“I grew up in a Bengali family in Hyderabad, where food and family were a big part of our everyday life. My sister and I would often sit with my mother in the kitchen, helping out with small tasks and watching her cook. Those moments made me curious about food and how it’s made.
My father ran a small goldsmith shop. He worked long hours to support our family, and his dedication always inspired me. We lost him three years ago, but the lessons he taught us—about hard work, patience, and honesty—stay with me every day.
Living in Hyderabad, I was always fascinated by the city’s food culture. From Hyderabadi biryani to the buzzing street food stalls, there was so much variety to explore. Over time, this love for food turned into food blogging. It started as a hobby, writing about local eateries and sharing my thoughts online-but it gradually became something more.
One day, a restaurant owner told me they liked one of my reviews and suggested I take blogging seriously. That gave me the push I needed. I started posting regularly—photos, videos, and honest reviews. Back then, food blogging wasn’t very popular, but I kept going. Over time, more people started following my work, and my audience grew.
Now, I’ve reviewed everything from Hyderabadi specialties to international cuisines. I’ve always been straightforward in my reviews, and I think that’s why people trust me. Today, my Instagram handle, @Foodengineeringg, has over 100K followers, and I’ve started growing my YouTube channel too.
To understand the food business better, I worked in the industry while blogging. Even though I have a degree in Computer Science Engineering, I always felt drawn to food. My first job was with Eat Fit, where I learned about customer service and operations. When the pandemic paused their operations, I joined McDonald’s, which gave me insights into how large food chains work. Later, I worked as an operations manager for a food truck, which added more practical experience. Each of these roles taught me something valuable about the food industry.
When I vlog, I keep it casual and relatable. Speaking in Hindi with a Hyderabadi touch helps me connect better with my audience. On Instagram, I review restaurants, explore hidden food spots, and share my journey.
Last year, I opened my own eatery named Swaad Anusar in Kavadiguda. The response has been amazing, and it feels great to see people enjoying the food I make.
If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s to stay genuine. Don’t rush into things or look for shortcuts. Take the time to learn, figure out what you love, and build something meaningful. That’s what has worked for me and keeps me motivated.
Looking back, it’s been a journey of hard work, learning, and staying true to what I love. Food has given me a way to express myself and connect with people, and that’s what keeps me going every day.”
— Deepak Belal Food Vlogger and Founder of Swaad Anusar
#food #vlogging #journey #humansofhyderabad