Simkaur: From Ludhiana roots to building a food empire in London

Simkaur’s journey is not just one of entrepreneurship—it’s a powerful story of resilience, passion, and self-belief. Born and raised in Ludhiana, she carried with her the rich culinary traditions of Punjab when she moved to London in 2002. Life in a new country wasn’t easy. From juggling multiple jobs to raising a child as a single mother, every day presented a new challenge. But where others saw limits, Simkaur saw possibilities.

In 2017, she took over a struggling food outlet and transformed it into what is now known as Punjabi Kitchen—a vibrant restaurant offering soulful, homemade Punjabi food with a modern twist. Her warm personality, combined with her hands-on approach and unmatched flavours, quickly turned the eatery into a local favourite.

Just when things were gaining momentum, she was hit with an unexpected blow—losing the restaurant space she had built from scratch. Many would have given up, but Simkaur chose to fight back. She reclaimed the restaurant with fierce determination and went on to expand her brand. Even during the global pandemic, when many businesses were shutting down, she opened not one but multiple new outlets—proving that no situation is too big to overcome with grit and vision.

Her story took another turn in 2023 when she began sharing her journey online. What started as casual Instagram reels soon turned into a movement. From behind-the-scenes moments in the kitchen to late-night clean-ups, staff bonding, and heartfelt reflections on motherhood—her content struck a chord. In just one year, she grew a community of over 200,000 followers who admired her not just as a businesswoman, but as a human being.

Simkaur often says she never planned to become an influencer. Her only goal was to inspire others by staying real. She wanted to show women—especially single mothers and immigrants—that it’s possible to rise, rebuild, and succeed despite the odds.

Today, she stands as a symbol of strength and transformation. Punjabi Kitchen is more than just a restaurant—it’s a brand that represents hope, hustle, and heart. Simkaur is not only feeding people’s stomachs but also fuelling countless dreams with her inspiring story.

Her journey proves one thing loud and clear: when purpose meets persistence, no setback can stop your comeback.