Growing up in the cities of Northern India, both Sukhdev Singh and Rupinder “Rippy” Kaur loved eating the foods sold on bustling street corners. They especially savored the “chapata” flavor–a blend of spicy, tangy, savory and sweet.
When they moved to San Francisco as husband and wife, they relished the many cultural foods they found there, too, including a new favorite: salsa. They loved it so much that they started to making salsa at home, with Sukhdev incorporating the chutneys, spices and masalas of their beloved childhood street foods.
“It’s a delicious union of authentic Mexican salsa ingredients and bold Indian spices,” Sukhdev says.
Their fusion salsa was a big hit with family, friends and co-workers. It took 20 years, however, for Sukhdev and Rippy to take the leap and begin building a business to produce and sell their salsa.
Living in Oregon in 2018, Sukhdev took a small-business course at Portland Community College, Getting Your Recipe to Market, and delivered the first shipment of Khalsa Salsa Classic Salsa to Market of Choice in 2019.
Sukhdev and Rippy couldn’t be more grateful for the support they’ve received from Market of Choice. Through our MOJO program, Sukhdev and Rippy learned how to cut the company’s carbon footprint but still reach customers across Oregon. And Khalsa Salsa continues to grow as a company. It recently earned a $5,000 Emerge Award grant from Oregon Entrepreneurs Network.
“Market of Choice is a most amazing supplier,” Sukhdev says. “They care deeply about local and small businesses. They gave Khalsa Salsa its first break into business!”
Today, Beaverton-based Khalsa Salsa produces three varieties of Indian Fusion Salsa, all suitable for vegan and vegetarian lifestyles.
Original Classic Salsa has medium heat and pairs well with chips, quesadillas, scrambled tofu, even sweet potatoes. Mild Khalsa Salsa Black Bean Salsa marries a bit of red jalapeño with earthy black beans. Award-winning Khalsa Salsa Mango Habanero Salsa – it won a 2021 Good Food Award – has the most heat, plus sweet, and is perfect for grilled foods or plant-based proteins.
Aside from pairing Khalsa Salsa with your favorite foods, each variety is great for cooking, too. Try Sweet Potato Soup with Black Bean Salsa or Samosa Puffs with Mango Habanero Salsa.
