Grimbarians - Single
Ruchita Green

Ruchita Green is incredibly passionate about the power of food – how dishes filled with flavour and nourishment can bring joy to people and create happy memories. Since moving to Grimsby, this chef, published author, and business owner listed in the top 100 women in business 2021 (F:Entrepreneur) has enabled the people of our hometown to create their own food stories through homecooked feasts and authentic Indian cuisine experiences. As food is a basic human need, Ruchita believes in cookery knowledge for all, and this is why she is a proud honourary Grimbarian.

How did Grimsby become your home?


I was born in Pune, India and grew up there surrounded by a large extended family. I moved to Manchester in 2005 to pursue a Masters in Creative Writing, and fell in love with the UK. My hometown is a vibrant, multicultural city with a beautiful balance of the traditional and modern. I found Manchester quite similar, especially as both cities also have a lot of universities and students from all over the world.


I met my husband in Manchester, but around 2007, there weren’t many jobs. In hindsight, it was definitely a warning sign of the looming recession. Darren had a job here, in Grimsby, that he could apply for, so we moved to Cleethorpes. He had previously worked in the area, and had a house here, so it made practical sense.


To be completely honest, I experienced a bit of a cultural shock when we moved here. It felt like a complete contrast to the life I had become used to in Manchester. For what seemed like years, I did not see another Indian or non-white person. I loved being by the seaside, and personally have always preferred a quieter pace of life. In that respect, Grimsby and Cleethorpes were ideal. So, the first 2-3 years were bittersweet. I loved being here, but missed the multiculturalism.

Food seems like a big part of your family life, what is it about cookery that inspires you?


Everything about food and cooking inspires me! The fact that you can take different ingredients or objects and bring them together in one delicious pot that not only fills you, but creates all sorts of wonderful sensations is mind-blowing. All over the world, people have found ways to make some weird and wonderful ingredients taste and look fantastic. Food is one of the basic human needs, and to be able to give someone pleasure or satisfaction through it is the best feeling in the world.


For as long as I can remember, I have loved cooking. My grandmother and aunties used it as a great distraction technique when I was little. Give me a doughball and a rolling pin, and I was a happy child! I spent many hours in my grandmother’s kitchen, just enjoying the different smells and processes that come with Indian food. My mum is a really good cook too, so when I grew up, I wanted to cook like her. People were amazed at the flavours she created, and I wanted to be able to do that. As the eldest of three, I assisted with family meals from a young age, and really enjoyed it. By the time I was 15-16, my mum could tell me to have dinner ready for everyone if she was going to be out. I think it is a basic life skill that we should all have. It has helped me tremendously with my physical and mental health, but also economically. When money is tight, knowing how to create something from basic ingredients can make a huge difference.

Having grown up in a country where the disparity between the rich and poor is so glaringly obvious, food to me has always felt like something that could work at bridging the gap. Those of us who can, must work at providing this very basic human need in any way possible. Here in Grimsby, we have some fantastic organisations that do that every single day. I try and do my best to support them, because I genuinely believe no one should go to bed hungry. Food has the unique ability to soothe the body and the soul if it is cooked with love and compassion.


I have always encouraged my children to cook with me. More than creating great tasting food, I hope they will feel confident in a kitchen. To my mind, cooking is one of the easiest ways of showing love – not only are you offering food, but it says that you have also committed your time to nourish someone. 



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