In the heart of Mumbai's Bandra, a culinary legend prepares for her annual magnum opus. Joyce Arora, the home cook whose dishes have won the hearts of Bollywood's elite, is gearing up for her bustling Christmas lunch, a tradition where she single-handedly cooks for over forty people.
From Army Brats to Bollywood Plates: A Culinary Journey
Born to an Army officer, Joyce Arora's childhood was defined by constant movement across cities and neighbourhoods. The one unwavering anchor through this nomadic life was her mother's kitchen. Joyce has been cooking since the age of ten, shadowing her mother, fetching coriander mid-recipe, and developing a lifelong passion.
This passion evolved from family meals to a quarter-century of dedicated cooking. She took a step back from her marketing career at The Indian Express to accompany her daughter, actress Amrita Arora, on her early modelling travels. Later, she found joy in cooking for her grandson, Arhaan (son of elder daughter Malaika Arora), instilling in him a love for South Indian food and vegetables.
"I do all the buying and cooking myself," Joyce states emphatically. She is meticulous, blending her own masalas, selecting the finest vegetables and cuts of meat, and personally handling all procurement. Her philosophy is simple: quality is paramount.
A Taste of Heritage and Celebrity Favourites
During a recent visit, Joyce showcased dishes from her Malayali roots. The spread included a Kerala-style cauliflower thoran (a dish she notes predates the trendy 'cauliflower rice'), a lush palak chicken creation adapted from a mutton original, and a simple yet iconic jeera aloo.
The jeera aloo, made with just four ingredients, has a famous fan. Actor Rahul Khanna took the recipe from her years ago and still swears by it. Her influence extends through her daughters' circles. Kareena Kapoor Khan loved her tangy fish curry made with kacha kairi (raw mango) and coconut, a dish that fans now call 'Kareena's fish curry'.
Her kitchen, stocked with XL-sized vessels despite living alone, is a testament to her generous spirit. The meal prepared for a small interview could have easily fed fifteen people.
Christmas, Family, and The Future of 'The Joyce of Cooking'
Christmas at Joyce's Bandra home is a grand affair. She decorates a six-foot tree and welcomes around 40 guests, comprising family, friends, and their friends. There is no external catering; Joyce does it all herself, starting her preparations four days in advance and waking up at 4 a.m. on Christmas day.
"I always cook in abundance. I can't be caught napping," she laughs, ensuring there are always plentiful leftovers for guests to take home. This year, celebrations will span her home and Scarlet House, the restaurant run by Malaika and Arhaan, which is featuring a special Joyce-curated Christmas menu.
Joyce had built an Instagram following of over 40,000, sharing recipe videos shot and edited by her late partner. While his recent passing paused her social media journey, it is not an ending. Joyce is planning a comeback on YouTube with a channel she whimsically plans to call "The Joyce of Cooking," finding new ways to continue her lifelong mission of feeding people with love and exquisite flavour.
