KANCHU is a dynamic and passionate Nepalese street food brand, dedicated to bringing the essence of Nepal to the heart of London with the highest quality ingredients. We specialise in authentic Momo dumplings, paired with refreshing Taiwanese bubble tea, offering a one-of-a-kind culinary experience. At KANCHU, we blend tradition with innovation, crafting each dish with care, passion, and an unwavering commitment to quality. More than just food, we create a space for connection and community, where every bite transports you to Nepal and every sip feels like a celebration. Join us and experience Nepali street food at its finest.

Please tell us what is a typical business day for you?

My day starts before dawn, with the exciting chaos of preparation. If it’s a market day, I dive into chopping fresh vegetables, marinating meats, and getting everything ready for our Nepali Chowmein, sweet chilli chicken and Momo. Once the kitchen prep is done, I load up the vehicles, set up the gazebo and get the stall ready to welcome customers. The rest of the day is a beautiful whirlwind of cooking, serving, and connecting with the people who make our work so rewarding. From sizzling Momo to perfectly brewed bubble tea, every dish is crafted with love, care, and attention to detail. It’s all about the experience—creating memories, sharing flavours, and making people feel at home.

After the event, it’s time to pack down, clean up, and reflect on the day. I check stock, plan for the next round, and get ready to do it all over again. While it’s a lot of hard work, the joy of seeing people smile, enjoy our food, and return to us makes it all worth it. Every day at KANCHU is an adventure, and I’m grateful for each one.

What made you start the business and how did you get started?

I started KANCHU because I wanted to share a piece of Nepal with the world — through food that’s comforting, full of delicious flavours, and close to my heart. Momo, the dumplings I make, are originally from Tibet but became a staple in Nepalese kitchens, street corners, and celebrations. I grew up eating them, learning the craft from family, and falling in love with how they bring people together.

The name KANCHU holds a special meaning too — it was the name of my partner’s beloved tabby cat, and in Nepali, it’s an affectionate word we use for the youngest and most cherished one in the family. It felt like the perfect name for a business that’s built on warmth, memories, and care.

I started small, bringing these handmade dumplings to local markets, testing flavours, and connecting with people who were curious, nostalgic, or just hungry! The response has been incredible, and it’s only made me more passionate about growing KANCHU and sharing these little parcels of joy with even more people.

What would you say has been your greatest accomplishment in the business world to date?

My greatest accomplishment has been building KANCHU from the ground up – turning a personal idea rooted in heritage and love for food into something that people now recognise, trust, and return to, not just for the food, but for the feeling it gives them. When I started KANCHU, it was born from a deep desire to share something close to my heart — the flavours and memories that shaped my childhood, especially Momo, which carry so much meaning for me. Today, when customers say, “These momos are so delicious,” or “This is the best bubble tea I’ve had,” it moves me in a way I can’t fully express. It’s a reminder that what I’m doing goes beyond cooking; it’s about creating moments that make people feel something — connected, seen, and comforted.

What I’m most proud of isn’t just creating great food – it’s building a brand that fosters a sense of belonging. I’ve always believed that food has the power to bring people together and remind us of our shared humanity. In every bite, KANCHU carries that warmth, that invitation to pause, share, and connect. It’s a brand that speaks to the heart, and knowing that I’m able to offer that kind of comfort, especially in today’s world, is something I hold dear.

What has been your biggest challenge in business so far?

In the beginning, managing everything on my own was incredibly overwhelming. From food preparation to marketing, finances, and inventory, every aspect demanded my full attention. It was a constant juggling act, and there were times when it felt like too much to handle. But each challenge taught me invaluable lessons in time management, prioritisation, and how to keep my focus on the bigger picture. These struggles, though tough, only strengthened my resolve and deepened my commitment to KANCHU.

What are your future plans for the business?

