Today we’d like to introduce you to Smriti Anand.
Hi Smriti, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
“My journey began during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic when Ketan and I decided to get married. What was initially planned as a grand celebration with two Punjabi families had to be scaled down to just our parents and the two of us due to the circumstances. In the midst of the COVID craziness and a new marriage, I made a bold move and relocated to the United States, which came with its fair share of challenges.
Living together in a new country, we quickly discovered our shared passion for food. We would spend hours discussing everything about it – from the flavors and techniques to the rich food history and its cultural significance. Our meals became elaborate feasts, rivaling those of five-star hotels, but they were always accompanied by knowledge and an aesthetic touch.
Word of our culinary endeavors spread, and we soon found ourselves hosting parties and sharing our gastronomic magic with guests, friends, and family. Little did we expect that one day, a close family member would ask us to cater their Diwali party, which had 70 guests. Initially, we thought it was a joke, but their persistence and belief in us convinced us to give it a try.
With the guidance of our experienced family member, who became our mentor, we embarked on this new venture. The question arose: What should we call ourselves? Inspired by the sweetness of our marriage hashtag, #Gulkand, we decided on Gulkand Food Labs LLC, which is also the dried rose jam, but it is also the association of our surnames in Gulati & Anand.
From that humble beginning nearly a year ago, we have had the privilege of feeding over 5,000 people across more than 50 parties. It’s incredible to think that I, as the sole chef, have been able to prepare such vast amounts of food, considering we are still a bootstrapped operation, handling most tasks ourselves.
Our pride lies not only in the quantity but in the authenticity of our food. We go to great lengths to keep the spirit of Indian cuisine alive by using real, imported spices and flavorants. For example, our Rajasthani Laal Maans (goat) relies on a paste curry made exclusively from the original Mathania chili, sourced directly from India. Likewise, our Lucknawi cuisine wouldn’t be complete without saunf (fennel), and Kashmiri delicacies demand responsibly-sourced kesar (saffron) from the farmers of Kashmir.
Our mission extends beyond nourishing the Indian diaspora in the United States; we strive to introduce the wider American community to the diverse and authentic flavors of Indian cuisine. We want to show the world that Indian food is so much more than just curry, butter chicken, and samosas.”
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
While our journey of building Gulkand Food Labs LLC has been incredibly rewarding, it hasn’t been without its fair share of obstacles. From the beginning, we faced significant challenges that tested our resilience and determination.
One of the earliest hurdles we encountered was the transition to a new country. Moving to the United States meant leaving behind my marketing career and navigating the complexities of the visa process. The inability to work for several months initially posed a challenge, but it was during this time that our shared passion for food and the desire to create something meaningful led us to start Gulkand.
Operating from a one-bedroom apartment presented numerous logistical challenges. Imagine preparing a menu of 5 appetizers, five mains, and two desserts for 70 people in a 600 sq ft apartment. The physical limitations, coupled with the daunting task of moving ingredients and finished dishes between our garage and apartment, required tremendous effort and caused us to encounter some perplexed glances from our neighbors. We faced a particularly embarrassing incident with a 3 AM fire alarm in our apartment complex, adding to the difficulties we had to overcome.
In those early days, our lack of familiarity with the local market proved to be a setback. We had to learn where to source the right ingredients, which resulted in overpaying for raw materials and ultimately eating into our profits. Additionally, we made our fair share of mistakes, such as purchasing items at retail prices or acquiring the wrong sizes or brands. However, these experiences became valuable lessons, prompting us to improve our procurement process and ensure that our business operations were more efficient and cost-effective.
Scaling our business has also presented its own set of challenges. While we strive to provide a professional experience for our clients, we are still primarily a one-person show, with significant support from my husband and contractual staff during events. We aim to deliver the same level of quality and dedication as the largest catering companies in the Bay Area, but our growth is currently limited by our own bandwidth. We often find ourselves having to reject multiple clients for everyone we are able to serve, which is a loss we are determined to minimize.
