Choola Crowned Champions At British Street Food Awards

2022 saw the launch of Choola, a local street food business serving up Nepalese street food from a little blue trailer. Founded by Kirkcaldy-based husband-and-wife duo, Ameer and Nicole Limbu, they sought to fill a gap in the Scottish street food scene by serving up dishes found on the streets and in the homes of Nepal. 

The business only officially started trading at markets in early June this year, but already the duo has gone on to win not only the 2023 Scottish Street Food Awards, but also the 2023 British Street Food Awards, and as a result were given the opportunity to compete in the European Street Food Awards in Germany recently where they scooped the Future Food Legend Award. They have also appeared on BBC1’s popular Saturday Kitchen, cooking up one of their award-winning dishes.

Co-founder, Nicole said, “The idea for Choola came from Ameer’s love of food and cooking. Growing up as a young boy in Nepal, he was always in the kitchen helping his mum and his aunties, and while he has worked as a chef for many years in different kitchens, his true passion lies in the amazing food and flavours he grew up with. Therefore, he took the leap last year and started Choola and I decided to leave a Corporate Marketing role to join Ameer in the business earlier this year.”

They received advice and support from Business Gateway Fife adviser, Rosie Dowie, on starting up, as well as making use of the Business Gateway Fife webinars.  Rosie commented, “The couple has enjoyed a busy first six months, trading at events across Scotland, from the street food markets of Edinburgh to local markets such as Bowhouse in East Fife.  They also like to stay local with their suppliers too, sourcing their Pork from Balcaskie Estate in East Fife, and Buffalo meat from The Buffalo Farm outside Kirkcaldy, both of which are used in their award-winning dishes. They have certainly made their mark in the industry in a very short time and have shown much potential to develop further in the future.”

Whether thinking of starting a business or looking to grow or sustain an existing business, contact Business Gateway Fife on 01592 858333 for a variety of advice and support.