This week, Shera McAloran, founder of Karri Kitchen, goes under the Belfast Live spotlight.
Established in 2019 and situated in Co. Armagh, Karri Kitchen produces South-East Asian style healthy convenience meals.
The business to set to benefit from a new deal with Kerrigan’s, a leading craft butchers with five physical locations in Dublin and a thriving online business servicing 32 counties.
READ MORE: Paste Dental founder Dr Alan Clarke goes under the Belfast Live spotlight
What do you do (in 10 words or fewer)?
I manage the operations of Karri Kitchen, which involves creating delicious, healthy, South-East Asian meals.
Three main attributes you need for the job:
Culinary Expertise – and a strong understanding of South-East Asian Cuisine. Innovation and Creativity – having a creative mindset to bring innovative ideas to the table. Passion for Health and Nutrition – including staying up to date with the latest research and trends in health and nutrition.
Path to this position:
I previously worked in the health and hospitality industry for ten years when I lived in Australia and was also involved in learning about South-East Asian culinary from a young age. Cooking and learning about traditional Asian cuisine has always been a big part of my family in Indonesia and a passion of mine. When I moved to Northern Ireland six years ago, I founded Karri Kitchen, a healthy ready meal company inspired by South-East Asia.
What’s your dream job (present position excepted)?
Anything that allows me to share the joy of South-East Asian Cuisine as a culinary ambassador or working with UNICEF.
What are you most proud of (work-wise)?
Introducing Northern Ireland to the authentic flavour of South-East Asia. To grow the company from 2019 into one of the leading ready meal companies in Northern Ireland, and with recent investment and our partnership with Kerrigan’s Craft Butchers, Karri Kitchen is finally able to widen its distribution to the Republic of Ireland and expand our market.
What are you most proud of (in life)?
Building a meaningful life with my loving family and creating a thriving company which aligns with my passion.
How did the coronavirus pandemic affect your organisation, and how did you adapt?
The pandemic presented a number of challenges for Karri Kitchen, but luckily, we were able to adapt by expanding our delivery service at that time and implementing strict safety measures.
What lessons did you learn about yourself during the lockdown?
The lockdown taught me the importance of resilience and the ability to embrace change. It also taught me to appreciate the little things in life.
Who is Northern Ireland’s brightest business brain?
There are too many! Northern Ireland is filled with many brilliant business minds.
What do you wish you had invented?
A revolutionary food waste management system.
Favourite app on your phone:
Any recipe app, these are great for discovering dishes to keep me inspired and up to date with the latest food trends. I also love listening to podcasts.
Apart from Belfast Live and your own, what’s your favourite website?
Specialityfoodmagazine.com
If you were spending the day in Belfast, where is your dream breakfast, lunch, dinner, and drinks?
For breakfast, it would be a choice between my two favourite cafes, Pocket Café and Neighbourhood Café. Lunch would be at Yugo Belfast or my favourite dim sum place Lee Garden, and drinks at Grand Central Hotel, Jailhouse, or The Merchant.
Where’s your hidden gem in Northern Ireland?
The Mourne Mountains, exploring its many breathtaking and hidden trails.
Where’s your favourite place in the world?
Bali, Indonesia
How would you describe Belfast to someone who’s never been?
Belfast is a vibrant city blending history, culture, and warm-hearted people, with a growing food scene that surprises and delights!
In 10 years’, time I’d like to…
see Karri Kitchen as a beloved brand, expanding across the UK, promoting healthy South-East Asian-inspired cuisine, and fostering cultural appreciation through food.
The Karri Kitchen range will be available across Kerrigan’s three main stores and online, with meal bundles and individual meals available, including various authentic Asian recipes such as Mango Curry, Nutty Satay and Sweet and Sour. For more information, and to view the full Karri Kitchen range visit kerrigans.ie.
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