Dipna Anand will provide her legendary Punjabi curries and appetisers for clients of Compass Group UK & Ireland’s Business and Industry (B&I) division after agreeing a partnership with the workplace catering specialists.
The renowned chef, dubbed the UK’s “curry queen”, made her name as owner of The Brilliant Restaurant in Southall, west London – which recently closed after fifty years and transitioned to a new venture, Brilliant Gastro by Dipna Anand in Southall’s Green Quarter.
Now she will provide an exciting new food offer, delivered at pop-ups in workplaces across the country for contract caterer Eurest and integrated FM provider 14forty.
The deal will also see her train 30 of the company’s chefs each year in how to cook her recipes.
Dipna said: “I first met with Compass’ B&I Culinary Director, Ryan Holmes, a year ago and it was clear straight away that we have similar values.
“It’s wonderful to take my expertise and food into workplaces. I am excited about this partnership and working with the amazing chefs within the B&I sector to help pass on my knowledge and skills.”
Dipna, who has published three cookbooks and appeared in television shows on several national channels, was one of the first chefs to promote lower-fat Indian cuisine.
That’s a theme which continues in her menus at Eurest and 14forty, which include two distinct offers: a wrap pop-up and a curry pop-up.
Dipna said: “We prefer to rely on spices rather than fats for favour. It’s healthier and also better suits modern tastes, because nobody wants a curry that is oily or greasy. We also include vegan and vegetarian dishes as part of the offer.”
Ryan Holmes, Culinary Director, B&I – Compass Group UK&I, said: “Dipna’s philosophy fits perfectly with our aim to offer food that tastes amazing and supports health and wellbeing.
“We’re finding that everyone is excited about the offer – there’s a real buzz whenever the pop-up is in town. We can’t wait to take it around the country.”
The wrap menu includes three choices – paneer, lamb seekh kebab or chicken tikka wrap – as well as Masala fries, onion bhajis, samosas and chutneys.
The curry offer includes a choice of two curries (with or without meat), naan bread, pilau rice, raita, mango chutney and poppadum.
For more information, please visit: www.compass-group.co.uk.
