Establishing a unique identity in another country is never easy especially when it concerns food, where people are used to familiar tastes. However, Ali and Khola took on that challenge, but not in the capital Stockholm, rather in Sundsvall, a small town. They made a fusion of flavors to the consumers with their Pakistani Lahori-Pizza comprising three different sauces each made from their special recipes. This, in my view, was rather a brave step. Presently they are taking it to Göteborg where they are set to unleash the taste and aroma of the Lahori Pizza. However, it is not only food. Ali and Khola are smashing stereotypes towards Pakistan and re-framing concepts that their food is more than just delectable, it is the gateway to civilization. Their teamwork is another facet that endorses a reversal of roles. I mean the roles of men and women in a marriage where business is perceived as a man’s affair. Business partners who i have also witnessed are equally inspiring such as owners of Aaima Kitchen in Falun who are depicting the best of our culture.
I was fortunate enough to speak to Ali and Khola who are ready to relocate to Göteborg with their unique Lahori Pizza venture.
Interview with Ali and Khola – Founders of Lahori Pizza
Q1: What inspired you to start the Lahori Pizza concept and how did you come up with the idea of combining Lahori flavors with pizza?
Ali & Khola: Passionate about cooking, I (Ali) started learning how to cook about 9 years ago, back in 2014, from my family’s restaurant business. After we migrated to Sweden in 2017, I experimented extensively with pizza, trying different ingredient combinations and perfecting the proportions. Each pizza is a piece of art, made with love and enthusiasm. Our friends and family encouraged us and after hearing their positive feedback we decided to make it a business.
Q2: Can you share some of the most popular dishes or unique pizzas from your menu that Göteborg residents can look forward to?
Ali & Khola: Each pizza on our menu is unique. Unlike other places where only one or two ingredients are changed to make a “different” pizza. Our pizzas are entirely distinct from each other. Every one of them is a masterpiece with its own character, offering a unique taste experience. Göteborg residents can expect the same quality and creativity that made us popular in Sundsvall.
Q3: Why did you choose Göteborg as the next location for your Lahori Pizza venture? What excites you about this city?
Ali & Khola: Göteborg is a big city and with that comes big opportunities to expand our business. It’s also relatively calm compared to other big cities, which makes it an attractive place to settle. Plus, we have relatives who are already living here, so it feels like a natural fit. We’re excited about the possibilities.
Q4: How do you plan to adapt your menu or concept to suit the tastes and preferences of Göteborg’s residents?
Ali & Khola: For the past 7 years, we’ve been experimenting to create a pizza that suits Swedish tastes while using our Pakistani spices. We carefully select spices and mix them in just the right proportions to create a product that doesn’t feel too foreign, yet still carries the rich flavors of Pakistan and Asia. It’s been a journey we’re proud of and we believe Göteborg residents will appreciate it.
Q5: What were some of the biggest challenges you faced in setting up your new location in Göteborg?
Ali & Khola: One of the hardest parts was finding a good location for the pizzeria within our budget but fortunately, everything worked out in the end.
Q6: How do you plan to engage with the local community and build relationships in Göteborg?
Ali & Khola: We hope to connect with the community by offering a unique taste experience through our food. We also plan to host events and promotions to make people excited about trying Lahori Pizza.
Q7: Can you tell us a bit about yourselves and your journey as entrepreneurs? What drives your passion for this business?
Ali & Khola: We’re a family of four. I (Ali) am an electronics engineer and Khola is a doctor of pharmacy. We both love cooking and this shared passion is what led us to start this pizzeria as a family business. As mentioned earlier, I love cooking, and whenever I cook for friends and family, I get great compliments. This inspired us to turn our love for food into a business so more people can enjoy the food we make with passion and love.
Q8: What are some of your favorite local spots in Göteborg that you’re excited to explore?
Ali & Khola: We’re really looking forward to exploring Liseberg, Universum and the city canal sightseeing cruises. The old city is also something we can’t wait to explore with our family.
Q9: What are your long-term goals for Lahori Pizza?
Ali & Khola: We want to change the Swedish pizza culture by introducing exciting new flavors that people haven’t experienced before. Our goal is to expand our business and bring more people the joy of Lahori Pizza.
Q10: How can people stay updated on your opening and any upcoming events or promotions?
Ali & Khola: People can stay updated through our website and Facebook page, where we’ll be posting news about our opening and any special offers.
Q11: Can you share a fun fact about yourselves that most people don’t know?
Ali & Khola: Well, we come from completely different educational backgrounds I'm an electronics engineer and Khola is a doctor of pharmacy. Neither of us has formal education in the food industry but our passion for cooking brought us into this business.
Enough said. My interview with Ali and Khola was a good hearty conversation. It's such a pleasure watching couple like them bring their culture, flavors and unique vision to new places. I am also longing to try Lahori Pizza in Göteborg and I am sure that it will be a truly incredible surprise for the city.
All pictures sent by Khola via Whatsapp