Journal
Creating a Sense of Home with Kirthanaa Naidu
For London-based cook, stylist, and creative Kirthanaa Naidu, food has always been more than just a meal—it’s a love language, a connection to her Malaysian-Indian heritage, and a way to bring people together. Born in Malaysia, Kirthanaa moved to the UK as a teen, where she found herself missing the comforting meals her mom used to make for her. She began cooking for friends, using food as a way to create a sense of home and share her culture. What began as casual meals evolved into a career rooted in cooking, styling, and storytelling, with Kirthanaa now known for her generous spreads and beautiful tablescapes.
We chatted with Kirthanaa about expressing love through cooking, the influence of her upbringing across cultures—and the richness of a life lived between the two— and what’s currently on her summer table.
You’ve described cooking as a love language that you picked up from your mother. What about your upbringing inspired your own practice of sharing food and setting tables?
Expressing love through food is something I picked up from my mum, which I think is quite common in many Asian households—especially in Indian culture. I’m Malaysian, but ethnically Indian, and food has always been such a central way of how love is expressed.
Growing up, my mum always made sure there was something special waiting for me and my three sisters after school—thoughtful, comforting food that felt like a treat. When I moved to the UK for school, I really missed that.
Once I was old enough to cook, I found myself using food as a way to connect with people. Cooking became how I showed my friends I cared—serving dishes that reminded me of home, and letting my friends experience a bit of my culture through the food I grew up with. I often found it hard to put home and my culture into words, but food allowed me to express all of that without having to explain.
After university, I started hosting supper clubs—mostly Malaysian food, served with big sharing plates. – how we ate at home. It’s communal, it’s generous, and to me, it’s still the best way to share a meal.
Growing up, we didn’t really set the table in the way I do now. That element came later. Sharing food and setting tables is really about bridging two parts of my life: the years I spent in Malaysia, and then my life in the UK after moving. Setting tables became a way to match the warmth of the food with the space around it to create a sense of home. Over the years, having friends over for long lunches or dinners became my way of solidifying friendships by doing what I do best, and the table setting just naturally became part of that ritual.
Kirthanaa wears the DÔEN Heirloom Eloise Dress
You were born to Malaysian-Indian parents, raised in Malaysia, and then moved to the UK as a teen—how has living between the two cultures shaped you, and the way you host and create?
Living between two cultures has deeply shaped who I am. I’m really proud of being Indian, but as a child—after my move, in a new environment, at a new school, while trying to make friends—it didn’t always feel easy to embrace that. For a while, I downplayed parts of myself—my background, my skin, my identity—just to fit in.
Over time, and through cooking and my work, I found my way back to my heritage. Food became a way to reconnect with home and to feel proud of where I come from. It gave me a language to celebrate and own my culture, and the ability to share it with others.
Today, when I cook, host, or create, there are always little touches and rituals that reflect both sides of my life. It’s all woven together.
“Cooking became how I showed my friends I cared…letting my friends experience a bit of my culture through the food I grew up with. I often found it hard to put home and my culture into words, but food allowed me to express all of that without having to explain.”
- Kirthanaa Naidu
Kirthanaa wears the Seine Cashmere Tank and Melanie Skirt
How would you describe your hosting style—and any hosting tips to share?
My hosting style has evolved over time. In the past, I had a habit of overcomplicating things—cooking eight to ten dishes, preparing multiple desserts… I didn’t know where to stop. Eventually, I learned to simplify. I still love being a generous host, with lots of food and plenty to drink, making sure everyone feels looked after—but now I try to keep things more manageable. The most important part of hosting is to create a space that guests feel like they can truly settle in.
The best hosting tip I’ve learned is to not be too fussy. Keep things relaxed—if you’re stressed, your guests will feel it. But if you’re enjoying yourself, they will too! That said, when I’m hosting close friends, they know I love being on my feet, pottering in the kitchen. It’s how I show love, and they’re happy to let me be in my element.
What’s on your summer table, from the tablewares + flowers to the dishes + drinks?
Always something fresh, and lots of sharing plates! I love putting together a big mix of dishes. In the summer, I usually lean towards something Asian, maybe Vietnamese or Thai, because they’re light and easy to prep ahead. Other times, I’ll do Italian. A big pasta to share, some seasonal vegetables, a good salad…
There’s always something sweet. I’m a chocolate fan at heart, but I tend to make desserts I’ve been craving or curious to try.
For drinks, I’ll do a big wine order. Natural wines, usually a pét-nat or something fizzy for arrival, then a chilled red or orange wine with the meal. I also love a nice vermouth and soda with a slice of orange on warm days. For flowers, I absolutely love seasonal British-grown blooms—cosmos, or anything delicate and a little wild-looking. I’ll mix in a few bits from my garden, too. I like flowers that feel natural and not overly arranged. My tableware is always light and simple—silver cutlery, beautiful napkins, a simple tablecloth. It’s all about creating a setting that feels relaxed, yet considered.
Kirthanaa wears the Angeline Dress
