Chef Preeti Waas is a twice-nominated James Beard Semifinalist, the owner and executive chef of Cheeni, and a home cook. 

Becoming a mother inspired her to reconnect with her Indian heritage through recreating dishes from her childhood home; years later, she’s working alongside her daughters at a bustling, regionally-focused Indian restaurant in Durham, NC. 

To Preeti, community is everything. Her culinary endeavors have provided her with a greater sense of community than she ever imagined having. 

Now, Preeti views food as a means to explore her identity, and her ever–evolving role as an immigrant, mother, business owner, chef, and community member. She is forever fueled by her love of cooking good, simple food, and the joy of feeding others.