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.
Chula connects both local home gardeners who may have excess produce they are looking to sell and professional farmers dedicated to cultivating high-quality produce. Whether it's a small urban garden or a large-scale farm, Chula provides a platform for farmers of all scales to list and sell their produce directly to the community, ensuring fresh, local ingredients are always available.
Chula empowers a range of culinary talents, from cloud kitchen chefs operating out of facilities like the Established Muju International Groceries Kitchen, to cooks who own and run their own restaurants. This variety ensures that users have access to diverse culinary offerings, from single-item orders to comprehensive meal plans and catering services.
Chula’s consumers are at the heart of its platform, enjoying the convenience of ordering directly from farmers or selecting prepared meals from various cooks. They can choose from meal plans, catering services, or single-item orders exclusively from our cloud kitchens or local restaurants. By choosing to buy local produce or meals, users help close the circle, promoting a more sustainable community.
At Chula, our mission is to revolutionize the local food ecosystem by addressing food insecurity and supply chain challenges through a digital platform that champions inclusivity. We connect consumers, farmers, and cooks, fostering a sustainable, diverse, and resilient community food network.
Our vision is to build a world where everyone, regardless of their background, has access to fresh, high-quality, locally sourced food. We strive to create a thriving; inclusive community where sustainable practices and collaborative efforts lead to a healthier planet and equitable opportunities for all.
We strive to make locally sourced food more accessible and affordable for everyone, regardless of background or income level, by breaking down barriers and creating equitable opportunities within the food system.
We are committed to environmentally friendly practices, promoting the long-term health of the local ecosystem and advocating for responsible sourcing and consumption.
We ensure that all products listed on our platform meet high standards of freshness, taste, and nutritional value, providing our users with the best local food experiences.
We embrace diversity and foster a sense of belonging for all community members, including refugees, immigrants, farmers, cooks, and consumers, ensuring that everyone has a voice and place in our food system.
We encourage partnerships and cooperation between different stakeholders, creating a stronger and more resilient food system through collective efforts and shared goals.
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
Ujj, a founder, brings a wealth of experience, from humble beginnings as a dishwasher to now owning his own businesses. His acadamic achivements, including an MBA in Risk Management from Utica University and ongoing studies at Harvard, complement his practical knowledge. His motivation for founding Chula is rooted in providing access to quality, locally sourced food, fostering community, boosting economies and reducing environmental impact.
Aayushi a full-stack developer with over a decade of experience and a computer science degree, co-founded Chula beacuse she wanted to positively impact local communities in New York and beyond.
Finance Advsior Phd Candidate in Mathematical Finance
Economic Advisor
MIT and Climate Scientist
Director, thINCubator
VP - Mohawk Valley EDGE
CEO of Human Technologies
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