Durban’s own Shovanie Devraj shares secrets behind award-winning curries

​“To anyone walking their own path, I want to share a piece of my journey - one that has been seasoned with patience, courage and a whole lot of determination,” said Shovanie Devraj, a Durban-based culinary entrepreneur and home cook.

“When I first stepped into the kitchen, I had no idea how far I would come. I did not have all the confidence, but I knew that I had a skill in my hand. What I did have was a desire to grow. And that desire has carried me through every challenge, mistake and breakthrough.”

Devraj is the founder of Keep Calm and Curry On, a business dedicated to sharing the traditional art of Durban curry.

Her cooking is rooted in family recipes passed down from her grandmother, focusing on authentic Durban Indian flavours.

She offers cooking classes, often hosted in her home, where participants experience the cultural and culinary depth of her recipes.  

Her journey into cooking was not straightforward.

“Cooking wasn’t always easy for me,” Devraj admitted.

“There were days when recipes did not turn out perfect, when frustration simmered more than the food. But step by step, dish by dish, I kept going. I learned to trust the process, to laugh and to celebrate even the smallest victories.”

In 2024, Devraj won the first annual Flavours on Fire Cook-off, hosted by Oxford Fresh Market. Her dishes impressed the judges and earned her recognition in the local culinary scene.

One of the highlights of her journey was welcoming food critic Nick Hamman into her home to taste and review her dishes.

Devraj emphasised that success is not about being the only cook, teacher or entrepreneur in a space.

“Absolutely, there can be more than one baker, more than one teacher doing the same thing, more than one cook, more than one hair stylist, but it is how you improve and showcase your skills that matters,” she said.

Her story began with encouragement from friends and her child’s teachers, hosting guests on plastic chairs with makeshift cutlery. Today, she has grown her business, gained recognition and continues to innovate in her craft.

Her message to aspiring cooks and entrepreneurs extends beyond the kitchen.

“Whatever path you are on - whether it is cooking or something entirely different =(equals) you can grow. You will improve. You just need to keep going, keep trying and keep believing in yourself, even on the days when it feels tough, even when other people put you down."

"Use this to move forward and push your business even more,” she advised.