Ms. Payal Thakurani’s Commune Kitchen Venture – A Culinary Odyssey
In 2017, Ms. Payal Thakurani set sail on her culinary odyssey, establishing Commune Kitchen in Singapore after running a small home-based food business in Shanghai since 2012. While her professional background was rooted in special education, her burning passion for food and community integration led her to embark on this remarkable journey.
The inception in Shanghai brought with it a mix of culture shock and language barriers. Payal overcame these hurdles by enrolling in Mandarin lessons, which eventually led to the birth of her cooking classes. Through word-of-mouth recommendations, she began offering cooking classes and consulting services while collaborating with an online supermarket to produce her own brand of cooked foods.
In 2017, an unexpected move to Singapore presented fresh challenges. Navigating the bureaucracy of transitioning to Singapore as a dependent pass holder was an arduous task that took 18 months and multiple changes of Directors. However, these obstacles only fueled Payal’s determination. Her journey in Singapore commenced with teaching from her home in Bukit Timah.
However, a neighbour’s complaint led to a setback, prompting Payal to explore kitchen rentals. She started conducting lessons from a humble baking studio in Outram, managing every aspect of the business from setup to dishwashing. Gradually, Commune Kitchen expanded and secured a long-term studio at Downtown Gallery, initially renting it hourly and later transitioning to an annual contractual basis.
Throughout this remarkable journey, the unwavering support and guidance from the OUE marketing and operations teams, including current Head of Operations Elsie Loh and support staff Senah Nyaru, have proven to be invaluable blessings for Payal and Commune Kitchen.
The Culinary Dream Team at Commune Kitchen
Selecting the right team members has been pivotal to Commune Kitchen’s success. Payal Thakurani places a strong emphasis on specific qualities and attributes when assembling her culinary dream team.
One of the standout members is Chef Elsie Loh, whose impressive 30-year culinary journey is marked by her remarkable organisational skills. Beyond her culinary expertise, Chef Elsie’s ability to balance her family commitments, active community service, genuine care for support staff, unwavering dedication to her work, and maintaining her health at the age of 63 is nothing short of inspiring. Her story serves as a testament to what can be achieved through dedication and resilience.
Dedication and commitment are also evident in Senah Nyaru, affectionately known as the “kitchen Ninja.” As a young single mother, Senah’s impeccable organisation skills ensure that the bustling kitchen runs smoothly, even during the busiest moments.
These three individuals, Payal Thakurani, Chef Elsie, and Senah Nyaru, form the core pillars of Commune Kitchen, each bringing their unique qualities to the team.
Adding to the diversity and culinary richness, Commune Kitchen recently welcomed Sadaf, who hails from Afghanistan. Her deep passion for food and her homeland enriches the team’s culinary offerings. On weekdays, Sadaf serves delightful lunches at the Frasers Tower kitchen, proudly making Commune Kitchen the sole Afghan kitchen in Singapore, offering quality lunches at affordable prices.
What sets Commune Kitchen apart is its unwavering commitment to recipe quality and exceptional customer service, prioritising these elements over mere financial considerations. The team is dedicated not only to constant innovation but also to the continuous improvement of existing recipes. The ultimate goal is to ensure that customers not only enjoy a hands-on cooking experience but also leave with the motivation to recreate these culinary delights in their own homes.
Culinary Pioneers: Commune Kitchen’s Dedication to Dietary Inclusivity
Commune Kitchen’s culinary journey is f