Food has always served as a bridge between cultures, offering a glimpse into one’s heritage and history. For Venkat and Shweta, the founders of Brooklyn Curry Project, this sentiment resonates deeply. They started their culinary venture with a passion for crafting authentic Indian dishes, particularly Masala Dosas, as a means to create community and foster connections in a new environment.
From Homesickness to Culinary Creativity
Originally from India, Venkat and Shweta moved to New York City, where the hustle and bustle can often leave one feeling isolated, despite the throngs of people. Venkat, a software engineer, and Shweta, a real estate lawyer, found solace and connection in food—a reminder of their roots. “When I moved here, the biggest thing that hit me was I had to eat alone,” Venkat recalls, talking about the emotional impact of leaving home. With little in the way of friends and family nearby, they found themselves yearning for more than just sustenance; they craved community.
Determined to create an environment that fostered connection through food, the couple launched Brooklyn Curry Project in June 2021. Their inaugural cooking sessions started adjacent to a farmers’ market in Fort Greene, inspired by the warm response their daughter received running a lemonade stand. Soon, this idea evolved into a pop-up venture that encapsulated not only food but also a gathering of like-minded individuals seeking the flavors of home.
The Craft of Making Dosas
The signature dish of their operation, the Masala Dosa, is more than just a meal; it’s a labor of love. Producing these dosas begins with a meticulous process: soaking rice and lentils for eight hours, blending them into a batter, and allowing them to ferment for another eight hours. Only after this transformation can they be spread onto a hot tawa, cooking to a crispy finish that evokes memories of home for many of their customers. “Who wants this crispy dosa? Me me me me me!” they often exclaim, embodying the excitement and anticipation that comes from sharing beloved food.
The couple’s love for dosas is evident, but so is their commitment to quality. They source ingredients from local vendors and Indian grocery stores, ensuring that every dosa is not just authentic, but a tribute to their cultural heritage. As Shweta shares, “We didn’t start Brooklyn Curry Project with a financial goal. Our focus was on sharing our love for food and creating connections.” This approach has led to organic growth, with their pop-up selling out every week, sometimes reaching sales of over ,000 a month.
The Challenges and Triumphs of Running a Food Venture
While the financial success is gratifying, the couple readily admits the physical toll that running the operation takes on them. Cooking for 200 people in a day can be grueling work. “It’s hard physical labor,” Venkat acknowledges, noting that preparation is not for the faint of heart. “It’s draining, and it requires a lot of dedication.” Yet, the joy of seeing satisfied customers, hearing comments like “Best dosa I’ve ever had,” makes the challenge worthwhile.
Behind the scenes, they have recruited a dedicated team of volunteers who share in their passion for Indian cuisine and community building. This collective effort has reinforced their belief that they are not alone in their culinary journey—there are many people in New York craving the comfort of regional cooking. Shweta expresses immense gratitude for their support, saying, “We’ve built a close-knit community around our food; it’s so fulfilling.”
Plans for the Future: A Brick-and-Mortar Dream
With the undeniable success of their pop-up venture, Venkat and Shweta are now setting their sights on a more permanent establishment. They envision a brick-and-mortar restaurant that encapsulates the community feel of their pop-up, a place where people can gather, enjoy food, and celebrate culture. “Our dream is to have a place under the Brooklyn Bridge,” they share, highlighting their aspirations while linking their project to the rich tapestry of Brooklyn’s diverse culinary scene.
However, setting up a restaurant comes with its own set of challenges, including a startup cost of around 0,000. To meet these financial goals, they are gearing up for a crowdfunding campaign, encouraging their loyal customer base to invest in the vision that has become so meaningful to them. “We want people to be part of this journey,” Venkat expresses, emphasizing that this endeavor is about more than just food. It’s about building a space where stories, memories, and cultural traditions can flourish.
Food as a Connection Point
The essence of Brooklyn Curry Project goes beyond serving food. It’s about connecting a community through shared experiences and cultural appreciation. Venkat and Shweta have created an inviting atmosphere where individuals from various backgrounds can come together, bonded by a mutual love of flavors that transport them home—if only for a moment. As they continue to craft their culinary identity, this duo is not just feeding hungry mouths; they’re nurturing hearts and fostering friendships through the simple act of sharing food.
In an age where digital interactions often overshadow personal connections, Brooklyn Curry Project stands as a shining example of how food can bridge divides, create communities, and cultivate deep-rooted connections. As Venkat and Shweta gear up for their next chapter, there’s no doubt that their journey will continue to inspire others to follow their passions and embrace the richness that comes from sharing culture through the universal language of food.
