Expert Comment: Paprika Gourmet---A journey of culinary excellence
Top catering trends in the UAE market for 2024
Dubai: Established in 2011 in Kolkata, India, Paprika is an artisanal catering service renowned as the city's premier gourmet destination. In September 2021, founder Vidisha Bathwal expanded the brand to Dubai, offering international cuisines such as Peruvian, Korean, and Mexican. Paprika Gourmet caters to private gatherings, corporate events, and parties, delivering love, warmth, and enticing delicacies.
Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, Vidisha's resilience and innovative spirit drove her to establish a strong presence in the Dubai market, catering to prestigious collaborations with entities like OMNIYAT and Emaar.
Iconic favorites from Paprika's menu include Luksa, Clay Pot Rice, Turkish Pizza, Vietnamese Rolls, and Chocolate Baked Alaska. The menu also features innovative dishes like gluten-free sourdough bread and exotic platters such as the Irani Platter, Tex Mex Platter, Punjab Da Dhaba Platter, and Alpine Indulgence Platter. Catering to health-conscious clientele, Paprika offers nutritious meal options.
Paprika handles diverse culinary needs, including gift boxes for weddings, lunch boxes for corporates, and flight catering, executing 200 to 250 events annually. The cloud kitchen setup supports daily small orders, ensuring meals are prepared with care and safety. Vidisha's commitment to customer well-being drives the brand’s success, making each occasion a memorable gastronomic journey.
About Vidisha Bathwal, founder of Paprika
Vidisha Bathwal transitioned from a hedge fund analyst in London to founding Paprika in Kolkata in 2011. Her passion for food, inspired by family recipes and diverse cuisines, drove her to create a business offering high-quality, artisanal meals. Paprika's journey began with small orders of starters, such as Hara Bhara Kabab and Falafel Wraps. Initial customers were cautious, but soon appreciated the brand's offerings.
Starting young, Vidisha faced skepticism and had to prove her capabilities. Her determination and passion for cooking helped her overcome these challenges. She believes that cooking evokes happy memories and aims to deliver restaurant-quality meals to Kolkata.
Throughout her decade-long journey, Paprika Gourmet has won several awards, including the Aparajita Award in 2012, the Go Getter YFLO Kolkata Gourmand in 2018, and recognition in the top 100 inspirational women of 2023.
With a vision to elevate Paprika Gourmet, Vidisha expanded the brand to Dubai in September 2021, offering a variety of international cuisines such as Peruvian, Korean, and Mexican. The Dubai venture received a warm welcome and continues to grow.
Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, Vidisha's resilience and innovative spirit have driven her to establish a strong presence in the Dubai market, catering to private clients, yacht parties, and prestigious collaborations with entities like OMNIYAT and Emaar.
Vidisha holds a degree in Business Studies from Lancaster University. Her professional background as a hedge fund analyst in London provided her with valuable business insights. Coming from a business-oriented family, both her upbringing and her marriage to another business family fueled her entrepreneurial spirit. This deep-rooted business environment inspired her to pursue her venture.
Although not a trained chef, Vidisha's love for good food and continuous learning from top chefs and restaurants around the world have honed her culinary skills. She believes in constant learning to stay updated on evolving food trends.
Vidisha's vision for Paprika Gourmet continues to be driven by her belief in creativity, innovation, and the constant pursuit of culinary excellence, positioning the brand as a leader in the global gastronomic scene.
By Vidisha Bathwal, Founder of Paprika Gourmet