About Me

A true-blue Punekar at heart, I am a hardcore foodie and a passionate traveller. After completing degrees in environmental science and responsible tourism management, I worked and travelled in India and abroad, exploring unique destinations, their culture and most importantly their local food.

Combining my two passions - food and travel, in 2012, I launched The Western Routes, a travel company that focuses on culinary and cultural tours across India. Through my company, I conduct food trails and walks in the city of Pune and also conduct culinary trails across India. 

I was born and brought up in Pune, and the encouragement to explore new restaurants and cuisines in the city came to me from my parents. I have seen Pune's food scene evolve and have been a part of it from an early age. In 2018, I joined the Times of India as a Food Critic for Pune. I review restaurants in Pune in my column every Friday in Pune Times.

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You can get in touch with me on jayeshparanjape@gmail.com