Catori Utah got to sit down with the founder of Parami Curries, Channika Noun.
Q. Can you tell us the story behind the name “Parami Curries” and what inspired you to start this brand?
- The idea commenced in my apartment while attending BYU. Upon moving to Utah, I couldn’t find authentic food in the valley, prompting me to start cooking and sharing with roommates and college friends. Word of mouth soon led to frequent cooking requests.
- Cooking curry, a time-consuming and ingredient-intensive task, was daunting for my American friends keen on home cooking. In Utah, I observed families with many children struggling with the cost of dining out. This spurred the idea for Parami: to create accessible, quick, and budget-friendly solutions while preserving authentic flavors for everyone to enjoy at home. This is the inception of Parami—a culinary venture born out of a passion for authentic cuisine and a desire to make it accessible to all.
This is the inception of Parami—a culinary venture born out of a passion for authentic cuisine and a desire to make it accessible to all.
Q. Cambodian cuisine is not as widely known as some other Asian cuisines. What motivated you to focus on Cambodian curry specifically?
- Parami doesn’t strictly represent Cambodian cuisine; rather, it embodies a Southeast Asian flavor profile.
Q. Authenticity is key in delivering a true taste experience. How did you go about researching and perfecting your Cambodian curry recipes?
- At Parami, unlike other curry sauces on the market, we exclusively utilize 100% coconut cream and import fresh ingredients directly from Asia. Fresh lemongrass, lime leaves, and galangal roots create authentic flavors and aromas that are unparalleled in the United States.
Q. Can you describe the range of curry flavors and products you offer under the Parami Curries brand?
- The Parami Collection, featuring three distinct varieties: Red, Green, and Yellow. Each of these unique offerings is tailored to cater to a wide spectrum of spice preferences, ensuring there’s something for everyone.
- Green: Ideal for those with a penchant for milder, sweeter flavors, our Green variety is a favorite among children.
- Yellow: Offering a harmonious balance of medium spice and well-rounded flavors, our Yellow option appeals to those seeking a delightful middle ground.
- Red: Crafted with an intense focus on spice, our Red variety is tailored to satisfy the cravings of true spice enthusiasts.
Q. Starting a food brand can be challenging. What were some of the biggest obstacles you faced when launching Parami Curries, and how did you overcome them?
- We made a deliberate choice to create restaurant-quality products, opt out the use of powdered ingredients like some other companies. Sourcing excellent and fresh ingredients has consistently presented us with challenges. Nonetheless, we have successfully overcome these challenges, fundamentally altering our customers’ perception of high-quality curry sauce.
Q. Can you share any heartwarming or memorable customer feedback or stories that highlight the impact of Parami Curries on people’s dining experiences?
- Over the past few years, whether through texts, emails, or social media, our customers have expressed their love for the fact that they can create delicious meals that are quick, easy, and affordable. Their children also adore these meals. One mother mentioned that she uses Parami sauce on a weekly basis, and her kids consistently ask for more. As a result, they have reduced their dining out frequency, allowing them to allocate their budget to other activities beyond eating out.
Q. What advice would you give to other women aspiring to start their own food brands or businesses?
- Just keep grinding! Don’t be shy and always reach out to people to network and share concerns and struggles. There are many entrepreneurs out there both males and females that are wanting to help.
Q. What are your future plans for Parami Curries? Are there any new products or ventures on the horizon?
- On top of our current Red Green and Yellow, we have new Massaman curry come up and we also are planning to intro our new Vegan option at the end of this year as well.
Q. Are there any partnerships, collaborations, or community initiatives that Parami Curries is involved in to support local communities or promote Cambodian cuisine?
- Currently we do not have any, but we are open to collaborate and promote our products. Please feel free to reach out.
Q. Lastly, can you share your personal favorite Parami Curry flavor or dish, and why it holds a special place in your heart?
- Growing up in Asia, curry was a dish we cherished and prepared together as a family. Dining out for curry was not our tradition, unlike in the US where people often go out to enjoy this dish. My mission is to bring that cherished home-cooked curry experience here, promoting a culture of enjoying meals at home.
- All it takes are three simple ingredients: our sauce, your choice of meat, and fresh vegetables. I aspire to offer this delightful and familiar experience to people all across the US, bringing the warmth of family dinners and the authentic flavors of Asian curry right to your own kitchen.