Looking ahead, I’m excited to expand KANCHU by offering frozen Momo dumpling packs so customers can bring the authentic taste of Nepali street food into their homes. This will allow people to enjoy the flavours they love, even on days when we’re not at the markets.

In the longer term, my dream is to open a larger, vibrant space where people can experience the warmth and authenticity of Nepali street food all year round. It’s about creating a space that not only serves great food but also fosters community, where people can come together, share stories, and celebrate the rich culture that inspires everything we do at KANCHU.

If you had to do it all over again, what would you do differently?

If I had to do it all over again, I would have asked for help sooner. Early on, I tried to manage everything myself, thinking I needed to do it all. Building a strong support network from the start would have made a significant difference — not only in terms of efficiency but also in boosting my energy and mindset. Having the right people around you can make all the difference, and I now know the value of collaboration, trust, and leaning on others when needed. It’s a lesson I wish I’d embraced earlier, and it would have made the journey smoother and more fulfilling.

Why is it so important to inspire young women in particular to follow their dreams?

As a woman, I understand all too well the doubts that can hold us back – whether they come from societal expectations or from our own fears. That’s why it’s so important for young women to realise that they are more than capable of creating the future they dream of. When I first started, I faced many moments of uncertainty, but seeing other women succeed and break through their own challenges gave me the strength to believe in myself and push forward.

That is why I’m passionate about showing young women that their dreams are not only possible but entirely within their reach. By seeing others – including myself – breaking barriers and thriving, they can find the courage to do the same. Empowering young women is about more than just offering encouragement; it’s about proving that with hard work, self-belief, and resilience, they too can carve their own path and create something truly remarkable.

What advice would you give to somebody who wants to start a business in your industry?

Starting a business in the F&B industry requires hard work and dedication like you’ve never experienced before. But trust me, the rewards are immeasurable. My advice would be to start small, test your product, and listen to your customers — their feedback is invaluable in helping you grow and improve.

Above all, stay true to your story. Authenticity is the foundation of your brand, and it’s what will truly resonate with your customers. When you pour your heart into what you do and remain genuine in your approach, people will feel that passion, and they will connect with it on a deeper level. The road will have its challenges, but with persistence, belief in your vision, and a commitment to staying true to yourself, you’ll build something special that can stand the test of time.

What or who inspires you in business and why?

I’m deeply inspired by every small business owner who keeps going, especially when the odds are stacked against them. The determination and grit that entrepreneurs demonstrate daily fuels my own drive, particularly on the hardest days.

I also look up to my mum, who has been a constant beacon of strength and inspiration. Despite facing many challenges throughout her life, she showed me the true power of resilience, kindness, and perseverance. She taught me that success isn’t just about achieving goals — it’s about how we show up for ourselves, our values, and the people around us. Her unwavering strength and selflessness have shaped my approach to both business and life, reminding me that the journey is just as important as the destination.

What is your favourite inspirational quote?

My favourite inspirational quote is, “She believed she could, so she did.” It resonates with me deeply because it speaks to the power of self-belief and the incredible things we can accomplish when we trust in ourselves. It’s a reminder that the first step toward any success is having the confidence to believe that you are capable and worthy of achieving it — no matter the obstacles that may come your way.

How do you find trading at the Cygnet Square Market?

Trading at Cygnet Square Market has been nothing short of incredible for KANCHU. It holds a special place in our hearts, as it was the very first market we ever traded at when we began our journey. From the moment we set up, the community at Cygnet Square has been warm, welcoming, and incredibly supportive.

The vibrant atmosphere of the market, paired with the opportunity to introduce people to Nepalese cuisine, has made each market day a fresh chance to connect with customers and build lasting relationships. Cygnet Square Market is more than just a place for us to trade — it’s where KANCHU found its roots. It’s where we learnt, grew, and thrived, and we continue to build on the genuine connections we've made with the community there. Trading at Cygnet Square Market will always be a reminder of how far we've come and how important those early moments were in shaping our success.