Insights on Innovation, Entrepreneurship, and the Future of Food from the Visionary Behind Taiki
Q: Can you tell us a little about yourself and your journey with Vara Foodworks?
Krish Nayak: I’m Krish Nayak, the co-founder of Vara Foodworks, a company that operates restaurants and cloud kitchens in Bengaluru. Since our inception in 2018, we’ve experienced tremendous growth, launching several brands, including the widely popular Taiki. Taiki stands out by offering a distinctive culinary experience that blends modern and traditional aspects of Japanese and Korean cuisine.
Before venturing into the F&B industry, my journey began in Mechanical Engineering, followed by an MBA. I spent years working in data science and analytics in London. However, my true passion for food and global culinary experiences inspired me to transition into the restaurant business, where I could create unique dining concepts.
Q: What inspired you to launch Taiki, and what challenges did you face initially?
Krish Nayak: When we launched, East Asian restaurants were relatively rare in Bangalore. With Taiki, we aimed to fill this gap and offer something new and exciting. However, it wasn’t without its challenges. Sourcing authentic ingredients was a major hurdle, as was introducing the cuisine to an audience that primarily knew the Indian variant of Chinese dishes like Chop Suey, Chow Mein, Chilli chicken, and Manchurian.
Educating customers about Japanese and Korean cuisines became a key focus. We encouraged them to step out of their comfort zones and explore dishes like sushi, ramen, and donburi. It was rewarding to see their enthusiasm grow over time.
Q: What makes Asian cuisine so appealing in Bangalore today?
Krish Nayak: In recent years, Asian cuisine has become one of the dominant food trends in Bangalore. This shift is driven by factors like increased travel, the influence of social media, the popularity of Netflix and K-dramas, and greater accessibility to Asian ingredients.
Dishes like Ramen, Sushi, and Donburi resonate with local tastes more than Western food, as their flavours align well with our palate. The diversity within Asian cuisine also offers incredible flexibility, allowing us to customize menus without straying too far from the original essence of the dishes.
Q: What has your journey as an F&B entrepreneur been like?
Krish Nayak: The journey of F&B entrepreneurship is both thrilling and challenging. It starts with a passion for food and a vision to create something unique but quickly reveals the complexities of sourcing ingredients, managing operations, and understanding customer preferences.
Over time, the focus shifts to refining the concept, building a strong team, and staying ahead of market trends. Despite the hurdles, the reward lies in serving great food, creating memorable dining experiences, and watching the brand grow into something cherished by our customers.
Q: What are your future plans for Taiki and Vara Foodworks?
Krish Nayak: Soon, I aim to expand Taiki into premium metro cities and eventually into global destinations. Beyond Taiki, I’m passionate about exploring diverse regional and international cuisines and cultures. Over the next decade, my goal is to develop innovative restaurant brands that cater to the evolving tastes of food enthusiasts worldwide.
Q: Any advice for aspiring F&B entrepreneurs?
Krish Nayak: Start with a clear passion for food and a vision for what you want to create. Be prepared for challenges and focus on understanding your market deeply. The key to success lies in constant innovation, building a reliable team, and delivering an exceptional experience to your customers.
Krish Nayak’s passion for culinary innovation and his commitment to creating unique dining experiences have truly set Vara Foodworks apart. As he continues to grow his brand and explore new cuisines, the future looks incredibly exciting for his ventures.