Meet the Founder: Riya, All the Aunties
Last month, we got together with Riya, the fab co-founder behind All The Aunties, a vibrant food brand that’s redefining how we think about paneer.
From BBQ paneer recipes to freezer essentials, we explore the story behind the brand, the inspiration drawn from generations of family cooking, and the delicious ways paneer finds its way into everyday meals.
If you are look for inspiration for tonight's dinner, Milly joined Riya in the kitchen to cook up a delicious tandoori paneer recipe which you can find over on our Instagram and blog. Serve alongside the ByRuby Chicken Tikka and naan for a delicious night in for two!
Tell us a bit about All the Aunties. What inspired you to start your business?
I’ve always just wanted to share the food that I grew up eating – which wasn’t curry everyday. Three generations of my family haven’t lived in India so the food we ate was so wonderfully reflective of that, a mix of heritage and environment. Paneer in salads, and stir frys – for example.
I felt there was space for story telling on the supermarket shelves and for a brand that reflected the rich diaspora here in the UK. I’m endlessly inspired by the women in my family, hence the name, All The Aunties. Each of the Aunties is a different member of each family.
You share some delicious recipes on your website and socials, but we are intrigued to know - what’s your favourite way to enjoy paneer?
The most delicious way is on the BBQ slathered in loads of marinade. It becomes lovely and smokey. Although, I do just love it tossed in a bit on honey in a pan and then added straight into salads. That’s how I eat it most.
What advice would you give to someone looking to start a business in the food industry?
There’s no better way to figure out if your business will work other than just going for it. Be generous with your samples when trying out, feedback is key and be receptive! If you’re on to a winner generally the people will tell you, you are!
Eat in or out?
Out…at my mum’s! Does that count?
Favourite cookery book?
This is more nostalgic than anything, but I love the Mary Berry’s Complete Cookbook. It was the first book I ever made anything from, I was obsessed. At the moment I’m loving Meera Sodha’s ‘Dinner’. Like the rest of the world!
Favourite recipe?
Korean Fried Chicken Bao – Marion’s Kitchen
Favourite restaurant?
I love Farang, unforgettable feast!
Favourite kitchen utensil?
Microplane!
Coffee or tea?
A black filter
Favourite ByRuby?
What 3 items do you always have in your freezer?
Green chillies, frozen ginger, paneer!!
Favourite meal? – starter, main and pud.
Starter: tandoori grilled lamb chops with some coriander chutney
Main: just loads and loads of dumplings, with a side of seaweed salad, miso soup and enoki mushrooms
Pud: Lemon meringue pie
Dream dinner party guest (celebrity or otherwise!)?
Someone pretty rock and roll like Freddie Mercury!!
Thanks so much to Riya for chatting with us! You can find more about All the Aunties here and don't forget to check out the delicious tandoori paneer recipe on our blog!