Meet Amrutha Rao

We had the good fortune of connecting with Amrutha Rao and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Amrutha, we’d love for you to start things off by telling us something about your industry that we and others not in the industry might be unaware of?

Food blogging isn’t for the faint of heart.
But the good news? You don’t need fancy gear or a professional setup to get started. All you really need is passion, patience, and consistency—and most of us already have a powerful camera right in our pockets. Creating content is more accessible than ever; the key is showing up with heart and hustle.

The digital world moves fast, and staying flexible and eager to learn is what sets successful bloggers apart. Whether it’s adapting to the latest trends, cracking algorithm changes, or learning how to make your dishes practically smell through the screen, growth comes from curiosity and creativity.

The market might be saturated, but there’s always room for originality. Once you find your niche and lean into what makes your voice unique, the right people will find you. Do it for the love of it—and the rest will follow.

We want you to have control over how you are represented, along with your name, please let us know if there is a particular description you’d like for us to use for you above your response to the discussion question?

I’m Amrutha—better known as Amu—the heart and soul behind SimplyAmuzing, my little corner of the internet, where I celebrate life’s little pleasures one delicious bite at a time!

I believe that great food doesn’t need to be complicated—it’s all about easy, quick bites packed with bold flavors and a touch of fun! From comforting home-cooked meals to recipes inspired by my travels around the world, I’m here to inspire you to get into the kitchen and enjoy life’s simple pleasures. With every dish I share, I aim to bring you a taste of adventure, warmth, and joy. So grab your apron, and let’s cook up some memories together!

Alright, so let’s jump right in! The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there a person, group, organization, book, etc that you want to dedicate your shoutout to? Who else deserves a little credit and recognition in your story?

I’m incredibly grateful to come from a foodie family—we don’t eat to live, we live to eat! Our love for food runs deep, and having a mom who’s an amazing cook only fuels that fire. My passion for cooking was passed down from her and my grandmother. Ever since I was little, I was always curious in the kitchen, and they never held me back from exploring, experimenting, and learning my own way.

I also owe so much to my dad, who introduced me to a variety of cuisines growing up. His adventurous palate sparked my love for trying new dishes and flavors from all over the world. My brother, forever my toughest critic, keeps me grounded and reminds me there’s always more to learn if I want to reach the legendary status of Mom and Grandma.

And of course, my wonderful husband—my biggest cheerleader, taste-tester, and voice of reason. He’s supported every wild kitchen experiment and every crazy food idea I’ve had.
And not to forget my photography instructor who opened my eyes to the art of food styling and photography. Her guidance helped me bring my dishes to life beyond the plate.

Honestly, I couldn’t ask for a better team behind me.

Please tell us more about your work. We’d love to hear what sets you apart from others, what you are most proud of or excited about. How did you get to where you are today professionally? Was it easy? If not, how did you overcome the challenges? What are the lessons you’ve learned along the way? What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story?

My blog is a reflection of my deep love for food, creativity, and culture. I’ve always been fascinated by the way food brings people together, and I try to bring that warmth and curiosity into everything I create. Whether I’m recreating a dish I tried at a café, putting a healthy vegetarian spin on something I had at a restaurant, or drawing inspiration from my travels, I love the challenge of making every recipe feel personal and approachable.

What really sets me apart is that I don’t just focus on the food—I’m just as passionate about the storytelling that happens behind the lens. Styling a shoot, playing with textures, light, and color, and finding the beauty in even the simplest dishes is something I genuinely enjoy. I’ve also been diving deep into the world of beverages—perfecting my barista and matcha-making skills, learning about teas, coffee extraction methods, and even working on my (still very amateur) latte art. These explorations help me push my creative boundaries and keep my content fresh and evolving.

The journey hasn’t always been easy. Like many creatives, I’ve faced moments of doubt and burnout, especially in a space that’s constantly changing and saturated. But I’ve learned that consistency, curiosity, and a willingness to evolve are key. I’ve embraced video content, leaned into food styling for motion, and continue learning with every shoot.

What I want people to take away from my work is that food is more than just sustenance—it’s culture, comfort, and creativity. My goal is to inspire others to explore their own kitchens with curiosity and confidence, and to celebrate the joy in the little things—whether it’s a cozy home-cooked meal or a beautifully poured cup of matcha.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc. In your view, what are some of the most fun, interesting, exciting people, places or things to check out?

My bestie and I love starting our adventures with a good hike, so the first thing we’d do is grab a coffee from Yellow Vase in Palos Verdes. With our drinks in hand, we’d head to one of the stunning coastal trails to soak in the morning breeze, the soothing sound of the ocean, and a healthy dose of sunshine.

After our nature fix, we’d make our way to the Griffith Observatory—she’d definitely want a picture with the iconic Hollywood sign, and she’d absolutely love going inside the observatory to explore and take in those panoramic views of L.A.

From there, we’d head to Gracias Madre for a delicious plant-based lunch and then onto a cozy afternoon matcha break at DAMO, where we’d catch up over conversation and a little people-watching.

For dinner, it’s a toss-up between Tatsu Ramen and Daikokuya Ramen—either way, we’re getting comfort food at its finest. To satisfy our sweet tooth, we’d stop by Mashti Malone’s for my favorite Persian-style ice cream. I always go for the Saffron Rosewater—it brings back memories of Indian kulfi.

We’d end the night with a relaxing stroll at the Santa Monica Pier, soaking in the lights, sounds, and ocean air to wrap up a perfect day.

Website: https://www.simplyamuzing.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/simplyamuzing/

Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@simplyamuzing

Image Credits
All images are mine. All photographed and styled by me