NoVA Author Shares Family Tradition In New Children’s Book

VIENNA, VA — As an award-winning author Monica Saigal Bhide has written everything from novels to inspirational books and cookbooks. Now she has a children’s book under her belt and has collaborated with Chef José Andrés and his nonprofit World Central Kitchen.

Saigal recently published her children’s book “Papa’s Butter Chicken,” a story centered around her family’s own recipe. Amid her book release, Saigal worked with chefs to start the inaugural Butter Chicken Festival from Oct. 13 to 20 to benefit World Central Kitchen, which provides meals during world crises. The festival involved local chefs presenting their take on butter chicken. While the festival helped Andrés’s nonprofit World Central Kitchen, Andrés in turn provided the foreword to Saigal’s new children’s book.

Saigal was born in India, raised in the Middle East and now resides in Northern Virginia with her two children. This is Saigal’s 13th book, and she is working on another. She has contributed articles to publications like the New York Times and Washington Post, has earned accolades as a food writer and regularly appears on NPR programs.

Patch asked Saigal to complete a Q&A to discuss the inspiration behind the new children’s book “Papa’s Butter Chicken” and more.

Tell me about yourself and how you got into writing books.

I’ve always had a love for storytelling, even as a child. Growing up, I was surrounded by rich traditions of food and culture, and I think that naturally drew me toward wanting to capture those stories in writing. However, it wasn’t a straightforward path. My family initially discouraged the idea of being a writer, believing it wasn’t a viable way to make a living. I held on to that belief for a long time, until I realized I couldn’t suppress the urge to write anymore. My journey began with food writing, where I explored the deep cultural and emotional connections people have with food. As I wrote more, I realized the power of storytelling—whether it’s about food, heritage, or relationships. That’s what led me to write across genres, from cookbooks to novels to children’s stories. Writing, for me, has always been about connection and helping others see the world a little more warmly, whether through the lens of food, family, or love. I am the author of 13 books now and number 14 is on its way!

Why did you want to put together this children’s book?

This book is incredibly close to my heart. I learned to cook from my dad, and the time we spent together in the kitchen was magical. It wasn’t just about learning how to cook; it was about hearing stories of his travels and adventures to places I could only dream of as a child. Those moments shaped me, and now, as a mom, I see how my kids have fallen in love with butter chicken, too. Writing this book was my way of documenting our family’s culinary history for them, blending the traditions of the past with the joy and love I experience with my own children today. It’s a celebration of family, heritage, and the stories we pass down from one generation to the next.

Did you draw from personal experiences to prepare this book?

Absolutely, this book is filled with personal experiences. One of the best things I’ve learned through this process is that our most personal stories often resonate the most widely they’re truly universal. The book reflects the joy I felt cooking with my dad and the love my own kids have for butter chicken. Having renowned Chef José Andrés write the foreword was such an honor; he captured the spirit of food, community, and bringing people together so beautifully. And the response from readers has been incredibly heartwarming—people from all backgrounds have connected with the story. Who knew that butter chicken would strike such a chord with so many, from adults to kids!

How was the process of preparing a children’s book compared to other types of books you’ve done?

Writing a children’s book was a different kind of challenge! I learned the importance of keeping the message simple, short, and crisp, which was different from writing long-form fiction. One of the most rewarding aspects was collaborating with Abeeha Tariq, the brilliant illustrator who brought the story to life. Her artwork truly captured the heart and warmth of the story, creating a visual magic that complemented the narrative beautifully. It was a joyful and enlightening process, making sure that every word and illustration worked together to tell a story that children could connect with.

How did you work with local chefs on recipes?

While the butter chicken recipe in the book is my own creation—a dish that holds a special place in my family’s history—I wanted to celebrate the broader love for butter chicken through the Butter Chicken Festival that just ended on Oct 20th. This event brought together chefs from all backgrounds, each putting their unique spin on this beloved dish. It was a wonderful way to see the creativity and passion that different culinary perspectives could bring to something as classic as butter chicken. The festival truly became a celebration of culinary diversity and community. I think all the locations of Taco Bamba are still serving their butter chicken taco called the Temple of Boom!

In what way are you helping to support World Central Kitchen?

The DMV Butter Chicken Festival was a big part of our effort to give back. We partnered with local restaurants and chefs, and a percentage of the sales from the butter chicken dishes went to World Central Kitchen, specifically to support their hurricane relief efforts. It was a wonderful way to bring the community together around a dish that’s so beloved while also contributing to a cause that aligns with the spirit of the book—community, food, and helping others in need.

Do you have any upcoming events planned to promote the book?

Right now, we’re focusing on events at libraries, schools, and other local community venues places where we can connect directly with families and children. With the holidays coming up, it’s the perfect time to share the joy of storytelling and cooking traditions. I’d love to hear from any schools that are interested in hosting me! It’s always a delight to engage with young readers and share the magic of the book with them.

Where do you live, and what are your favorite places or restaurants?

I live in Northern Virginia, and I’m lucky to be surrounded by some fantastic local spots! For brunch, I adore Joon.When I need a coffee break, I head to Shotted. If it’s a fancy night out, 2941 is my go-to choice. For the best tacos in town, Taco Bamba is unbeatable. Our family’s favorite sushi spot is Sweet Ginger in Vienna, and when I’m in the mood for Thai, Natta Thai never disappoints. And for Indian, we can’t get enough of the delicious bowls at Rasa in Mosaic.

For more information on Monica Saigal Bhide and her new book, visit monicabhide.com. If you are a local author publishing a book, email [email protected] to inquire about a feature article