GIC: Chef Mohena Makes A Plum Cake That's Actually Healthy!

Mumbai witnessed an unforgettable culinary celebration on December 15th at the Slurrp Great Indian Cookout 3.0, held for the first time at Phoenix Marketcity, Mumbai. The event, powered by TTK Prestige, Goldiee Masale, and Vikram Tea, brought together top chefs and enthusiastic home cooks in a lively “Delhi vs. Mumbai” culinary showdown. With high-energy competitions, mouth-watering dishes, and interactive sessions with celebrity chefs, the event left an indelible impression on the city’s food scene. 

Among the shining stars was Chef Mohena Ahluwalia, a Le Cordon Bleu graduate and expert in baking. Known for her innovative, health-focused desserts, Mohena captivated the audience with her live demonstration of a Whole Wheat Plum Cake with Jaggery. Adding an unexpected twist, she incorporated chai masala into the festive favourite, leaving the audience in awe. 

Mohena's Plum Cake Workshop 

With Christmas just around the corner, Chef Mohena seized the opportunity to transform a traditional festive favourite into a healthier yet flavour-packed dessert. Her Whole Wheat Plum Cake, made with jaggery instead of refined sugar, turned out to be a crowd-pleaser. The surprising addition of Vikram Tea’s chai masala elevated the cake, infusing it with a warm and aromatic depth. 

The audience, from home chefs to baking enthusiasts, was thrilled not only to learn this unique recipe but also to taste the result. Many were surprised by how the chai masala enhanced the cake’s flavours, making it a stand out among traditional plum cakes. 

Baking Tips and Audience Interaction 

Chef Mohena’s session wasn’t just about the recipe. She shared invaluable baking tips and tricks, from using overlooked ingredients like Indian spices—such as cardamom and cinnamon—to enhance desserts, to ensuring that every bake has a distinct touch. Her advice to the audience was straightforward: “Never stop experimenting. Even if you make a small video of your efforts, share it—you never know where it might lead.” 

Mohena also encouraged the audience to rethink their approach to ingredients. “Baking is about discovery,” she shared, “and Indian spices can take your recipes to a whole new level.” 

Her candidness extended beyond the kitchen. When asked about her own favourites, she confessed her love for Delhi’s iconic chole bhature and a secret indulgence in chocolates. On managing hectic schedules, Mohena admitted that coffee was her go-to energiser. “One coffee shot keeps me going for hours,” she shares. 

An Event To Remember 

The session was more than just a workshop—it was a lively, interactive experience. Mohena answered questions from the audience, shared her baking philosophy, and demonstrated her expertise while maintaining an approachable and friendly attitude.  

The Slurrp Great Indian Cookout wasn’t limited to workshops; it was a platform for sharing ideas, celebrating culinary art, and learning from some of India’s most talented chefs. From AMA (Ask Me Anything) sessions to cooking hacks, every moment was packed with inspiration and excitement. 

As the day drew to a close, the audience left with not just new recipes but also renewed enthusiasm for exploring the art of cooking and baking. Mohena’s healthy twist on the plum cake stood out as one of the highlights of an event that perfectly blended food, flavour, and fun. 

The Slurrp Great Indian Cookout 3.0 proved to be a gastronomic celebration like no other, with chefs like Mohena Ahluwalia leading the way. Her inventive take on traditional desserts continues to inspire, proving that healthy food can also be deliciously indulgent.