Salt Lake is now home to a gourmet store unlike any other. Valencia Avenue is Rumki Basu’s passion project — a gourmet store that houses delicious food products from all over the world.
“I wanted to create a place where one can find products from all over the world, especially mums and kids. The pandemic taught me how important family is and food is something that brings families together,” says Basu.
Valencia Avenue offers gourmet snacks and ingredients that Basu sources from professional exporters. From Japanese ramen to American candies like Skittles and popular packaged snack Pop Tarts – the store has a wide array of products.
You’ll find everything from Cheetos, tonic water, Italian sauces and Asian noodles at Valencia Avenue
“I also used to import Californian wines initially. During the lockdown, I realised that cooking together was an activity that my kids and I enjoyed thoroughly, which made me explore a brand that can provide global ingredients and products without compromising on quality. Since not everyone can travel abroad post the pandemic, it is fun to create the popular global recipes at home,” shared the entrepreneur.
The Salt Lake store also stocks up on freshly baked bread and fresh cheese made by small artisanal brands run by Kolkata women.
Valencia Avenue also offers freshly made muffins and cheeses
“I have always tried to support and empower women whenever I can and this endeavour helps me support many women and their families. Their products are excellent and I’m happy to be able to showcase their products,” said Rumki.
The store also stocks freshly baked white and brown bread, focaccia, muffins, cupcakes, Japanese cheesecakes, and a variety of cheeses like fresh mozzarella.
The mother of three says that her kids have supported her throughout the journey. Her twin daughters, Rupa and Shona Basu, have helped her get the store up and running.
Rumki with her twins, Rupa and Shona Basu
Having lived in Los Angeles for many years, the word Valencia (a neighbourhood in Los Angeles) reminds her of family, good food, sunshine and warmth. Basu tells us that the use of the word avenue is to signify the road that will lead you to happiness.
“I want to bring families together with the products at my store so that they can enjoy the happiness of sharing a meal together sitting around the table,” said Basu.
Visit Valencia Avenue at BF 276, Sector 1, Salt Lake, Kolkata 700064 or contact the store at +91 9874700377.
