Meet The Makers Mini Interview: Jaan Foods
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Jaan Foods Mini Interview
From the UK to BC! Born in London, Parma Virk has had a really exciting and varied culinary career that has included working for the likes of no less than Jamie Oliver! Soon after relocating to Canada in 2013, he began working on Jann Foods, his own company designed to focus on clean eating. Jaan Foods' first product is an incredibly delicious plant-based butter chicken sauce based on family recipe: Parma's Butterless Chickenless Sauce. It's been super popular with our customers (and staff!) and we're so happy we get to share a little of Parma's story and personality with you. And we can't wait to try whatever fab creations Jaan Foods offers next!
Share your story with us in a 150 words or less.
I was born in United Kingdom within a Punjabi family and that gave me a huge love for food and family gatherings. During my 30s, I decided to pursue my passion for food. I went to chef school and after graduating, I moved back down to my hometown of London and started my culinary journey. I worked for a variety of chefs from Jamie Oliver to Rick Stein, whilst working in some Michelin starred restaurants as well. In 2013 I relocated to Canada, a life long dream of mine. I worked in Newfoundland, Toronto and Kelowna. I decided to share my culinary passion with a larger market by starting my own business, Jaan Foods. I wanted to focus on developing clean-label food products. My first product was Butterless Chickenless Sauce, a plant-based butter chicken sauce. I am currently working full-time at Jaan Foods to create and share new delicious products!
Getting from an idea to a small business is a lot of work! When did it first sink in for you that ‘this is really happening’?
When I picked up my first pallet of product from my co-packer. I had the difficult task of figuring out where to store all of the cases, and ended up temporarily storing it in my small condo storage locker. This also made me realize I had to get the product out on shelves.
What motivates you on a day-to-day basis?
The feedback I receive from customers who try my BC sauce motivates me every day. I enjoy seeing people sharing their meal ideas and excitement about the sauce on Instagram, email and in person. Now that I can have people taste my product ‘live’, I can see their reactions up close. It reminds me that I have a tasty product that brings people joy.
Out of all your products, which is your personal favourite and why?
I am excited about our new upcoming product, Hello Daaling. It is the first daal to be released in a ready to go jar in Canada, and is based off another family recipe. I look forward to sharing my family’s nutritious comfort food for everyone to try!
What’s your favourite thing about the town or city you live in?
It is being surrounded by all the beauty of nature, where you can get out into fresh air and go for a walk at almost any time (weather permitting). The brewery patios aren’t too bad either!
Describe your ideal Sunday.
I enjoy a little sleep in on a Sunday, and a late morning brunch. I enjoy a good cup of coffee or tea, while catching up with family and friends. For a late brunch, I like cooking a selection of stuffed paratha, which are Indian breads with mixed fillings such as potato and cauliflower grated up finely or even cumin spiced peas and grated daikon. I pair it with pickles and spiced yoghurts. Also if any nice pastries are picked up from a local bakery, I wont say no.
What are your personal top three tips for feeling awesome?
1. Make sure you have good meals with family and friends regularly.
2. Achieving goals that you have set, personally and professionally. Even achieving little goals can make your day!
3. Get plenty of good sleep, and take care of your body. Physical exercise, sleep and good food are all part of having an awesome day.
Find Jaan Foods: On Their Website | On Instagram | On Facebook