The Brand Story
Dear Friend,
When I close my eyes and think of childhood, it’s those quiet, tree-lined lanes of Rishikesh that come rushing back—the laughter echoing as Gaurav and I raced our cycles through empty streets, carefree Sunday mornings spent exploring hidden waterfalls (unless we were busy playing cricket!), and lazy afternoons indulging in freshly fried roadside pakoras served with chutneys ground right in front of us on stone slabs. Back then, life felt simple, pure, and truly nourishing.
Our greatest adventures often revolved around food—memorable trips when we discovered a roadside vendor serving giant, fresh Pahadi Kheeras (Himalayan Cucumber) during summers, or in winters serving Maltas and Chakotras (Pomelo) sprinkled with the simplest yet most unforgettable homemade seasoning. Even today, I can vividly recall that burst of flavor, earthy and authentic. Equally unforgettable was my trip to Harsil with my dad, where I tasted the best Rajma I've ever had—a humble yet delicious meal at a small dhaba that felt like home. And the apricots my friend brought from his home in Leh to Mumbai—they had a flavor unmatched by anything available in the market.
Time passed, and life drew us far from those carefree lanes. Gaurav moved to the US, while I pursued my dreams in Mumbai’s bustling film industry. But each time I returned home, I felt a growing pang of loss. Rishikesh was changing, losing its serene charm to rapid urbanization.
It was during one of my many treks into remote mountain villages—places untouched by modern roads yet abundant with warmth and kindness—that I rediscovered what I had long been missing. The food these humble communities offered, from the simplest pulses to vibrant local fruits, rejuvenated me like nothing else. One sip of tangy, sweet Buransh juice, made from our beautiful state flower, left such a lasting impression that even after 20 years, its taste still lingers vividly.
My solo travels to Sikkim and Assam further deepened my appreciation for authentic local cuisine, leaving a lasting impact on my perspective towards food and life.
Living in Mumbai taught me the cost of neglecting health. Stressful routines and processed food pushed me towards exhaustion and despair. Only visits home reminded me what true nourishment felt like, awakening me to a crucial truth: real wellness begins with pure, simple food.
Reconnecting with Gaurav during one of his visits home from the US revealed he shared similar realizations. Inspired, we embarked on a new journey—creating Pahadi Source, rooted in our cherished memories and committed to reconnecting urban lives with the authentic, nourishing flavors of the mountains.
We started our journey exploring our shared sweet tooth, venturing deep into the fascinating world of bees and honey. Today, we're honored to partner with over 100 farming families across northern India and collaborate closely with women-led self-help groups who bring authentic homemade and handmade recipes directly to your home.
Growing up, everything we ate—vegetables from our own kitchen gardens, milk and ghee from our cows—was fresh and pure. Today, we're committed to extending that purity to your
home. For those who don’t have their own gardens or cows, Pahadi Source is here, tirelessly working to bring the genuine freshness and simplicity of the mountains straight to your doorstep.
We invite you to grow with us, savoring the forgotten flavors of the hills and supporting the communities that preserve this heritage.
Warm regards,
Bhrigu & Gaurav