Ever since I first stepped foot into the bustling kitchen of a restaurant, undocumented and full of dreams, I felt a pang of unease deep within me. It wasn't just the fast-paced environment or the long hours that troubled me, but rather the disconnect I observed between the local food producers, the talented cooks, and the eager consumers.
As I chopped vegetables and stirred pots in those early days, I couldn't shake the feeling that something was fundamentally wrong with how our food system operated. Local farmers toiled away, producing fresh, nutritious ingredients with care and dedication, only to find themselves sidelined by a system that favored convenience over quality. Meanwhile, skilled cooks like myself struggled to source the needed ingredients, resorting to mass-produced, flavorless substitutes imported from far-flung corners of the globe.
It was a broken cycle that left everyone wanting. Farmers struggled to make ends meet, consumers settled for subpar meals, and our connection to the land and the food it provided grew ever more distant. But instead of succumbing to despair, I found myself fiercely determined to make a change. I couldn't stand by and watch as this unsustainable system thrived. And so, with little more than a vision and a burning passion, I set out to create something new with my co-founder, Aayushi.
That's how Chula was born—a humble yet ambitious endeavor to bridge the gap between local farmers, cooks, and consumers. With Chula, we set out to build a community where everyone had a seat at the table, where farmers could showcase their produce directly to consumers, and where cooks could craft meals that celebrated the bounty of our local land.
I'm grateful for the opportunity to be a part of something bigger than myself—to be a catalyst for change in an industry that desperately needs it.
We are introducing the Chula token, our custom-built crypto token designed to revolutionize how you pay for food. You could send a Chula token to a local cook wallet for a meal in the future. Welcome to be part of the future of decentralized building local community with Chula tokens!
Ujj, the founder, cook and serve Nepali food at Muju International Groceries, NY.
Chula is a transformative platform that bridges the gap between local users, cooks, and farmers by providing a seamless digital ecosystem for listing, ordering, and processing payments.
We integrate the traditional farming knowledge of refugees and immigrants with that of local farmers to innovate ways of producing products locally, meeting national demands.
Our mission is to empower communities, foster job creation, mitigate climate change, and promote sustainable, inclusive local food systems.
Chula is a cost-free platform where local farmers and cooks can list their fresh produce and homemade meals, establishing a direct connection with consumers.
Our platform fosters community by bringing together refugees, immigrants, and local farmers to share knowledge, collaborate, and collectively contribute to a sustainable and inclusive local food system.
Thanks to Chula, my culinary journey transformed into a movement – a movement to reclaim and celebrate our culinary heritage. As more cooks like me joined the Chula community, we collectively wove a tapestry of flavors that told the tale of a resilient culture refusing to be forgotten. With Chula, we not only grew our businesses but also cultivated a sense of pride and appreciation for our Puterican roots, one plate at a time. As I listed my unique Puterican dishes on Chula, I witnessed a community of food enthusiasts eager to learn and taste the forgotten flavors of our culture. The app acted as a facilitator, connecting me with individuals who appreciated the narrative behind each dish. In turn, my food business flourished, and the stories of Puterican culture began to echo in the hearts and kitchens of those who tasted the authenticity on their plates. Chula's commitment to sustainability mirrored my own aspirations. The app encouraged local sourcing, emphasizing the importance of supporting nearby growers and producers. This not only strengthened the ties within our community but also contributed to the larger goal of building a sustainable and resilient local food system.
Scheyla Pagan
Founder of EL Rincon BoriKeno
After moving to the States, my whole day revolves around what I am harvesting and cooking. Cooking and feeding Nepali food to my dear ones is rewarding. Now, because of Chulā, my circle of dear ones has grown without any overheads. Tula R.
I came to this country undocumented, like my friend Ujj, founder of chulā. I used to be a chef back in Mexico, but because of a lack of resources, I could not see serving legit homemade Mexican food until my food inspired him to found Chulā. Jose F.
I have always planned events with my grandchildren and kids around Jamaican food. Providing real homemade Jamaican food shows respect and creates a space where we can share culture. Now, I can do events and cook Jamaican food to share my Jamaican food and culture with more people. Femi J.
Chula has become my go-to platform for turning my garden produce into a valuable resource. It's more than just a marketplace; it's a community-driven initiative that brings together like-minded individuals, ensuring that the fruits of my labor contribute to the well-being of my community. With Chula, less waste and stress, and more satisfaction in knowing that my garden's bounty is making a meaningful impact in the lives of those around me.
E. S.
Malissa Pather
The vegan Momos (chilli and steamed) and Noodles- the food here is fantastic. Depak G
This place is like a home kitchen for me & my husband. Mainly the host is amazing & cooks from the heart ❤️. Neha T
If you are driving through Utica, this is the place to stop and have your taste buds satisfied. Ritwik S
You have to try their samosas and 315 bowl...amazing and at a very reasonable price. Mark H.
The people are great, and if they're serving samosas, do yourself a favour and buy a couple or 20.Frank B
A cook invited me to sample his hot dishes he had made that day. All four things I tried were delicious! Highly recommend.Crissy P
Delicious food and drinks, great selection, warm people and big hearts! 5/5 from me!!Nicolas L
Finance Advsior Phd Candidate in Mathematical Finance
Economic Advisor
For Chulā
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Location: 026 Champlin Ave Utica, NY 13502 | Phone: 6169292399
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