Happily Ever After: Tikka and Tadka grow from lockdown start up to Oxfordshire wedding caterer
Roshni from Tikka and Tadka shares how they made the bold decision to set up a business during lock down and, by successfully juggling a growing family and business, they have expanded from delivering weekly curry boxes in Wantage to catering for events and weddings in Oxfordshire. >>
Where it all began…
I believe that Indian food here in Oxfordshire is very westernised and the real taste you would find in an Indian home or restaurant is definitely not available. I started this business in 2020 to give people authentic Indian food that you would find in an Indian home. We don’t hold back on the spices and don’t have ‘chicken tikka masala’ on our menu!
The inspiration for recipes comes mostly from my mum and the recipes that I have picked up while living in different cities in India.
Juggling a growing business with a growing family…
Believe it or not we actually started trading during lockdown and became very popular in our local area. Then as the lockdown ended we expanded our delivery service to different areas of Oxfordshire. Now we deliver our weekly curry boxes to most areas of Oxfordshire and cater for events regularly. In the last three years we also grew as a family. I welcomed my youngest daughter in 2022. Keeping the business alive while being a new mum was very challenging but thanks to a very supportive husband it was easily achieved.
Bringing people together with events…
Seeing people come together to enjoy a meal with lovely conversations and atmosphere all round is so rewarding. No two events are the same, and I love the challenge and excitement that comes with that variety.
Being a part of a couples special day…
Definitely undertaking the wedding project was a huge accomplishment for our business. To be able to fulfill the trust the couple had put in us to make their day special was a great feeling. Feeding so many people together and seeing them enjoy our food was an absolute pleasure.
Developing the perfect menu…
Once we get a query we sit down with the couples and give them loads of menu choices and help them decide on the menu. Once confirmed, most couples usually request for samples which we provide. Once they are absolutely happy we finalise the plan and contract.
We cater for buffet style events at the moment and look forward to doing more weddings next year.
Roshni said “We love creating new experiences for people therefore no two events are the same for us. We give each event equal importance, whether it is a wedding for 150 people or a small house party for ten people. Every time I pick up the phone and discuss the menu with a client it definitely gives me a buzz.”
Along with catering for events Tikka and Tadka also create a weekly curry box service delivering to most areas of Oxfordshire. It is also available for market stalls, food stalls at business parks, festivals and other events.
