Couple brings authentic Indian flavours to Bideford

A couple from India is infusing Bideford’s culinary scene with the rich and diverse flavours of their homeland.

Kajol Jain and her husband, Bala, recently relocated to the coastal town from Chennai in southern India, after Bala received a work opportunity in North Devon.

The move, however, was about more than just professional advancement.

Kajol said: “We noticed that while England is celebrated for its Indian cuisine, most of it is concentrated in London or other major cities. We wanted to bring some soulful Indian food to this beautiful coastal town.”

Kajol’s passion for cooking is deeply ingrained in her cultural background.

She said: “In India, cooking is always about sharing. You never cook just for yourself; it’s always for two, three, or more.”

One cherished memory involves preparing a traditional South Indian thali with her family on Sunday afternoons. 

She said: “The thali typically includes around ten dishes. Each family member is assigned one or two dishes to cook. It’s served on a banana leaf, with everyone sitting side by side on the floor. Not everyone eats at the same time, as this meal needs to be served. Some sit and savour the meal while others serve, and then they swap places.”

Kajol and Bala aim to offer a menu that showcases the variety and depth of Indian cuisine.

She said: “I plan to cook regional dishes from different parts of India like gatta subzi from Rajasthan, masala dosa from South India, and kadi pakodi from Punjab. Apart from this, I also plan to introduce Indian street food, commonly known as chaat. Some of the dishes are samosa, aloo chaat, pani puri, and the list goes on.”

The couple’s menu will feature home-cooked dishes, reflecting everyday meals enjoyed by families across India. 

She said: “The dishes on our menu are what we eat regularly at home.”

Through their culinary offerings, Kajol hopes to provide a deeper understanding and appreciation of Indian cuisine.

She said: “I want people to enjoy soulful Indian food and appreciate the cuisines from different regions of India. There is so much more to Indian food than just curry.”

In addition to their culinary venture, Kajol also works as a private chef, catering to people in their homes for family get-togethers and special occasions.

The couple offer plant based food, and can accommodate dietary needs such as gluten free and vegan meals as well.

To enquire further, you can contact Kajol on Kandbpopup@gmail.com