Today we’d like to introduce you to Yohan Vajifdar.
Hi Yohan; we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Feeding me as a child was a constant struggle for my parents, and my being a picky eater didn’t make it easier. I enjoyed eating out and about with my family and friends in Bombay (now Mumbai), India. There is always an element of surprise when you are enjoying Indian food. Fast forward to 2010, I shipped myself to Edinburgh, Scotland, to finish my education. There was a big culture shock when it came to food. Being an only child, cooking for myself was not a trade I was savvy with; months passed by, and not finding the same joy in the new world of food I was exposed to led me to fend for myself, and I started learning how to cook through Skype with my parents. Fast forward to 2014, I moved to Austin, TX, and being introduced to the massive array of cuisine from all over the world and one great restaurant after another, I was sure to find the joy in food that was missing from yesteryears. I found the same joy in good old Texas Barbecue; there’s nothing about TX barbecue I didn’t love. So now, having the skill sets to cook and make barbecue for friends and family, a new flavor was born; something I had never thought would have been possible; two completely different cuisines -Indian and Tx Barbecue but the joy was still the same. That was when (TX Tikka- Texas Indian Barbecue) came to life. I experimented with recipes, cooking styles, flavors, wood, charcoal, spices, sauces, and everything else. I tried it all, and after years of saving money and giving it all and all the love and support from my wife, in 2021, we launched.
You wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been smooth?
First, there was this unknown element about putting out food that did not exist, no clue what people would think and whether they would even accept it. Months passed, and slowly but surely, we were in a position where the fear was not there, and all the love and support from our great guests kept our hopes up daily, yes! We are on the right track.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For readers who might need to become more familiar, what can you tell them about what you do?
Professionally I am a hospitality graduate who has worked as a Restaurant Manager for most of my carer. I believe in honesty, professionalism, maturity, commitment, preparation, and gratitude. I have been a manager since age 21. It was time to grow up, after all. I had a plan, and it was time to live it. I am at peace working with and around people; I knew at a very young age that sitting at a desk for 8 hours was not meant for me. Knowing that I still applied for those highly desired administrative jobs with easy money, but found I was being pulled into the restaurant again and again. I realized this is where I shall find happiness and success. I believe in always doing the right thing, following your purpose, being the best at what you are the best at, and knowing and embracing your limitations. Only then will you find success.”
Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
Being away from home on a different continent at 18 was one of the biggest risks I took in my life. Coming out on the other side was one big life lesson I will always remember. 3 kids later, with 1 business already in action, I keep pushing myself to achieve a better tomorrow for our future generations. I was making a decent living with my job when the idea of TX Tikka was formed. My family depends on me financially, and I couldn’t risk it all just for the crazy vision I had to introduce this new cuisine out there. The risk was at an all-time high. I had to make a decision, and there was no way I would let my kids suffer. I continued my job and kept working on TX Tikka every second I could spare. I also found ways to set up a business on a low budget. I taught myself how to apply for permits and licenses and got my 1st ghost kitchen signed up. I designed and developed my website and taught myself how to market the business while working a very demanding restaurant job. Sometimes I come home at 3 am and work on a new recipe. I risked it all to make TX Tikka happen.
Pricing:
- TxTikka Sampler-$65
- Tikka Roll Box-$49
- Vegan Tikka-$16/Lbs
- Chicken Tikka-$16/Lbs
- Family Platter (Serves 3-4) -$99
Contact Info:
- Website: https://txtikka.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/txtikka/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/TXtikka/100086651874232/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/TXtikka
