About Us

Rachana is a Nepali home cook, instructor, and founder of Chulo Chauki Catering, known for her ability to bring warmth, authenticity, and heritage to every plate she serves.

Born and raised in Kathmandu, Nepal, Rachana grew up in a large, close-knit household where food was the heartbeat of daily life. Surrounded by generations of home cooks, she began experimenting in the kitchen from an early age, learning the art of balancing bold spices, slow-cooked flavors, and family traditions.

In 2006, Rachana moved to the U.S., where her passion for Nepali cuisine only deepened. She began sharing her home-style recipes with neighbors, eventually becoming an instructor for the acclaimed League of Kitchens, where she teaches immersive cooking classes rooted in heritage.

In 2018, Rachana was invited to cook the first-ever Nepali dinner at the James Beard House — a historic moment that brought her traditional dishes to the forefront of New York’s culinary scene.

Today, through Chulo Chauki Catering, Rachana curates menus for intimate gatherings, weddings, and community events. Her business is built on the values she grew up with: care, culture, and the joy of sharing food.

She also collaborates with Eat Offbeat, a mission-driven catering company that partners with chefs from refugee and immigrant backgrounds. Through this collaboration, Rachana’s dishes have reached even wider audiences, offering a taste of Nepal in workplaces, conferences, and special events around NYC.