What’s a good way to find a cook?

Depending on which city you are, there are agents / bureaus that help with finding 24 hour house-help. These are organized by region where the help is sourced from - eg Nepal, Chhattisgarh, Orissa, etc. Charges are dependent on experience and terms. In a T1 city it's between 16-25 K + Room & Board.

I found mine by going out in evening around 5 pm (thats when the cooks are out on foot / bicycle to go to their work houses). Stopped 2-3 till finally one agreed. Easiest and fastest way.

Neighborhood aunties, I got my last onw with their help. She is best.

Ask around the guards present at society gates. Usually a couple might be living there or they might know someone.