manage to straddle two completely different yet equally demanding professions. Shrikrishna Uday Mungekar, known to his audience as Anish, is one such rare talent — a Senior Architect crafting skylines by day, and a celebrated food influencer shaping culinary experiences by night. His story is a blend of precision, passion, and an insatiable appetite for both design and flavour.

Anish’s relationship with food began long before the digital era turned culinary exploration into a social media phenomenon. As a child, he was fascinated not only by flavours but also by the stories behind them — the traditions, techniques, and creativity that transform ingredients into experiences. This early fascination matured into a lifelong love affair with gastronomy.

In 2014, Anish transformed his passion into a purpose by stepping into the world of food blogging and criticism. His knack for discovering hidden gems and articulating his culinary adventures soon won him a loyal audience. Unlike casual food posts, his reviews combined aesthetic presentation with insightful critique, making him a trusted voice in the food community. His growing influence eventually brought him to the spotlight — including judging the finale of the television show The Grilled and sharing moments with culinary icons like Sanjeev Kapoor, Sarah Todd, Ana Roš, Ranveer Brar, Zorawar Kalra, Seefah, Rafael Parisi, Sanjyot Keer, Shipra Khanna, Riyaaz Amlani, Sarfaraz Ahmed, Sanket Joshi, and Divyendu Roy.

The pandemic of 2020 was a turning point for Anish. While much of the world slowed down, his culinary ambitions accelerated. He launched Anish’s Kitchen by TheBigGutGuy, a venture that allowed him to share his own creations directly with food lovers. This initiative not only showcased his cooking skills but also his ability to blend creativity with business acumen.

The same passion eventually took him to the audition stage of MasterChef India 2024, a moment that symbolised the culmination of years of dedication. For Anish, this was more than a competition — it was an affirmation of his journey from a curious foodie to a recognised culinary personality.

Despite his growing success in the food space, Anish never abandoned his architectural career. The balance between designing physical spaces and curating sensory experiences has become his signature. As an architect, he understands the importance of detail, structure, and aesthetics — qualities that translate seamlessly into his food photography, plating, and event collaborations.

Anish’s Instagram profile, TheBigGutGuy , reflects his wide-ranging expertise in food, travel, and liquor. With over 62,000 followers, he has built a vibrant community that trusts his recommendations and shares his enthusiasm for quality dining experiences. His feed is not just a showcase of meals but a storytelling platform — each post a chapter in his journey as both a creator and a connoisseur.

Looking ahead, Anish has a clear vision for his culinary future. He aims to consult for restaurants, leveraging his dual expertise in design and gastronomy to help brands create memorable dining spaces and menus. Ultimately, his dream is to open his own culinary destination — a place where architecture and flavour meet in perfect harmony.

For Anish, passion is not a side project. It is the driving force behind everything he does, whether he’s sketching building blueprints or crafting the perfect dish. His journey is a testament to the idea that pursuing multiple passions is not only possible but can also lead to a richer, more fulfilling life.

In his own words, “Passion isn’t a hobby — it’s a way of life.” And for those who have followed his work, it’s clear that Anish Mungekar is living proof of that philosophy, inspiring others to chase their dreams with equal fervour and flavour.