In a world where convenience and memorable experiences are increasingly intertwined, yhangry is redefining how people gather and dine.
Founded in 2019 by Siddhi Mittal and Heidi Petra, this London-based startup is making private dining more accessible, offering people the chance to book professional chefs for everything from cosy dinners at home to large celebrations, without the luxury price tag.
What started as a clever solution for food lovers craving restaurant-quality meals in the comfort of their own homes has since grown into a fast-scaling platform, serving thousands of customers across the UK. With its growing network of chefs, seamless booking experience, and focus on customisation, yhangry is helping to transform everyday occasions into something special — all while offering hosts the ultimate stress-free dining experience.
Asian Voice spoke with Siddhi Mittal, co-founder of yhangry, to learn more about the inspiration behind the company, how the platform works, and her perspective on the future of food, entrepreneurship, and scaling a startup in the UK.
Yhangry started as a side hustle. When did you realise it had the potential to become a full-time business?
The realisation came when we noticed a significant gap in the market: while restaurant chefs often earned minimum wage, private chefs were perceived as unaffordable. We believed that a chef could serve a three-course meal cheaper than a restaurant, without the drinks markup. This idea seemed ludicrous until we proved it possible. The positive response and growing demand confirmed that Yhangry had the potential to be more than just a side project.
What is the difference between how the company operated in the first year of its inception and how it operates now? What strategies have been most effective in growing the business?
In our first year, operations were manual and localised. We personally managed bookings and coordinated with chefs. Now, we've scaled significantly, with a tech-driven platform that automates matching clients with over 3,000 chefs across the UK. Key strategies that fuelled our growth include participating in Y Combinator in 2022, which provided invaluable mentorship and exposure, and focusing on fair compensation for chefs, offering an average of £60 per hour compared to the industry average of £13.33.
3. What are some of the key trends you see in the private dining space, and how is Yhangry adapting?
A significant trend is the rise of at-home dining experiences, especially in holiday rentals. People are seeking the luxury of restaurant-quality meals in the comfort of their homes or vacation properties. To adapt, Yhangry is partnering with short-term rental property owners, aiming to provide hotel-like dining experiences for staycation guests. We've already established 100 partnerships and have a pipeline of 3,000 potential collaborations.
4. You’ve successfully raised investment when, according to statistics, women-led businesses are less likely to secure funding. What was that experience like, and what advice would you give to female founders looking to raise capital in the tech and hospitality space?
Raising capital as a female founder presented its challenges, but perseverance and a clear vision were crucial. Participating in accelerator programs like Y Combinator helped us build credibility and connect with investors. My advice to female founders is to focus on building a strong network, be persistent, and believe in the value of your business. Don't be discouraged by statistics; instead, use them as motivation to break barriers.
5. What’s your ultimate vision for Yhangry, and how do you see it evolving in the next 5-10 years?
Our vision is to revolutionise the way people dine at home and in holiday rentals globally. We aim to expand our presence and this includes a significant push into the US market. By providing accessible, high-quality private dining experiences, we hope to make Yhangry a household name synonymous with luxury and convenience.
