Amidst the chaos of the COVID-19 pandemic, Smriti Anand and Ketan Gulati embarked on a remarkable journey that would blend love, culture, and gastronomy. Their venture, Gulkand Food Labs LLC, is a testament to resilience and passion, redefining Indian cuisine in the heart of the USA.
The story begins with an intimate wedding forced by pandemic restrictions. Two Punjabi families reduced their grand celebration to a small gathering, attended only by the couple and their parents. Smriti's bold move to the United States after the wedding added another layer of challenge and adventure to their story.
In their new country, Smriti and Ketan discovered a shared passion for food that ignited their culinary journey. Hours were spent discussing flavors, techniques, and the rich history of food. Their meals transcended the ordinary, resembling elaborate feasts found in five-star hotels, infused with knowledge and an artistic touch.
Word of their culinary prowess quickly spread, leading to invitations to host parties and share their gastronomic magic. A turning point came when a close family member asked them to cater a Diwali party with 70 guests. Their persistence and belief in their abilities convinced them to give it a try.
With guidance from an experienced family member turned mentor, they embarked on this new adventure and chose the name "Gulkand Food Labs LLC." The name, inspired by their marriage hashtag, #Gulkand, pays homage to their love and reflects their shared surnames, Gulati and Anand.
In just under 8 months, Gulkand Food Labs has served over 5,000 people. What's remarkable is that Smriti, as the sole chef, managed to prepare vast amounts of food, all while operating as a bootstrapped business and handling most tasks herself.
But what sets Gulkand Food Labs apart from the rest is their unwavering commitment to presentation, quality, and accessibility.
They pay meticulous attention to presentation, creating visually stunning displays that elevate the dining experience. Even in scaled catering events, they incorporate layers of elements into each appetizer, ensuring every bite is a harmonious blend of flavors, textures, and complementary components. Achieving this level of gastronomic excellence while managing food temperatures is a feat that requires careful planning and execution.
Their focus on presentation extends beyond appearances; it enhances the essence of the food itself. They make core-rooted Indian food progressive in presentation, infusing it with complementary flavors, elements, and textures. This approach drives them to continuously explore new ways to create innovative culinary experiences, showcasing the incredible versatility of Indian cuisine.
Furthermore, they aim to make their services accessible without compromising on quality. Unlike many catering companies, Gulkand Food Labs delivers exceptional presentations at reasonable rates. They believe that clients deserve outstanding food and an aesthetically pleasing experience without exorbitant costs.
However, their journey hasn't been obstacle-free. Transitioning to a new country, navigating the visa process, and adapting to a one-bedroom apartment for operations were early challenges. Their lack of familiarity with the local market led to overpaying for ingredients and making procurement mistakes. Scaling the business has proven challenging, as they strive to deliver quality at par with larger catering companies while operating as a small team.
To address these challenges, they actively seek guidance from mentors and continually refine their processes. They're exploring strategies to streamline operations, increase efficiency, and expand their team to minimize client rejections and maximize their reach.
In conclusion, Gulkand Food Labs LLC represents a journey of love, dedication, and culinary innovation. Smriti Anand and Ketan Gulati have not only built a thriving culinary venture but have also redefined the way Indian cuisine is presented and experienced in the United States. Their story, marked by challenges and triumphs, reflects their unwavering commitment to authenticity, quality, and innovation. As they continue to expand their horizons and bring the flavors of India to a broader audience, Gulkand Food Labs is poised to make an indelible mark on the culinary world, one beautifully presented meal at a time.
Learn more about them from their website, www.gulkandfoodlabs.com, or follow their instagram https://www.instagram.com/gulkandfoodlabs/ for some mouth watering pictures and to try their food. Their yelp (https://www.yelp.com/biz/gulkand-food-labs-fremont) talks highly of their work and the all 5-star reviews show the amount of happiness Gulkand is spreading around the bay area!
Media Contact
Company Name: Gulkand Food Labs, LLC
Contact Person: Smriti Anand
Email: Send Email
Phone: 5103968766
Country: United States
Website: https://www.gulkandfoodlabs.com
