Interstellar Megachef | Book Review
Review of Lavanya Lakshminarayan's book - Interstellar Megachef
Stepping off
a long-haul star freighter from Earth, Saras Kaveri has one bag of clothes, her
little flying robot Kili ... and an invitation to compete in the galaxy's most
watched, most prestigious cooking show. Interstellar MegaChef is
the showcase of the planet Primus's austere, carefully synthesized cuisine. No
one from Earth---where they're so incredibly primitive they still cook with
fire---has ever graced its flowmetal cookstations before, or smiled awkwardly
for its buzzing drone-cams. Until now.
Corporate
prodigy Serenity Ko, inventor of the smash-hit sim SoundSpace, has just got
messily drunk at a floating bar, narrowly escaped an angry mob and been put on
two weeks' mandatory leave to rest and get her work-life balance back. Perfect
time to start a new project! And she's got just the idea: a sim for food. Now
she just needs someone to teach her how to cook.
A chance
meeting in the back of a flying cab has Saras and Serenity Ko working together
on a new technology that could change the future of food-and both their
lives-forever...
Book Review
11 of 2025
I’m not
usually drawn to sci-fi and rarely pick up books in this genre. But this one
had me hooked from the start—the stunning cover caught my eye, and the fact
that it revolved around food, something I absolutely love, sealed the deal. Interstellar
Megachef is a literary delight, blending sci-fi with the universal language
of food in the most satisfying way.
Interstellar
Megachef is vibrant,
playful, and brimming with joy. It’s a book that revels in the sensory
pleasures of food, inviting readers to imagine a future where cuisine is not
just sustenance but a way to bridge worlds. This book isn’t a dense meal that
demands slow chewing—it’s a dazzling, flavorful treat, bursting with creativity
and sprinkled with just the right amount of spice to keep things exciting.
One of the
things I loved most about this book was how it used food as a lens to explore
culture and identity. In this futuristic world, cooking is more than just a
skill—it’s a statement, a tradition, and sometimes, an act of defiance. The
story dives into the way different civilizations perceive food, questioning who
gets to define what is acceptable or what isn’t. The way class, heritage, and
power shape what we eat—and who gets to eat—adds a subtle yet powerful layer to
the narrative. It’s a refreshing take on sci-fi, where the heart of the story
isn’t a grand space battle or an existential crisis, but a deep, universal love
for food and the emotions tied to it.
The dynamic
between Saraswati Kaveri and Serenity Ko was a highlight for me. Saraswati, a
chef from Earth finds herself competing in the Interstellar Megachef
competition. Meanwhile, Serenity is a visionary trying to redefine food through
simulated experiences—despite lacking actual culinary skills. Their clashing
perspectives and unexpected camaraderie make for a compelling read. And let’s
not forget Kili, the charming robot companion who deserves an award for Best AI
Sidekick!
Though the
competition is central to the story, it doesn’t follow a predictable
reality-show format. Instead, it serves as a backdrop for a richly detailed
universe filled with memorable characters, each with their own aspirations and
struggles. At first, I wasn’t sure if I’d fully connect with the
world-building, as the writing style felt slightly unconventional. But once I
got into the rhythm, I was completely immersed. What started as a light,
entertaining read soon revealed deeper themes—class divides, cultural
appropriation, and the ongoing struggle between tradition and innovation. These
elements are woven seamlessly into the story, making you think without ever
feeling heavy-handed.
Saraswati
and Serenity are far from perfect. They’re flawed, vulnerable, and evolving,
which makes their journeys feel authentic and deeply relatable. Watching them
grow, stumble, and find their own paths was one of the most rewarding aspects
of the book. The way food is celebrated in this book is simply delightful.
Saraswati’s commitment to her roots—cooking traditional dishes like bajjis,
vadas, and fish—added to her showcasing the heritage and the power of authentic
flavors.
The author
masterfully blends humor, sharp dialogue, and immersive storytelling, making
this book both thought-provoking and incredibly fun. While the ending leaves us
on a natural pause, it’s clear that there’s more to come in this universe. I
closed the book feeling satisfied yet eager for more.
This book isn’t just a sci-fi novel—it’s an experience, a sensory adventure that lingers long after the final page. I can’t wait to see what’s next in this deliciously imaginative series.
Go for it! Whether you're a sci-fi enthusiast, a food lover, or someone
looking to step out of your reading comfort zone, Interstellar Megachef
is a book you won’t want to miss. It masterfully blends futuristic imagination
with the universal joy of food, creating a story that is both fun and
thought-provoking. And if you're hesitant about sci-fi, this might just be the
perfect book to change your mind. Give it a try—you won’t be disappointed!
Lavanya
Lakshminarayan is the award-winning author of Analog/ Virtual: And Other
Simulations of Your Future, featured on Tor.com's Best Books of 2021 list.
She’s a Locus Award finalist and is the first science-fiction writer to win the
Times of India AutHer Award and the Valley of Words Award, and has also been
nominated for the BSFA Award.
Her short
fiction has appeared in numerous anthologies and magazines, including Someone
In Time, The Gollancz Book of South Asian Science Fiction (Vol. 2) and Apex
Magazine's International Futurists Special Issue. Her work has been translated
into French, Italian, Spanish and German.
She’s
occasionally a game designer, and has built worlds for Zynga Inc.’s FarmVille
franchise, Mafia Wars, and other games.
For more,
follow her on
Twitter:
@lavanya_ln
Instagram:
@lavanya.ln
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