Cooking with Intention: Our Conscious Catering Philosophy
Food is more than just sustenance; it is a way to connect with our roots and community. At Saffron & Salsa, we believe in mindful, conscious catering that respects traditions and ingredients alike.
This principle, 'Yatha Annam Tatha Mannam', is the foundation of my work. It reminds me every day to cook with love, respect the ingredients, and create food that positively influences the body, mind, and intellect.
I believe that good food is a result of love, labor, and authenticity. At an event, I often speak about my passion for making every culinary experience a delight, whether it's for a small family gathering or a large corporate function.
For me, cooking is a meditative and peaceful activity. Even after turning this passion into a business, I find immense peace in the kitchen, where I can be completely engrossed in the art of creating something special.
This is me, Arjun Vellal. My journey as a foodpreneur is driven by a desire to make the catering industry a more conscious endeavor, where every meal is a story of passion and respect for food.
Receiving the 'Outstanding Caterer & Foodpreneur' award was a milestone that I cherish. It serves as a constant reminder of my responsibility to deliver delicious food, maintain the highest standards of hygiene, and operate with care for the environment.
While I may be relatively new to social media, my experience spans over a thousand events across 30 cities. From corporate gatherings to private parties, my team and I have served over a million guests with a diverse range of cuisines.
I believe artistry in food is connected to all other art forms. It was an honor to be part of the Bengaluru Ganesha Utsava, where I also launched 'Hara', my new brand focused on hyperlocal, indigenous cuisines for the community.
About Our Story & Philosophy
When I started Saffron & Salsa, I wanted to move away from the standard catering mindset where menus are just lists of dishes. For me, the kitchen isn't an assembly line. It is where I practice ‘Yatha Annam Tatha Mannam’—the belief that the food you consume influences your state of mind. That is why we operate in small, manageable batches for every event, ensuring that the food retains its soul and freshness, making it feel like a home-cooked experience rather than a commercial service.
For me, the transition from a corporate professional to a foodpreneur was driven by a simple question: why do we treat catering as an industry of scale rather than an act of care? Over the years, serving at over 1,000 events across 30 cities, I have seen how food can bridge gaps between cultures. Whether it is a '2 States' wedding bringing North and South Indian families together or a traditional plantain leaf meal for a Muslim ceremony, I believe my job is to honor those roots.
My approach to 'conscious catering' is practical. It means saying no to excessive, wasteful buffet spreads. Instead, I work with clients to design menus that are intentional—fewer dishes, but higher quality and meaningful variety. This extends to my new brand, Hara, which focuses on hyperlocal, indigenous cuisines. I prefer sourcing locally and avoiding the standard 'factory-made' ingredients found in mass-market catering.
I treat cooking as meditation. When I am in the kitchen, I am focused on the balance of ghee, jaggery, and the spices that define our Bengaluru palate. If you are looking for someone to provide 'catered boxes' for the masses, I might not be the right fit. But if you want a partner who will sit down, understand your family's history, and build a menu that actually reflects who you are, then I am here to help.
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