About the business
Julia Latif’s Bhaji Bike sells homemade Indian onion bhajis at one of Scotland’s most stunning spots. The quirky business idea arose when Julia and her dad noticed that visitors to Fort Augustus were short on time and wanted a quick and tasty snack.
She refined the idea with help from Business Gateway Highland and worked with Scottish Canals to secure space at Loch Ness View Point. The bright yellow tricycle sold its first box of bhajis in August 2018. Bhaji Bike is the latest venture from Our House of Spice, the company Julia and her sister Nadia launched to sell curry kits online.
My adviser’s local knowledge and strategic advice has helped Our House of Spice to grow and branch out into two new markets – Indian ready-meals and Indian snacks.
How Business Gateway has helped
Julia came to Business Gateway for strategic advice on how to grow Our House of Spice and expand into new markets. With our support, she updated her business plan and launched Bhaji Bike and another thriving spin-off with Nadia in 2018.
“After creating a business plan with the help of my Business Gateway adviser, I contacted a bike manufacturer who made the tricycle for us,” Julia says. “Already, the bike is a real talking point and sales have been fantastic.”
Business Gateway support
Writing a business plan
Local knowledge
Strategic advice
Expansion into new markets
What’s next?
“Our aim has always been to make cooking and eating as social as possible,” explains Julia, whose ambitious plans for Our House of Spice include potentially expanding the Bhaji Bike concept across the country.
“We want people to buy a spice kit and get the whole family involved in making a tasty meal. If that’s not possible, people can grab one of our takeaways, heat it up and still enjoy a fresh meal with friends and family. Now, when they are out and about, we offer them a wholesome Indian snack to enjoy together.”
Get the support you need right now
You can connect with us through the contact form, call us or contact your local Business Gateway office.