Saturday Farmers’ Market Vendor Feature: KULA

This week we are featuring KULA, one of the newest additions to the UBC Farm Saturday Farmers’ Market! We are thrilled to have this business at our market this year providing healthy Afro-Vegan foods that are perfect for sharing.

Co-owner Asha Wheeldon comes from Kenya and works alongside co-owner Jessica Fyffe to incorporate traditional Kenyan flavours into their meals. On KULA’s first market date we were wowed by the rich and complex flavours of their Sukuma stew; apparently so were shoppers that day because they were entirely sold out by the end of the day! We had the opportunity to ask Asha about KULA and the foods they make.

How did your company start?

After we transitioned to plant based diet, we noticed opportunity for more of the comfort food we grew up enjoying. We often found ourselves sharing meals and preparing with our friends; this led us to Kula, which means, “Eat” in Swahili. Our food is inspired by the diverse Kenyan flavours, where Asha grew up.

What makes you passionate about it?

We love the reaction when people try our food for the first time. We are passionate about sharing food and building a brand that aligns with our value and heritage.

What brought you to the UBC farm?

Part of our core pillar is food sustainability and we love UBC farm’s commitment to sustainable food systems.

Have you had any memorable experiences at the UBC farm so far?

We had a great first experience at UBC farm market. We found the staff and students helpful, positive experience with other vendors. The highlight of the day was when a boy sampled our food on his own and felt compelled to bring his family over to sample and purchase our products.

KULA’s Mandazi and Sukuma

What products do you sell?

We sell Afro vegan food inspired by rich and diverse Kenyan flavours. Our first product line includes, Sukuma stew made with lentils and collard greens, Chapati flatbread, and Mandazi half cake doughnuts.

What are some ways a customer can use your products?

Our stew can be used as a side or main over rice, a dip, chapati can be enjoyed as a side with Sukuma stew or a wrap, Mandazi is a great snack alone with coffee/tea or heat up and enjoy with ice cream or sauce.

Do you have any other information you want to share?

We are holding community-dining series starting July 6th at Juice Truck; this is a great opportunity to enjoy our signature food hot and sample more Kenyan food we will introduce.

Find KULA on Instagram: @kulakitchen and at the UBC Farm Saturday Farmers’ Market on June 30, Jul 14, Jul 28, Aug 11, Aug 18, Sept 01, Sept 22, Oct 06, Oct 20 and Oct 27. Learn more about other market vendors and topics on our Saturday Farmers’ Market blog! These weekly market blog posts are linked from our newsletter when they are posted; to get regular updates, make sure to join our newsletter here.