Dr. Shabana Parvez, MD, FACEP, US Bureau Chief of The Desi Buzz and founder of ArlingtonIntegrative.com, recently engaged in an enlightening conversation with Delna Patel, an Indian-Canadian baker whose love for desserts started as a “Chocolate Chor” sneaking treats in her Pune household. Delna shares how baking with her mom in India sparked her passion and led her to become the first Indian-origin contestant on Food Network’s Holiday Baking Special Season 11. From childhood memories to competing on a global stage, this heartwarming conversation is filled with laughter, nostalgia, and a celebration of dreams coming true.
Delna Patel is a talented baker and pastry chef born and raised in Pune, India. She completed her schooling at Sadar Dastur Nosherwan Girls’ High School before earning a Bachelor of Commerce degree from Wadia College, Pune. Driven by her passion for baking, she pursued specialized training at Sophia Polytechnic in Mumbai and further honed her skills in Baking and Pastry Arts with postgraduate studies at George Brown College in Toronto. Delna also mastered French pastry at the prestigious École Nationale Supérieure de Pâtisserie (ENSP) in Yssingeaux, France, showcasing her dedication to the craft of culinary excellence.
Read related article : Delna Patel: Only Indian-Origin Baker on Holiday Baking Championship
Watch the interview on YouTube
Introduction and Early Inspirations
Dr Shabana Parvez: Delna, your journey with baking started at such a young age in Pune, India. Can you take us back to those early days of baking cakes with your mum? What are some of your fondest memories from that time?
Delna Patel: Oh, absolutely! Baking with my mum was one of the happiest parts of my childhood. I remember waiting eagerly for her to step away so I could lick the bowl clean! That simple joy has stayed with me—it still makes me feel warm and happy inside when I think of it. My mum’s love and passion for baking were so evident, and I truly miss her every day.
Dr Shabana Parvez: You mentioned being nicknamed “CC” or Chocolate Chor by your family. How did this playful love for chocolates shape your passion for baking?
Delna Patel: Yes, that nickname brings back such fun memories! My mum used to hide chocolates we received as gifts in high cupboards, thinking I couldn’t reach them. But I was determined—I’d stack stools on top of each other, climb up, grab the chocolates, and enjoy them. The only evidence I’d leave behind were the wrappers! Of course, everyone knew it was me. That love for chocolate became a huge part of why I pursued baking—it’s such a versatile and magical ingredient.
Dr Shabana Parvez: Your mum’s chocolate cakes were legendary among your friends. What made her baking so special, and how has her influence shaped your approach to baking today?
Delna Patel: Oh, my mum’s chocolate cake was iconic! It was a simple sponge cake soaked with a liquid ganache, topped with nuts and cherries. It was so moist and rich—I could eat the whole thing in one go! But beyond the recipe, it was the love and happiness she poured into her baking that made it special. That’s something I carry with me in my own baking today—the idea that food isn’t just about taste; it’s about creating joy and connection.
My sister ‘Yeah, no, she hates cooking! But she’s super creative as a web designer, so she helps me with designing logos and all the creative stuff I need for my baking journey.'”
Pursuing the Dream
Dr Shabana Parvez: From Pune to Mumbai, Canada, and France, you’ve had quite the journey in honing your craft. What inspired you to study pastry arts and chocolate making in such diverse and prestigious institutions?
Delna Patel: It all started as a hobby—I loved baking, but I wasn’t sure it could be a career. Initially, I planned to pursue an MBA after my B.Com degree, and I even took a few MBA courses. But I hated it. One day, I made chocolates for one of my professors, and she loved them so much that she said, “What are you doing here?” That moment made me rethink my path.
I started slow, enrolling in a one-year baking course at a polytechnic in Mumbai. That course gave me a solid foundation and made me realize this was something I could do every day of my life. After working in Pune for a year, I wanted to learn more, so I applied to George Brown College in Toronto. It’s one of the best schools for pastry arts, and their program helped me refine my basics and take my skills to the next level.
Choc Oh! Toronto and Resilience
Dr Shabana Parvez: You co-founded a chocolate business in 2018, and despite challenges, you emerged stronger with Choc Oh! Toronto. What lessons did you take from that initial experience into your solo venture?
Delna Patel: The biggest lesson? Don’t get into spontaneous partnerships with friends! When I co-founded my first business, we had no clear plan, and creative differences led to a dramatic breakup. But that experience taught me everything I needed to start Choc Oh! on my own. I knew what to avoid and how to build something sustainable.
Dr Shabana Parvez: Founding Choc Oh! Toronto during the pandemic must have been incredibly challenging. What kept you motivated during such a difficult time?
Delna Patel: It wasn’t just starting Choc Oh! but also letting go of my first business. The fear of failure was real. But the thought of not working with chocolate was scarier. My love for chocolate kept me going, even when things were tough.
Dr Shabana Parvez: The name Choc Oh! Toronto is so catchy! What’s the story behind it, and how does it reflect your vision for the brand?
