Jagruti Devasthali, owner of Mumbai Masala;
The Mumbai Masala food truck, serving Indian street food, recently opened its doors in Luxembourg.
Chronicle.lu had the opportunity to speak with owner Jagruti Devasthali about her journey of launching the first Indian food truck operating in Luxembourg.
Originally from India, Jagruti is a lawyer by profession but decided to follow her passion after moving to Luxembourg in 2019. Speaking about her newly operating food truck, she said: "I look forward to serving my authentic cuisine and highlight[ing] that Indian food is more than just curries and spices."
Chronicle.lu: What brought you to Luxembourg in 2019?
Jagruti Devasthali: In 2019, my husband received a job opportunity in Luxembourg, and we decided to move here from India to explore a new country and embrace the multicultural environment Luxembourg has to offer.
Chronicle.lu: Do you have a background in catering/restaurants/food truck business, or is this more about your entrepreneurial spirit?
Jagruti Devasthali: While my professional background is in law, I was always into cooking. Different foods, aromas, textures always inspired me to try different dishes. Each state in India has its own speciality and is totally different from each other. This also helped me to get my hands on various dishes and try local food in India.
During my meet-up with local friends here, I cooked our regional food for them on multiple occasions and despite trying it for the first time they simply loved it. I think the major reason for this was authenticity and simple yet catchy flavours of our regional specialities.
I have always enjoyed cooking for friends and family, and starting a food truck seemed like a perfect way to share my love for Indian cuisine with a broader audience. Also, currently there is no Indian food truck operating in Luxembourg which further pushed me to follow my entrepreneurial spirit and that's how "Mumbai Masala" was born.
Chronicle.lu: Did you take over an existing food truck business, or did you start your own? Where did you source the food truck and equipment?
Jagruti Devasthali: I started my own food truck business from scratch. I designed my food truck particularly which equipment to install, layout, etc. because this is to maintain the quality and taste of my food in the smoothest possible way. Also this was important as to ensure that everything met the necessary standards and requirements. External design of our food truck was designed locally in Luxembourg. It was an exciting and challenging process, but ultimately very rewarding.
Chronicle.lu: Do you have a link with any Indian restaurant(s) in Luxembourg?
Jagruti Devasthali: I do not have a direct link with any Indian restaurants in Luxembourg because the food I am offering on my food truck is different from what you find in Indian restaurants. However, I have built a network within the local culinary community, often exchanging ideas and helping each other in case of any challenges.
Chronicle.lu: How would you describe the cuisine you offer? Is it more from the north or south of India?
Jagruti Devasthali: The cuisine I offer on my food truck features a diverse range of Indian dishes. This includes north Indian street food like Samosa chaat, Pani Puri to Mumbai special Vada-Paav, Paav bhaji and south Indian special dahi-vada. As the majority of our slots are during lunch time, I am ensuring the right combination of fulfilling lunch options accompanied by some Indian street food. However, I will also be incorporating popular dishes from other regions of India to provide a well-rounded culinary experience.
Chronicle.lu: You mention that "Indian food is more than just curries and spices": please expand on this.
Jagruti Devasthali: Indian food has a range of flavours, textures and aromas that go beyond just curries and spices. It includes a wide variety of dishes like street food, snacks, desserts and beverages which has a range to satisfy everyone's taste buds. From simple comforting khichdi to more complex flavourful Biryani. Each region of India has its own unique culinary traditions, using fresh ingredients, diverse cooking techniques and an array of herbs and spices to create balanced and flavourful meals. Indian cuisine also emphasises the importance of presentation and the cultural significance of food in bringing people together. I do want to share recipes which are traditional from our home back in India and are not exposed to the world yet.
Chronicle.lu: Where can customers expect to find your food truck? Mainly at festivals? Or do you have fixed locations like some other food trucks? Maybe you are available for private events?
Jagruti Devasthali: Currently we have fixed places near Atrium business park (Bertrange) every Tuesday and every alternate Wednesday near Amazon HQ in Kirchberg but soon we will be operating in other communes [municipalities] around Luxembourg. We are also participating in various festivals during the year in Luxembourg. Additionally, I am available for private/corporate events and catering, offering a customised menu to suit different occasions and preferences at affordable prices.
