Changing careers is tough. To leave the cocoon of comfort and step into something uncomfortable asks for bravery. Walking away from a high-paying job to pursue a passion is an unpredictable decision. Yet, for those who dare to take that leap, it can be life-changing. Alvin Leung, once an engineer, went on to become a Michelin-starred chef. After hating her job as a certified public accountant, Carla Hall tasted success after entering the culinary world. And now there is a new addition to the list – Shadi Faleel.
The UK-based content creator has gone from working in banking to becoming one of Britain’s fastest-growing food personalities. Born in Colombo, Sri Lanka, she has built an audience of more than 1.8 million followers by sharing approachable home-cooked recipes inspired by her Sri Lankan Muslim heritage.
This week marked another milestone in that journey as she celebrated the launch of her debut cookbook, Easy Indian Food Anyone Can Make, published by Penguin Random House.
The launch, held at ISSO in Canary Wharf, brought together food writers, influencers, publishers and content creators to celebrate the release of a cookbook that reflects both her personal story and the changing face of food publishing in Britain.
Speaking at the launch, Faleel described the cookbook as the most personal project of her career. “This book is incredibly personal to me. Every recipe tells a story about my family, my heritage and the people who inspired me to cook,” she said.
“I never imagined that sharing recipes online would one day lead to publishing a cookbook with Penguin Random House. My hope is that this book gives people the confidence to cook delicious Indian food at home, regardless of their experience in the kitchen.”
The cookbook features a collection of Faleel’s most popular online dishes alongside new recipes developed specifically for the publication. Like her social media content, the emphasis is on simplifying traditional recipes for busy households while preserving the flavours and techniques that define South Asian cooking.
Guests attending the launch sampled several dishes from the book before meeting Faleel during a signing session, as the event celebrated not only the publication itself but also the growing influence of digital creators within mainstream publishing.
Her success reflects a wider shift in the food industry, where cookbook deals are increasingly being shaped by online communities rather than television appearances or restaurant careers. For Faleel, however, the focus remains firmly on the recipes that first connected her with audiences around the world.
Faleel grew up surrounded by recipes that blended Sri Lankan Muslim traditions with South Indian influences. Although cooking had always been part of family life, it was never intended to become a career.
After spending more than a decade working in banking in Dubai, she later relocated to the UK, where she began sharing recipes online as a creative outlet. What started as a hobby gradually evolved into an online community, with viewers drawn to her straightforward cooking style and recipes designed for everyday kitchens rather than professional ones.
Today, her videos are watched by millions across social media, reflecting a growing appetite for creators who make South Asian cooking feel accessible without compromising on authenticity. Any beef, prawn, mushroom or chicken recipes saved on your Instagram? Chances are, one of them belongs to Shadi Faleel without you even realising it.
And with this, another chapter is added to Britain’s diverse culinary landscape, enriched by the people, cultures and roots they bring.
