About

Geeta Bansal, Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Salty Magazine, is considered one of the most well-traveled diners anywhere on the globe. Having spent over three decades in the company of some of the best in this industry, she is uniquely positioned to share the stories and thoughts of those who have impacted the world of food. A former college professor and chef, she is considered as one of their own by chefs and restaurateurs. Affectionately referred to as a “Godmother” by the younger, rising generation of culinary professionals who reach out to her for unbiased opinions and support, she felt it was time to channel these exchanges into a more meaningful direction. This led her to found Salty Magazine as a portal into the workings of our industry.

Her active participation in the industry encompasses various roles from participating and speaking at events such as the LA Food Bowl, San Sebastian Gastronomika, the Komen Foundation as well as food conferences, moderating panels, cooking at international gastronomic events, food think tanks, judging panels of major food awards, and producing food documentaries.

“Years ago, I was interviewed by Geeta for the first time… or was I? To my surprise, I realized I was not being interviewed. Instead I found myself deep in conversation with someone who saw the culinary world with endless curiosity and awe. This is what makes each conversation with her so different and unique, together with her incredible ability to put you at ease. Vibrant but insightful, kind but strong, she is a relentless traveler with a rich palate, solid culinary knowledge, and an intelligent gaze that views the culinary scene from a truly authentic point of view.

Over the years I have found that, more than an insightful journalist and a seasoned chef, she is a visionary. She envisions a culinary world that trespasses limits, moves the heart, and changes the world. Any conversation with her makes you aware of her unique perspective and her desire to bring that vision closer to reality. Salty Magazine is the culmination of her endeavors to foster relationships within the culinary fraternity through the exchange of ideas and concepts With this publication, Geeta and the Salty team have made a great leap in the culinary realm, and it is only the beginning. I am honored to be a part of this endeavor, as it is a vision I, too, believe in.

- Chef Joan Roca, El Celler de Can Roca, Girona, Spain

“I always have good conversations with her,” says Chef Magnus Nilsson of Fäviken restaurant in Sweden. “She has eaten pretty much everywhere, not just once but often several times over several years, so she has a rare frame of reference.” – The Los Angeles Times

“Geeta is one of the very few people that I know with a passion and knowledge of gastronomy who has been traveling and dining around the world to absorb and learn about different cultures. She is definitely one of big leaders of this industry and someone I would trust to learn from about this wonderful world wide community.”

- Chef Rodolfo Guzmán, Boragó, Santiago, Chile

“Geeta Bansal is an incredible inspiration through her constant support of our industry. I feel incredibly honored to know her.”

- Chef Niki Nakayama, N/Naka, Los Angeles

“I have a lot of love for Geeta and Salty. They really show everyone what it is like in the industry at every level.”

- Chef Karime López, Gucci Osteria, Florence

“She definitely travels more than most chefs and is curious to know what people are thinking and doing, not just cooking. The more women chefs from diverse cultural backgrounds we have adding to the gastronomy dialogue, the better.”

- Lara Bottura, Osteria Francescana, Modena

To contact Geeta for speaking engagements or events, please reach out to thesaltymag@gmail.com