In celebration of South Asian Heritage Month, here are some of my favourite founder-led brands from the community. I hope you enjoy discovering them as much as I have enjoyed sharing them.
FOOD
JIKONI LONDON
A fusion of migrant dishes, this charming little Mayfair restaurant is free of pretension and feels like a cosy home from home. It’s clear Ravinder Bhogal has put heart and soul into this restaurant and works hard to build community by hosting author events and similar activities. If you can’t get to the restaurant, sample the delectable menu through their home delivery service @comfortandjoy.
DISHOOM
While the food is mouth-wateringly delicious, it’s Dishoom’s love and passion for every detail of the dining experience that puts them high on my list. Even as locations grow, each one manages to have its own personality within the distinct Dishoom umbrella. It’s also rare to find a restaurant where the after-work crowd, aristocrats, fashionistas, students, and grandparents are all equally welcome. Their curated retail selection is excellent and includes our very own Mauli for Dishoom handwash—what’s not to love?
CHAI BY MIRA
If you are interested in our Ayurvedic community, you will probably know Mira, who shares delicious home cooking and health tips on her social platforms. She also has her own range of pre-blended masala chai, and I can absolutely vouch for them. My only issue is that I tend to want to have too much of a good thing.
FOOD HAK
Friends of Mauli, Food Hak is on a mission to make food healthy, as it should be. I highly recommend their home delivery service, some of which is inspired by Sattvic Ayurvedic cooking. Or opt for their delicious Ayurvedic cookies—another one I struggle to put down, but better than a packet of Pringles!
FASHION
ANISH GUPTA
Anish Gupta is the designer of @heartzeena’s fun and fabulous confetti wedding dress. Much of Anish Gupta’s designs draw inspiration from India, where layers of fabric and embellishment create striking fashion. I am drawn to Anish’s sequin numbers; one of which was seen on Taylor Swift during her recent concert. My personal favourite is the sari-inspired sequin party dress—perfect for a Diwali cocktail party.
ROSH MAHTANI ALIGHIERI
Alighieri’s jewellery shares some similarities with Mauli. Both brands launched in 2014 and both are handmade in the UK. I can feel the integrity behind the pieces, and one piece is enough to complete an entire outfit. I’ve been coveting the Luna Rock necklace and the Flickers of Love engagement ring. Surely, it’s time to re-commit our wedding vows.
AASHNI & CO
If you’re attending an Indian wedding, head to Aashni & Co in Westbourne Grove, where you will find a curated selection of Indian designers and everything from simple suits to bejeweled saris and embroidered langas. The outfits are absolutely spectacular, as are some of the prices. Aashni & Co stocks a beautiful range and it is well worth a look.
SUMAN BAJAJ SAREES AT TEA ROSE TRUNK
If you want to save money and still find a striking sari that’s easy to drape in seconds, find Suman Bajaj Saris at the UK distributor Tea Rose Trunk. Suman Bajaj was born in London, moved to India in her early 40s, and within less than a decade founded her easy-drape sari brand. The prices are affordable and the saris are so easy and wearable. You can find her UK distributor at Tea Rose Trunk. I can vouch for them—they are my younger siblings.
BEAUTY
RUBY HAMMER
As the co-founder of Ruby & Millie, Hammer pioneered masstige make-up and was the only British-Asian in the beauty industry who looked like me. A world-renowned make-up artist, Ruby Hammer has since used her vast knowledge to build a concise range of multi-tasking make-up tools, and I am a huge fan. My favourite is her magnetic-eye make-up brush set, which has all you need to shade, define, and highlight in one chic and simple stackable pen-like column.
BLINK BROW BAR
Blink was founded 20 years ago by my dear friend Vanita Parti, who single-handedly made threading an entire industry while helping South Asian women achieve financial independence by employing them in her sought-after Brow Bars. In addition to services, the brand has excellent brow products, including mascaras, brow pencils, oils, and kits.