Feeling peckish? Then bring a knife and fork next time you pop along to Harpenden Sustainability Market and sample The Aroma Artist’s delicious vegan Indian food. You’ll find Indian comfort food with a twist, such as warm chickpea curry served with fresh tomato salsa and accompanied with crunchy Bombay mix, cumin rice and vegetable samosas.
The Aroma Artist is run by Priya Patel, who launched the business in July 2023 in response to her lifelong passion for cooking and entertaining. Over the years, friends and family who enjoyed her dishes had told her she should do something with it. So, when she felt the call to do something different after 20 years of corporate life, she decided to go into catering.
From parties to markets
The Aroma Artist is based in Croxley Green and started her venture catering to special gatherings such as parties. One year on, the business has grown to serve lunch to hungry marketgoers across Hertfordshire and continues to cater for special gatherings.
Although Priya serves non-vegetarian dishes at private events, you’ll find only plant-based ingredients in the dishes she serves at the Harpenden Sustainability Market. She particularly loves cooking with tofu and rice. One of the great things about Indian food is how easily dishes can be adapted to a vegan diet — India is home to many vegans and even the meat eaters among them avoid beef since cows are sacred animals.
Unsurprisingly, Priya’s top eco tip is food-related — she encourages people to source food locally and support their community. But she also has tips for other caterers — use biodegradable serveware such as plates and cutlery. Although new to the catering industry, these supplies are easily available in local cash and carries. Not only is biodegradable serveware more sustainable because it avoids unrecyclable plastic waste, it’s also cheaper and easier for businesses because they can put it in the food waste bin. Priya is encouraging people to go a step further and bring their own containers and utensils to the next market.
Fellow foodie stalls
The Aroma Artist particularly appreciates fellow foodie stall Eat Wholefoods, which sells a range of dried fruit, nuts and pulses. Priya admires how they always turn up and have vibrant marketing materials that help attract more visitors. Another favourite is Padges, which serves coffee and other hot drinks from an Italian three-wheeled van. Their drinks are particularly comforting in colder months.
Priya enjoys the vibe of the Harpenden Sustainable Market. Its bimonthly schedule makes it an occasion to look forward to and everyone seems very friendly. She also enjoys contributing to sustainable living with her vegan food. Priya is thankful to all the dedicated and friendly volunteers at the Harpenden Sustainability Market. Their hard work and dedication to make the markets a success certainly doesn’t go unnoticed.
Planning an event in Hertfordshire? You can hire The Aroma Artist for private events by emailing TheAromaArtist@gmail.com or calling 07903 041 410. The Aroma Artist is based in Croxley Green and serves the Hertfordshire area. You can also visit their Instagram page for mouthwatering images, a sneak peek of their menus and news about upcoming catering events.
Join us at the next Sustainability Market on Sunday the 16th of March to visit The Aroma Artist and browse other local eco and food stalls that promote a more sustainable lifestyle. Visit our markets page for the full schedule of dates. Don’t forget your Tupperware!