Amrita Bhattacharya and her husband Amit Sens are redefining culinary exploration in Kolkata by blending their skills as chefs with the rigorous methodologies of food anthropology. Their initiative, Handpicked by Amrita, launched in Santiniketan, showcases rare Bengali dishes through intimate dinners and immersive storytelling, reflecting their shared passion for preserving regional foodways.

Born in Kolkata and later based in Santiniketan, Bhattacharya leads the home-based venture, curating menus spotlighting lesser-known culinary gems. Her deep cultural roots inform each dish, transforming meals into micro-ethnographic experiences that highlight tradition and memory through taste.

Sens, partnering with Amrita, complements her culinary storytelling with ethnographic analysis, documenting ingredient histories, preparation techniques, and cultural significance. Together, they conduct intimate dinners and workshops, inviting guests to not only taste but also understand the social narratives behind each recipe.

Their interdisciplinary approach is gaining attention among food scholars and enthusiasts who view cuisine as a lens into societal change. By framing cooking as research, they bridge academia and gastronomy—educating audiences through the palate.