Today we’d like to introduce you to Nilam Punjani.
Hi Nilam, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
In 2015 after being diagnosed with Her2+Breast Cancer and going through 6 rounds of chemo and left breast mastectomy and reconstructive surgery and surviving I decided to create a company making plant based protein samosas. Being Indian I knew that I could use my traditional spices and recipes making samosas more than vegetarian but protein based for people who enjoy more than peas carrots and potatoes. I provide these samosas to selective restaurants and catering companies throughout the Bay Area.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
For the most part it’s been a smooth road. Creating a product suitable and flavorful for the San Francisco Bay Area foodies was the goal and though it took a little bit of time to get them into places when I did the samosas have been a hit
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Mina Masala ?
Mina Masala was created in 2016 during a time I was told that I had breast cancer and needed chemo and surgery. With my mom’s help and knowledge of Indian food being full of nutrients and spices included in the Indian diet that helped with healing from the inside out from the chemo treatments. I created Plant based Chicken samosas and provide them to local Bay Area restaurants and catering companies throughout. I use traditional spices and flavors with innovative recipes for today’s generation of people. My samosas have just enough of the Indian flare with a modern twist as well as the Traditional Vegetarian Samosa which is a footprint on any Indian menu but I am so excited to have a new tasty samosa flavor in the Bay Area! A very popular well received breakfast/brunch samosa and these should be on menus everywhere!
In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
I’m hoping in 5-10 years I am able to progress being in Costco and in schools so kids can have a healthy tasty alternative snack or lunch as well as in households everywhere for easy pop in party appetizers for every occasion and culture!
You can follow my page on Instagram under Mina Masala and contact us for a tasting to get them on your menu!
Pricing:
- Vegan Chicken 1.25 each frozen (wholesale)
- Breakfast Samosa 1.50 each frozen (wholesale)
Contact Info:
- Website: minamasala94@gmail.com
- Instagram: Mina Masala
- Facebook: Mina Masala