To address these challenges, we actively seek guidance from our mentors and continually refine our processes. We are exploring strategies to streamline operations, increase efficiency, and find individuals who can share our passion and contribute to the growth of Gulkand Food Labs. Our goal is to scale our curated and personalized catering business while maintaining the exceptional quality and authenticity that has earned us the trust and satisfaction of our clients.
Throughout our journey, we have embraced each obstacle as an opportunity to learn, grow, and improve. The passion for food and the desire to showcase the true essence of Indian cuisine keeps us motivated and dedicated to overcoming any challenges that come our way.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
At Gulkand Food Labs LLC, we take pride in setting ourselves apart from the industry through various dimensions, including our presentation, attention to detail, and the ability to deliver exceptional experiences in a timely manner.
One of the key aspects that distinguishes us is our focus on presentation. We pay meticulous attention to every detail, from our pre-plated appetizers to our buffet table designs and aesthetics. Our goal is to create visually stunning displays that not only entice the senses but also elevate the overall dining experience. Even in scaled catering events, we strive to incorporate layers of several elements into each appetizer, ensuring that every bite is a harmonious blend of flavors, textures, and complementary components. Achieving this level of gastronomic excellence while managing to keep the food at the right temperatures is a feat that requires careful planning and execution.
We understand that presentation is not just about appearances; it is also about enhancing the essence of the food itself. Our intention is to make core-rooted Indian food progressive in presentation, infusing it with complementary flavors, elements, and textures. This approach inspires us to continuously push our boundaries and explore new ways to create innovative culinary experiences. We believe that by reinventing the presentation of Indian cuisine, we can showcase its incredible versatility and appeal to a wider audience, both within the Indian diaspora and among the broader community.
Furthermore, we aim to make our services accessible without compromising on quality. While many catering companies either neglect these presentation elements or charge exorbitant prices for them, we are committed to delivering exceptional presentations at reasonable rates. We understand that our clients deserve a complete package that encompasses both outstanding food and an aesthetically pleasing experience, and we strive to make that a reality.
What do you like and dislike about the city?
What I love best about the Bay Area is its vibrant and innovative spirit. It truly is the cradle of innovation, where ideas flourish and creativity knows no bounds. Whether it’s in the realms of technology, medicine, biology, or even food, this city fosters an environment that encourages experimentation and welcomes new concepts. The open-mindedness of the community allows for the exploration of unique culinary creations, such as a spring roll dosa or a butter chicken sushi, which may seem unconventional in other places but finds an audience here. The city’s diverse and adventurous food scene allows for limitless possibilities and the freedom to go wild and crazy with food ideas. I recall a memorable experience during the COVID-19 pandemic when I introduced COVID-themed mutton gilawati kebabs. Surprisingly, people embraced the playful concept of those tiny-looking viruses on their plates and enjoyed the experience. This exemplifies the openness and acceptance of the community, where people are willing to step outside their comfort zones and appreciate the innovative and unexpected.
The richness of diversity in this city is another aspect that I truly cherish. It provides a vast playground to explore different taste palettes, cultures, and food journeys. The multicultural fabric of the Bay Area allows for the fusion of flavors, the celebration of global cuisines, and the opportunity to create culinary experiences that resonate with a wide range of palates. This diversity creates an enriching and dynamic environment that constantly inspires me to push the boundaries of culinary creativity.
While there are many things I appreciate about the Bay Area, if I were to mention something I like least, it would be the heavy traffic congestion during peak hours. As the city continues to grow and attract more residents and businesses, traffic congestion has become a common challenge. Navigating through congested roads and experiencing delays can be frustrating at times, especially when trying to adhere to tight schedules. However, I understand that it is a common issue in many thriving cities, and it does not overshadow the numerous positive aspects and opportunities the city has to offer.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://gulkandfoodlabs.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gulkandfoodlabs/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gulkandfood/
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/gulkand-food-labs-fremont
