Do you like food? Not just eating it, but also trying new recipes and reading about it? If yes, then a food blog might be right up your alley.
Blogging is one of the growing industries where bloggers write on various things and food blogging is one of the features where people give their honest reviews and opinions on eateries they come across. People are opting for blogging as a career instead of having it as a hobby. And what could be better than to choose your passion as a career.
In food blogging bloggers writes about recipes namely veg, non veg, vegan, regional cuisine, international cuisine, main courses meals, desserts, baking, snacks etc.
These blog hosts bare the challenge of embracing other cultures and experiences, even if that means stepping out of their comfort zone. Food and travel is a particularly compelling type of food blogging because it involves the engagement of different cultures. Food and travel blogging involves a lot of research, shooting, editing, investing and scheduling involved.
Dr Neha Rahate
The Live Nagpur met with one such passionate blogger who is the first food blogger from Nagpur Dr Neha Rahate. She is a doctor by profession and a food blogger by hobby.
Dr Rahate started to write on different cuisines as a hobby back in 2016 and soon started her own page on social media with the name ‘thetongueandscissors’ which instantly gained a fame and name for giving honest reviews to every new eateries.
Excerpts of the Interview:
How did you started food blogging?
I pursued my MBBS degree from NKP Salve Nagpur and am preparing for my post graduation . I used to write about new food joints and iconic dishes from the city to try on many social platforms back then. My friends used to ask me about new gastronomic destinations, that’s when I decided to chandelier it in a proper way and start my own food blog in 2015.
What are the challenges faced by a food blogger?
Health is always an issue as we have to eat variety of foods which sometimes affect our health. One must always look after their health, trying new restaurants, cafe is always a fun but no one want to be sick because of it so one should take precautions, exercise regularly to keep oneself healthy and fit.
How was your journey?
When I started blogging many people criticized me for it, by saying what a doctor has to do with food blogging. But eventually everyone was happy to see my work. I got many opportunities to write for other firms as well. The highlight of my journey was when I got an opportunity to be featured in a renowned food show ‘Highway on my plate with Mayur and Rocky’. The organisers of the show contacted me where I introduced them to Nagpur’s food culture.
 Why the name ‘thetongueandscissors’?
I got inspired by two things first was food and tongue being an important part of our body and I added Scissors because my aim is to become a surgeon in future so I combined both the words which are important to me and by this ‘thetongueandscissors’ name came into existence.
 What are the career opportunities in blogging?
Blogging is becoming a full time profession and is a good career option if you are ready to give your 100%. One can even start earning by brand collaborations and promotions.
There are times when a person is short of words so how do you manage it?
This is one of the common problems faced by many bloggers but as they say food has its own beauty and language. Food can be correlated with joys in life and one can write on their joys with precision. This helps me with my creativity when I am short on words. I try to give reviews in a simple way so that people can connect with me and my views.
Tips and tricks for new bloggers out there?
People who want to pursue blogging as a career must not run after followers and should be more frequent and focus on their content. One should develop themselves first and once they have achieved that mark, people would want to collaborations with you for your hardwork and talent.
How is blogging different from other profession?
Writing blog is more difficult as one has to be very careful while expressing themselves. Bloggers have to do a lot of research and also have to present something new in a very creative manner. I don’t want my viewers to blindly believe me and eat whatever I suggest; I want them to be healthy. Bloggers should write their article in a very precise manner, something which is not too lengthy and time consuming as people do not have time to read everything.
What will be your message for all?
I would like to thank all the Nagpurians for their support and love. I believe that hobbies are an important part of life. One should always make space from their main profession and do something creative as it will definitely lead you to a bigger platform.
Life is too short to be stuck on the same taste, be variant, be creative and eat more…!!