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We are committed to introducing the vibrant and diverse flavors of South Asian food to children, fostering not only a love for delicious meals but also celebrating the importance of representation. We firmly believe that exposing children to a variety of foods, including authentic ethnic dishes, early on lays the foundation for a lifetime of healthy eating habits and a deeper understanding of diverse cultures.
As the founder and CEO of Tales of Spoon & Spice, I hope to create a brand that allows parents to expose their kids to new and wonderful healthy foods while celebrating different cultures and allowing kids of all backgrounds a seat at the lunchroom table. My goal is simple: to eliminate the exotification of cultural cuisines so that kids can happily enjoy food of their heritage without feeling alienated from their peers.
Now, let’s be real—toddlers saying “Eww” to different foods is as normal as it gets. However, that innocent response triggered a realization: if not handled carefully, it could blossom into a mindset that shuns different cultures. It is my mission to ensure that my son and other multicultural children would not only be free to express their authentic selves, but also to show the same compassion to others with diverse experiences. Out of this collision of past memories and the challenges of parenthood, Tales of Spoon & Spice came to life. It’s not just a business; it’s my response to the need for a space that not only embraces healthy plant-based South Asian flavors but also fosters conversations about appreciating diverse cultures. There are so many studies performed that show early exposure to variety of spices and textures allow for babies and toddlers to expand their palate. Between the ages of 6 months to 24 months kids should try as many new things as possible. So I set out on a mission to bring South Asian representation into the baby food market so that kids irrespective of their background can try different healthy foods and explore spices ( doesn’t mean spicy) from a safe place.
One evening, I found myself face-to-face with a seemingly innocent moment. I was serving my 13 month old son one of his favorite meals, a plate of homemade Indian kitchari (lentils and rice) , only to be met with an unexpected “Eww, no!” It struck a chord that weirdly resonated with a memory from my own past. Suddenly, I was 11 years old again, throwing away my mom’s homecooked meals so that I was not teased again in the school lunchroom.I didn’t eat lunch on most days.My parents, at the time, could not afford to pay for school lunches five days a week. So, three out of the five days, I brought home cooked meals, and three out of five days, I would just not eat. I can still hear the kids saying horrible things like, “Eww, that smells,” or, “Don’t sit near her; we’ll stink as well.”
Our vision at Tales of Spoon & Spice is to be the trusted partner for parents in raising adventurous and open-minded eaters. We see a future where every family cherishes mealtime as a moment of discovery and connection. By combining the power of culinary exploration with the magic of reading, we aim to inspire a new generation of curious minds and diverse palates, shaping healthier bodies and broadening horizons.
You’ll be the first to hear updates on Tales of Spoon & Spice events, official launch date, and the inaugural adventure of AJ the Spoon!