Ever find yourself craving something unique while scrolling through food posts on Instagram, only to stumble upon a hidden gem that makes your taste buds tingle?
That’s exactly what happened to us when we discovered Ethnic Table. The vibrant dishes and rich stories of Nagaland’s culinary heritage caught our attention and left us wanting more.
We couldn’t wait to learn more about the vision behind this chef-centric venture, so let’s dive into the journey of Ethnic Table and hear from its co-founder, Aketoli Zhimomi!
Tell us about your business. What is it about, and when did you start it?
Our restaurant is called Ethnic Table, and it is a chef-centric venture based in Nagaland. My chef partner, Aketoli Zhimomi, and I are currently in the final stages of setting up the restaurant, with interior bamboo work still underway as I write this.
We plan to soft-launch at the end of September 2024. Ethnic Table is all about celebrating Nagaland’s rich culinary heritage. Our focus is on honoring traditional recipes while giving them a modern twist, using native ingredients to create a dining experience that bridges the gap between tradition and innovation.
Can you share a bit about your background and what inspired you to start your business?
I was born and raised in a small town called Meerut in India. Coming from an army family, discipline was ingrained in me from a young age. While my mother was an excellent cook, I never had much interest in kitchen duties. But, life had other plans for me, and I found myself drawn to the culinary arts. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of working with some prestigious names in the hospitality industry, such as ITC Hotels and Raffles Hotels. Currently, I’m living my dream working at Geranium, a three-Michelin-star restaurant in Copenhagen, Denmark.
Cooking has been more than a profession for me—it has been my passport to the world. I’ve had the honor of winning the Young Chef Competition by Chaine des Rôtisseurs, India Chapter, in 2017, and representing Bahrain in the 7th World Tapas Competition in Valladolid, Spain, in 2023, where we bagged the third position.
However, what truly inspired me to start Ethnic Table was my deep-rooted passion for financial management. Growing up, my family faced significant financial difficulties, and I realized early on the importance of money management. I started investing and trading in stocks from a young age. When Aketoli, a talented chef and single mother, was looking for an investor, I saw an opportunity to combine my culinary passion with my financial acumen. We decided to partner up, and that’s how Ethnic Table was born.
What were some of the biggest challenges you faced when starting your business, and how did you overcome them?
The biggest challenge was making the decision to actually “do it.” Once we took that leap, everything else started to fall into place. Of course, there are daily challenges, like finding the right vendors, negotiating prices, finalizing the menu, and hiring the right team for both front and back of house.
But I wouldn’t consider these major obstacles—they are part and parcel of running a business. Aketoli and I work hard every day to ensure everything aligns on time, and we face these challenges with the mindset that they are just steps along the way.
Are there any books, icons, or role models that inspire you in your entrepreneurial journey? Tell us a little about them.
I don’t have a well-known public figure as my role model. For me, my mother and my brother are the real inspirations.
Despite all the difficulties we faced growing up, they managed to create a beautiful life for themselves. Their resilience and determination taught me that success isn’t defined by wealth or status, but by how you rise above the odds and build something meaningful.
What do you wish more people knew about women entrepreneurship?
Women bring a unique blend of nurturing care and strategic thinking to the table. In any business, this combination fosters a more inclusive and positive work environment. I believe that women entrepreneurs have an innate ability to protect and nurture while executing their vision.
The biggest change I’d like to see is in the mindset of women themselves. We often feel bound by societal expectations and traditional paths, but there is so much more we can achieve by stepping out of our comfort zones. Instead of fearing change, we need to embrace it as an opportunity. It’s always more exciting to explore “what could happen” rather than being stuck in “what is happening.”
What is the one thing you would like to say to other women who are pursuing their entrepreneurial dreams?
Don’t settle for the status quo. Always focus on the possibilities of “what can happen” rather than being comfortable with “what is.” Be agile, take risks, and push boundaries. The world is full of opportunities, and the only way to grow is to be unafraid of the unknown. Never stop striving for better.
If you find Ethnic Table’s journey inspiring, just wait until you taste the dishes they’re crafting!
Visit their website or check out their Instagram page to stay updated on their soft launch and delicious offerings.
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