Vama-Ji on its way

Award-winning Punjabi restaurant Vama has launched a home-delivery service called Vama-Ji. Although focused initially on London, it is expected to expand to the rest of the country over the next two years.

"We are looking to revolutionise the Indian food service sector by delivering consistently high-quality, branded Indian food," said financial director Arjun Varma, who co-founded the restaurant in London's King's Road in 1998 with his brother, executive chef Andy Varma.

He added: "Our research shows that a large proportion of people living in residential boroughs buy take-out food at least once a week. We aim to capture the market for refined Indian food at affordable prices, and to deliver promptly to homes and offices."

Andy Varma said Vama-Ji would offer more casual and easily produced meals than the restaurant, but use the same suppliers. Pricing, typically £10-£12 per person, would be close to that of mainstream curry houses.

A new central production unit in Battersea will supply satellite kitchens delivering food initially to customers in Kensington and Chelsea, Fulham, Battersea, Clapham and Wandsworth.

Phases two and three will expand the service across Greater London. National expansion will start with the Home Counties.

Source: Caterer & Hotelkeeper magazine, 31 October - 6 November 2002