Here at KULA Foods, our work may be to produce delicious plant-based, Afro-vegan cuisine but it is also always our mission to nourish connections to community and culture - especially African food culture - through our food.
Even our name ties back to this with “KULA” meaning “to eat” in Kiswahili, a traditional language of Africa.
While proud to call BC home, we have involved our roots in everything that we do, especially our founder Asha who had been raised in Kenya and always remains inspired by her family’s East African traditions and recipes.
The Food in African Food Culture
For those who have never been to Africa, or a traditional African restaurant, African food culture consists of stews, curries and flatbreads with a focus on natural ingredients. Zooming in on the plant-based aspect, where our passion and connections connect, fundamental ingredients include legumes, grains, vegetables and meatless proteins.
An advantage of African cuisine, regardless of where food lovers currently live, is that there’s a high approachability rate from our dishes consisting of ingredients that can be purchased almost anywhere, reducing the need for imported or specialty items. These dishes are also perfectly healthy, allowing them to be diet and lifestyle-inclusive for a variety of people.
The Culture and Community Behind African Food
For many, food can be just a means of sustenance, temporary pleasure through taste or getting through one’s day; all valid and essential pillars of our lives. A major aspect of African food that remains a natural foundation to this day is the way its used to host and nourish community celebrations, long-term relationships, necessary conversations, gap bridging/reduction plus the torch-passing of values, traditions, skills and important storytelling.
For a 3-minute read on the vital role of food in building community - including the social significance of sharing meals, breaking barriers, bridging divides, sustainability and culinary education - click here.
This is just a brief summary of why we always tell our friends, community and customers “Let’s KULA together,” over simply selling products and just saying “thanks, enjoy, bye!” Our team always tries to remain consistent in connection, long after anyone browses our Afro-vegan options or hits checkout.
One browse of our social media, or a click of our newsletter, will show how KULA bases its communications around nourishing your life, your connections and what’s happening in the community, including with other like-minded businesses which have our mutual support.
Integrate African Food Culture in your Household, Community or Events
For easy ways to implement African food culture, education and traditions into any one of your meals, community initiatives or events big or small, give any one of these KULA-fed options a try.
1. Subscribe to our Newsletter
More than just product notices and sales promotion, our newsletter is our outlet for community-based notices, culinary education and how to get involved in any of our efforts to optimize cultural connections. A sign-up box is available in the footer below.
Join our Cooking Class
Availabe in 1-on-1 or group format, our classes can be hosted in-person or online. These classes come highly recommended as an educational experience, a one-off way of trying something new or as a team/family-building activity. Request information here.
Find your KULA Match
You know your individual or family needs and cuisine preferences better than anyone else, us included. Come to our quiz anytime to find your best plant-based options for what you crave. You can also always find new recipes in which to use our offerings here.
Talk again soon, and stay in touch.
The KULA Team.
