Food has a magical way of bringing people together, and for FoodCycle volunteers Dan and Chandana, what started as a shared passion for cooking turned into something even more special.
The couple first met while volunteering at FoodCycle Thornton Heath. Dan was particularly impressed when Chandana effortlessly whipped up a five-spiced parsnip dish without a recipe. Inspired by her skills, he asked her out for a coffee. One date led to another, and now they’re planning their wedding.
“We got engaged in November, on holiday in Bologna, Italy” Chandana shares. “It’s such a foodie destination so it was perfect for us. We’ll be getting married in September. We’re having a Hindu ceremony as I’m from an Indian background, and afterwards we’ll have a big party with lots of Indian food, and hopefully a really fun time!”
Looking back, neither of them expected to find love through FoodCycle, but the kitchen has become a huge part of their relationship. “At FoodCycle, you have to work as a team and cook to a deadline. That’s really helped us when we’re making meals for friends and family.” Chandana says.
Last autumn, they even catered a Middle Eastern feast for their housewarming, and they still regularly volunteer at their local meal.
Read more about how the pair met and their experiences volunteering.
Their story goes to show that sometimes love can find you when you least expect it, even if it is over a plate of five-spiced parsnips!