Delna Patel: I wanted “Toronto” in the name for better SEO and visibility. The “Choc Oh!” reflects the wow factor I aim to deliver with every product. My creations aren’t just chocolates—they’re experiences that make people say, “Oh wow!”
Dr Shabana Parvez: You’ve turned Choc Oh! into a successful brand despite starting with limited resources. What strategies helped you build your brand and gain recognition?
Delna Patel: Starting with limited resources, I focused on wholesale first, which required minimal branding. Meanwhile, I built a social media presence. Once people began asking where they could buy my chocolates, I invested in my branding and product line. Patience, persistence, and hard work were key to building Choc Oh! step by step.
The Holiday Baking Championship Experience
Dr Shabana Parvez: Congratulations on being selected for the Holiday Baking Championship! How did it feel to go from watching food shows on TV to competing on one?
Delna Patel: Honestly, when they first approached me, I thought it might be a scam! I kept checking the person’s credentials over and over, thinking, “Is this legit? Am I really going to L.A., or am I going to get kidnapped?” Once it sank in that it was real, it felt surreal.
Dr Shabana Parvez: You described the experience as an emotional rollercoaster. What was the most challenging moment for you during the competition?
Delna Patel: The whole competition was like a ride—one moment the judges love your creation, and you’re on cloud nine; the next, you’ve made a mistake, and it’s crushing. The most challenging moment for me was definitely standing in front of the judges. It’s nerve-wracking every single time!
Dr Shabana Parvez: Baking under pressure and being constantly watched by cameras sounds intense! How did you stay focused and perform under such conditions?
Delna Patel:It was incredibly intense. At the start, your nerves are everywhere, and you’re anxious about the unknown challenges. But the moment Jesse says, “Go!” you just let everything else go. There’s no time for emotions—you zone out the cameras and focus entirely on the task. Honestly, it’s the adrenaline that gets you through it all.
Dr Shabana Parvez: What was your proudest creation on the show, and what did it mean to you to represent your family and community on such a platform?
Delna Patel: I was proud of everything I made on the show, given the limited time we had. But the apple and fennel Napoleon stood out for me. It was part of a team challenge where we had to incorporate apples with our cultural background. I used fennel, a flavor I love and one that represents my Indian heritage. Making puff pastry by hand in just two and a half hours was challenging, but it turned out beautifully. It felt amazing to represent my roots on such a big platform.
Products and Future Plans
Dr Shabana Parvez: Your products are now available at multiple retail outlets and on Etsy. What makes Choc Oh! chocolates unique, and what feedback do you cherish most from customers?
Delna Patel: What makes Choc Oh! unique is the attention to detail and the bold flavor combinations I create. I love playing with textures and flavors that surprise people. The feedback I cherish the most is when customers say my chocolates remind them of something nostalgic or when they express how they’ve never tasted anything like it before. Those moments are priceless.
Dr Shabana Parvez: You’ve turned a childhood dream into reality. What advice would you give to aspiring bakers or entrepreneurs looking to follow their passion?
Delna Patel:Follow your passion with persistence and patience. Start small, take calculated risks, and don’t let failures discourage you—they’re your best teachers. Most importantly, believe in your craft and be open to learning constantly.
Dr Shabana Parvez: Where do you see Choc Oh! Toronto in the next few years? Do you have plans to expand your product line or explore new ventures?
Delna Patel: In the next few years, I see Choc Oh! becoming a household name in Canada and beyond. I want to expand the product line, perhaps introducing more culturally inspired flavors and seasonal offerings. I’m also exploring collaborations and workshops to share my love for chocolate-making with others. The possibilities are endless!
Personal and Inspirational Reflections
Dr Shabana Parvez: Your mum’s dream of PinDel has had a lasting impact on you. How do you keep her memory alive in your work today?
Delna Patel: My mom always dreamed of opening her own shop and calling it PinDel, combining my sister’s name, Pinsa, and mine, Delna. Even as a kid, I found the name funny, but her dream stayed with me. Starting my own business feels like fulfilling that dream for her, a way to honor her and keep her memory alive.
Dr Shabana Parvez: You’ve faced setbacks and turned them into opportunities. What does resilience mean to you, and how has your family played a role in your success?
Delna Patel: Setbacks are a part of life, and over time, I’ve learned to embrace them. Initially, it’s hard to stay positive, but eventually, you realize everything happens for the best. For me, resilience is about finding the positives in any situation and knowing things will improve. My family has been my rock, especially my dad. He believed in me when I doubted myself. There’s this one class I wanted to attend for chocolate-making, but I hesitated because it was expensive. My dad convinced me to go, and it completely changed my life. He has sacrificed so much for us and single-handedly raised two successful daughters.
Dr Shabana Parvez: Finally, If you could bake one dessert that defines your journey so far, what would it be and why?
Delna Patel: I’d say a crème brûlée. The hard caramelized sugar on top represents the tough journey and challenges, but when you crack through it, you find the creamy, delicious center—symbolizing the sweet reward and fulfillment that comes after perseverance.
