Bringing Indian Flavor to Every Kitchen with Rama Ginde of Satya Blends
When I think about food, I think about connection. This week on Above the Fold, I sat down with Chef Rama Ginde, a culinary entrepreneur, educator, and Co-Founder of Satya Blends. Rama’s story runs deep: born and raised in Puerto Rico by Indian parents, trained at the Culinary Institute of America, and now building a spice brand that makes Indian flavors accessible for every home cook.
Growing Up Between Cultures
Rama shared how her upbringing shaped her palate. Puerto Rican staples like rice, beans, and plantains were everyday comfort foods, while Indian dishes like aloo parathas and lamb biryani tied her to her roots. That mix of cultures gave her a perspective that food isn’t just flavor, it’s family, tradition, and memory.
From Private Chef to Entrepreneur
Her career started in professional kitchens, but it didn’t take long for people to start asking her to teach them how to cook. That small request turned into her first business, Wannabe Chef, which she ran for over 16 years. From private dining to cooking classes, Rama learned firsthand how to build experiences around food.
The Inspiration Behind Satya Blends
Satya Blends, co-founded with her mom, is rooted in family tradition. Recipes passed down from her grandmother became the base for modern, clean-label spice blends. The mission is simple: help families get back around the dinner table, even if it’s just sprinkling a spice blend on a rotisserie chicken or stirring it into a quick weeknight soup.
Educating The Customer
One of Rama’s biggest points was that launching a CPG brand means educating your customer constantly. Spices can be intimidating, and a lot of consumers assume “spicy” means “too hot.” Satya Blends is working to shift that perception by making spices approachable, easy to use, and even beautiful enough to keep on your countertop.
Balancing Tradition With Mainstream Appeal
The packaging is a reflection of Indian culture, colorful, block-printed tins that nod to her family’s roots in textiles. But Rama also recognized the importance of clarity for consumers unfamiliar with Indian food. That meant tweaking packaging to add simple explanations, without losing cultural authenticity.
What’s Next?
Satya Blends isn’t stopping at spices. Rama teased one-meal spice packs for convenience, a chai blend, sauces, snacks, and even a supper club that brings people together over food. The goal is always the same: make flavor accessible while staying true to tradition.
My Takeaway
This conversation reminded me that CX and brand building aren’t limited to tech or fashion, food is one of the most powerful examples. Rama proves that when you combine heritage, education, and empathy for your customer, you can turn something as simple as spices into a movement.
