From Prescot Garden to Global Palates: Mama Sood's Chutneys Decolonize British Food

In the quiet suburb of Prescot, Merseyside, a backyard barbecue became the unlikely site of culinary resistance. Neetu Sood, who migrated from India to the UK in 1992, has transformed her homemade chutneys into an award-winning brand, Mama Sood's, alongside her son Paalan. Their story is not merely one of entrepreneurial success; it is a testament to how migrant women reclaim space, flavour, and dignity within a food system that often erases their contributions.

How did a family barbecue spark an award-winning chutney business?

What began as a casual gathering in Paalan's garden quickly evolved into a thriving enterprise. Paalan, 32, recalls the moment his mother's chutneys caught the attention of friends:

“One day, we had a barbecue at my house. Mum had cooked all the food, marinated the meat and brought out a tray of chutneys while I cooked the barbecue. I was a bit taken aback at first and thought, 'I'm not sure about this, mum'. My mates tried them, then I gave in to peer pressure and tried them myself. I thought they were really nice, and one of my friends turned to me and said, 'I'd buy that from you'.”

What challenges did Neetu face as a vegetarian migrant in 1990s Britain?

Neetu's arrival in the UK was marked by profound alienation, both culinary and climatic. As a strict vegetarian, she found herself relegated to cheese pizza or jacket potatoes, while the grey skies compounded her sense of displacement. Paalan explains:

“Mum's roots are in India. We were born in the UK and grew up with this amazing food, but mum's journey wasn't an easy one. When she came to this country, she always used to say that the flowers didn't smell and the cauliflower tasted watery - it just wasn't the same.”

Rather than assimilate into a bland culinary landscape, Neetu chose to share the vibrancy of her heritage, adapting British ingredients while preserving the techniques passed down from her mother, siblings, and community.

Why is Mama Sood's more than just a condiment brand?

Mama Sood's challenges the narrow association of chutneys with poppadoms, positioning them as versatile staples capable of elevating any dish. The tomato and pineapple chutney, for instance, emerged from Neetu's commitment to combating food waste. Paalan notes:

“Mum has always been very conscious of food waste. Her view is that you shouldn't waste food or things because everything has a purpose.”

This ethos reflects a broader, decolonial approach to food: one that honours resourcefulness, sustainability, and communal care over extractive capitalism.

What recognition has Mama Sood's received?

The brand's impact has been nothing short of remarkable. Over the past 12 months, Mama Sood's has sold more than 15,000 jars of chutney and reached over 25 million people globally via social media. Three of their products, the Winter Warmer Mixed Pickle, Brian's Red Onion Original Chutney, and Lemon and Lime Original Chutney, each earned one-star accolades at this year's Great Taste Awards. The awards, judged by over 500 food and drink experts through blind tastings, recognised the depth of flavour and the balance between sweet and sour notes across the entries.

How can the community experience Neetu's cooking?

Beyond the jars, Neetu invites the public into her world through regular Supper Club evenings at the Shakespeare North Playhouse. These events offer a five-course meal inspired by the dishes she has cooked for family and friends over the years. Two more sessions are planned for September 10 and November 19, with tickets starting at £40.

Paalan encapsulates the mission:

“Through it all, my ambition is to tell mum's story and who she is, and almost create a legacy because she's an amazing woman. She's gone through a lot in her life and has never let it phase her. She's always put others first and wants to help and support people.”

In centring Neetu's narrative, Mama Sood's does more than sell chutney; it amplifies the often-silenced voices of migrant women, asserting their place in Britain's cultural and culinary fabric.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I buy Mama Sood's chutneys?

Mama Sood's products are available through their social media channels and at various local outlets in Merseyside. For specific stockists, follow their TikTok and Instagram accounts, where they regularly post updates.

Are Mama Sood's chutneys suitable for vegans?

Yes, the chutneys are plant-based and suitable for vegans. Neetu's cooking is rooted in her vegetarian heritage, ensuring that all products are free from animal products.

What makes Mama Sood's chutneys unique?

Each chutney is crafted using traditional Indian techniques adapted to British ingredients, with a strong emphasis on reducing food waste. The recipes are inspired by Neetu's family history and her commitment to communal care.