Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Amrutha Rao. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Amrutha, thanks for joining us today. We’d love to start by getting your thoughts on what you are seeing as some the biggest trends emerging in your industry.

One of the biggest trends I’m seeing in the food blogging world right now is a shift toward plant-based eating, sustainable cooking, and a celebration of diverse culinary cultures. What excites me most is that many of these “trends” aren’t really new ideas. They reflect how so many of us grew up eating at home.

Another shift is toward cooking with local, seasonal ingredients. This has become a cornerstone of many blogs. Instead of searching for hard-to-find or out-of-season produce, bloggers (myself included) are drawing inspiration from what’s available around them. It’s not only more sustainable but often results in more flavorful food.

But my favorite trend right now is the growing embrace of diverse culinary voices and fusion food. More and more bloggers are leaning into their cultural heritage and sharing authentic family recipes that you’d rarely find in restaurants. Alongside that, there’s a wave of globally inspired mash-ups like sushi burritos, paneer quesadillas, and Korean tacos. It’s food that tells a story.

On my own blog, fusion cooking is central to everything I share. I love weaving my culture and travels into the dishes I make. One example is a Thai curry noodle soup I developed. Thai food is one of my absolute favorite cuisines, and I had a batch of Thai curry paste sitting in the freezer that I didn’t want to go to waste. I’m also a ramen fiend — I could eat it every single week and never get tired of it — so I thought, why not bring the two together? That simple idea turned into a dish that’s now a reader favorite. It’s cozy, vibrant, and packed with flavor, and it perfectly represents how fusion cooking can be both fun and deeply personal.

Another time, I was experimenting with vegetable koftas. Traditionally, they’re served in a rich onion-and-tomato-based gravy, but I wanted to try something different. I swapped the usual sauce for a coconut milk curry inspired by South Indian kurma. I added toasted fennel, cinnamon, and poppy seeds, along with ginger and green chilies, to build a fragrant base. The result was a lighter, creamier kofta dish with just enough heat and complexity to make it stand out, but still grounded in familiar flavors from home.

These trends open up so many opportunities — more creativity, more representation, and a chance to rethink what we consider “everyday” cooking. Of course, the challenge lies in doing it with thoughtfulness, especially when it comes to cultural respect and accessibility. But at its best, this kind of cooking helps us connect, not just to our ingredients, but to each other.

Ultimately, this moment in food is less about trends and more about returning to our roots, telling stories through the meals we create, and celebrating how connected the global food landscape really is.

Amrutha, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

Hi, I’m Amrutha — though most people know me as Amu — and I’m the creator behind SimplyAmuzing, my cozy corner of the internet where I celebrate life’s simple pleasures, one delicious bite at a time.

I believe that great food doesn’t need to be complicated. My philosophy is all about creating easy, approachable recipes that are full of bold flavors and just the right amount of fun. Whether it’s a comforting meal that reminds you of home or a dish inspired by flavors I discovered while traveling, my goal is to inspire you to step into the kitchen and cook something that brings you joy.

My journey into the world of food blogging started with a college photography class. It sparked a creative fire in me that I didn’t expect. Around the same time, I was constantly experimenting in the kitchen, trying to recreate dishes I grew up eating or ones I’d fallen in love with on my travels. Combining these two passions — photography and cooking — felt completely natural. That’s how SimplyAmuzing was born: as a space where I could express both sides of myself and hopefully bring others along for the ride.

What sets my work apart is the way I blend my cultural roots with the experiences I’ve collected from around the world. I grew up in a home where food was never just food — it was memory, tradition, and love all rolled into one. I’m most proud of being able to bring that essence into the blog. Sharing family-inspired recipes, adding a twist from another cuisine I adore, and capturing it all through vibrant photography makes this space feel truly personal and unique.

If you’re new to my world, I hope what you take away is this: cooking should be joyful, and food should make you feel something. Whether it’s nostalgia, curiosity, or the comfort of something familiar, I want my recipes to bring a little bit of warmth and wonder into your day. So grab an apron, pull up a chair, and let’s cook something amazing together.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

One of the most defining moments in my journey — and one that truly tested my resilience — was when I moved across countries and had to completely rebuild my creative process from the ground up.

When I moved to Los Angeles a few years ago, I left behind more than just my hometown. I left the kitchen I knew like the back of my hand, my trusted photography gear, my collection of props, and even the natural light I had learned to work with so instinctively. Everything about my workflow had been dialed in — from the time of day I liked to shoot to the corner of the house where the light hit just right. Suddenly, I found myself in a new city, in an unfamiliar kitchen, without my tools, without my usual setup, and facing an audience that didn’t quite know me yet.

To make things even more challenging, social media algorithms were shifting constantly. Trying to create content when I felt creatively stuck, technically limited, and it was incredibly frustrating to feel even slightly out of place. There were moments when it felt like I was starting from scratch.

But instead of giving up, I gave myself permission to slow down and relearn. I began observing the light in my new space, taking photos just to see how it played on different surfaces at different times of day. I practiced, experimented, and slowly started to discover new angles and techniques that worked. I shoot almost exclusively in natural light, so learning how that light moved through my new home helped me find my rhythm again.

What truly helped me reignite my passion was diving into video. Learning to shoot and edit short-form videos challenged me creatively in the best way, and it breathed new life into my love for blogging. It reminded me that even when everything around you changes, the core of why you started — the love for food, storytelling, and connection — is still there.

That experience taught me that resilience isn’t about having everything figured out. It’s about being willing to adapt, to be curious again, and to keep showing up even when things feel uncertain.

How did you build your audience on social media?

I built my audience with a mix of passion, patience, and consistency. Whether I was navigating new tech, figuring out ever-changing algorithms, or learning how to make my food practically smell through the screen, I kept showing up with curiosity and creativity. That mindset — being open to experimenting, learning, and growing — has made all the difference.

My biggest advice to anyone starting out is simple: do it because you love it. Not for the clout, not for the perks, but because you genuinely enjoy cooking, creating, and connecting. That passion will fuel your drive to keep learning, keep improving, and stay inspired, even when growth feels slow.

It’s easy to get caught up in chasing trends or mimicking what’s already working for others, but the truth is, that kind of content doesn’t always build long-term connection. Sure, it might get you a quick boost in followers, but if you’re not creating from an authentic place, it’s hard to keep those followers engaged. The market might feel saturated, but there’s always space for something original. Once you find your niche and lean into what makes your voice and perspective unique, the right audience will find you.

Social media changes constantly, and the creators who thrive are the ones who stay flexible and excited to learn. Don’t be afraid to try new things, and don’t let perfection hold you back. Share your story, your flavor, your way — that’s what really resonates.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.simplyamuzing.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/simplyamuzing/
• Other: https://tiktok.com/simplyamuzing

Image Credits

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