About Govenders, your source for fine food products.

Preparing for an Indian wedding will make a catering professional out of the greenest of novices. Jane and Dion Govender, South Africans of Indian descent, have now on more than one occasion run the wedding gauntlet, doing their part to put a feast on the table for a guestlist typically topping the 1000 mark. As Govenders Indian Delights, the duo are now doing their part to put the elements of an Indian feast on Irish tables – special events and large numbers not strictly required

As was once the case in other parts of the world, young Indians are taught to cook by their parents and grand- parents. Dion Govender explains “even though we’re from South Africa, the recipes for our pickles and chutneys are very much Indian based. They have been passed down through the generations, typically from mother to daughter, and have been kept simple and traditional. We’ve done the same.” Simple the recipes may be, but the blend of spices which gives the Govenders pickles, chutneys and sauces their distinctive flavours are a guarded family secret.

Jane and Dion have extensively taste-tested their products on their circle of Irish friends. “We would serve them at home or bring them as presents when visiting. People loved them.” Feeling encouraged, the Govenders took a stall at the local country market. The experience there has been invaluable. “We get important feed back, can make suggestions for meals using our products, and get a chance to try out new items.” This has resulted in the develop- ment of a range of savoury dishes such as onion bhajis and vegetable samosas, as well as a move into a line of fresh fruit jams. The Govenders also have plans to expand their number of country market stands, supply retail shops and start catering for functions and parties. Having a thousand guests for dinner? No problem.

“Even though we’re from South Africa, the recipes for our pickles and chutneys are very much Indian based. They have been passed down through the generations, typically from mother to daughter, and have been kept simple and traditional.”