Like millions across the UK and all over the world, we’ll be tuning in to witness a once-in-a-lifetime occasion this weekend. One lucky LittlePodder will be afforded a closer look than most, with Manju Malhi BEM amongst those invited to King Charles’ Coronation. As she prepares to join the dignitaries and guests at Westminster Abbey, Manju told us how she first thought she’d been the victim of an elaborate prank.

Congratulations Manju and thank-you for finding the time to talk. With the King’s Coronation looming, you must have a lot on your plate – pardon the pun!

It’s definitely busy! Preparations for the weekend are in full swing and as well as talking to LittlePod, I’ve been thrown into the limelight globally. There’s lots going on and I need to make sure that I keep my feet firmly on the ground.

It sounds rather hectic – but exciting too!

Indeed! Before I enter Westminster Abbey – bright and early at 6.30am on Saturday – I’ll be speaking to the Press about the occasion and how I’m feeling, and I’m sure that my nerves will be jangling. I need to make sure that I soak up the atmosphere and the music and all the people around me when I’m actually in the Abbey and when the ceremony is happening, and then I’m sure it’ll be back to being asked what it was like and whether I can describe this great moment in our history.  

It is a great moment! You must have been thrilled when you were first invited.

I was notified via email that I’d been invited to the Coronation and – of course – I thought it must be spam and so I ignored it for a few days. I eventually realised that it was for real and little by little it began to sink in. It still feels quite surreal, to be honest, and I don’t think that I’ll really believe it until I’m seated within the Abbey.

It’s definitely real Manju – and much deserved for all your hard work. This has all happened, of course, as a result of your efforts during the COVID pandemic, teaching people within your local community to cook, for which you were awarded the British Empire Medal in October 2020.

It was such a privilege to receive the award and I’m so pleased to be able to highlight the wonderful work being done by Open Age and C-Change West London and all their volunteers. It was a surprise – a lovely one, of course – but I was just doing what I do without a thought of receiving such recognition. Hopefully this will make more and more people aware of what’s happening in West London and beyond, and highlight good people doing good things.

Highlighting good people doing good things…

Manju Malhi BEM

You’re not the first LittlePodder to receive the British Empire Medal, of course.

That’s correct! Janet (LittlePod’s founder and MD) is a role model who has persevered and achieved so much – often against the odds. I just feel fortunate to have been part of LittlePod’s journey and I hope to continue to be so.  

You’re not going to forget about us now that you’re famous then?

Once a LittlePodder, always a LittlePodder. That’s what Janet would say!

We’ve always had a special bond, that’s for sure. Do you remember how we met?

I first came across Janet and LittlePod at a food show. I was still trying to figure out what to do in my food life when my chef work dried up and there wasn’t much demand for ‘Indian food’. What appealed right from the start was Janet’s passion and her drive to convince cooks that vanilla extract is better than artificial vanilla essence. I’ve learned so much since then. Entire communities are relying on us to purchase real vanilla in order have a livelihood and that’s so important.    

It is important – and real vanilla tastes better too!

Of course and I can always tell when the vanilla in food is artificial just by the taste.

So how do you like to keep it real?

Vanilla is one of my go-to spices and is something that I always have in my store cupboard. I love to use vanilla in chicken curries, in Indian sweets, salad dressings and biscuits, and also Indian milkshakes, yoghurt lassis and smoothies.

Yum! This all sounds delicious and right up our street!

Vanilla Lassi is my favourite. You can find the recipe in Janet’s cookbook.

Perfect for a Coronation toast, don’t you think?

Yes, but you don’t need a special occasion to enjoy real vanilla. It has so many uses beyond baking and I sometimes add it to a cup of chai for an everyday treat. I’ve always been aware of vanilla, of course, but I didn’t use it much until I met LittlePod.

So what’s your favourite LittlePod product then?

Well, I love the vanilla paste. And the chocolate extract is good. And so is the coffee extract. And the… um… oh, you know what? Put them all down – I just can’t choose!

What about a favourite LittlePod memory? If you could pick only one…

That’s also difficult as I’ve loved all the events, but my favourite has to be International Real Vanilla Day 2021 and the weekend staycation at Bickleigh Castle, after the pandemic. It was like being released from a long incarceration and it was so good to see everyone again after such a long time in isolation. I had a wonderful time with my LittlePod family and I’m hoping that I can see everyone again soon. Perhaps I’ll visit in the summer if Janet has time in between receiving all her awards.

That’s a bit rich coming from you, but we’d love to show you our King’s Award!

OMG – I was so happy to hear the news, but I wasn’t at all surprised. It’s fantastic news and I so want to come to LittlePod HQ to celebrate with all the team.

We’re sure we can arrange this, but first things first, and you have the small matter of a Coronation. Rubbing shoulders with royalty, whatever next?

It’s going to be a hard act to follow, that’s for sure! How can I ever top this? I don’t know, but what I hope to do is continue helping people and communities through good times and bad and making sure we’re able to get through everything together.

To that we raise a toast! Sending vanilla hugs and our thanks for everything that you have done, both for LittlePod and beyond. You’re such an inspiration.

Thank-you for your lovely words. It’s a pleasure to be part of the LittlePod family.

The pleasure is all ours, Manju. Have a wonderful weekend at Westminster Abbey, and please do keep in touch. We look forward to hearing all about it x