Imagine the irresistible aroma of perfectly roasted beef, the savoury sizzle of marinated chicken, and the excitement of sharing a delicious meal with friends and family. This is the unforgettable experience Nourishing Gourmet has been delivering to Kamloops and the surrounding areas since 2009.
Sameena Sandhu, the driving force behind Nourishing Gourmet, isn’t just a chef—she’s a passionate advocate for fresh, local ingredients, and the heart of a business that’s grown into a community staple. As a Red Seal chef and owner, she’s perfected her craft over the years, imbuing the authentic zest of flavours from Mexico, India, Malaysia, and Thailand into her cooking.
“It’s not just about the food—it’s about the experience,” Sameena says. “There’s nothing more memorable than serving food that makes people say, ‘Wow, this is the best meal I’ve ever had.’”
Nourishing Gourmet’s journey began as a small consulting business. Over the years, it has evolved into a full-service catering operation, offering everything from meal prep to a beloved food truck. But, the star of the show is the catering service, which continues to impress hundreds of clients at weddings, corporate gatherings, and special events.
“Fresh is best,” Sameena insists. “When you use local ingredients, you’re supporting our farmers, and that’s important to me, but it’s also great for cooking because local produce is just simply more beautiful, more delicious, and more nutritious.”
Her commitment to local ingredients and sustainable practices is evident in every meal she serves.
The menu at Nourishing Gourmet includes mouthwatering specialties, from succulent ribs, brisket, pulled pork, smoked chicken, and housemade BBQ sauce. One of Sameena’s offerings includes a dish from her childhood—Pakoras.
Sameena’s culinary expertise shines in every dish, particularly her signature roast beef and chicken dinners. She has spent more than a decade perfecting her beef rub, which gives the meat a depth that’s quickly become a customer favourite. Her chicken marinade, a recipe honed over nearly two decades, is equally loved for its boldness and tenderness.
Nourishing Gourmet’s food truck has become another key tool in delivering fresh food to events, especially outdoor gatherings with no access to commercial kitchens. The truck, with its vibrant and inviting vibe, utilizes the flavours of international markets to send you on a culinary adventure right here in the community. She’s excited to bring the food truck to even more events and gatherings, with the possibility of setting up shop at a local park for Sunday brunches.
“I love being a part of Kamloops’ incredible sense of community,” Sameena shares. “It’s all about creating something bigger than just one business—it’s about bringing people together.”
Having grown up in Kamloops and trained at the city’s culinary school, Sameena understands the power of community better than most. She got her Red Seal accreditation by working with a local chef and, after travelling and cooking at various establishments, she knew her heart was set on starting her own business. What motivated her was simple: a desire to elevate the quality of food being served.
Since opening, Nourishing Gourmet has catered to over 150,000 people and served more than 5,000 events in the region. Along the way, Sameena has become a trailblazer, not just as a chef but as a business owner and role model. She’s determined to show other women that they can achieve the same success.
“I wanted to prove that anyone can be the head chef of their own business,” Sameena reflects. “Back then, there weren’t many women in leadership roles in this industry, especially women of colour. I want to change that narrative and show that you don’t have to take shortcuts to succeed. It’s about hard work and commitment to quality.”
Nourishing Gourmet also offers a service that seeks to help the community focus on their health. You can go to them for meal prepping that nourishes you from the inside out.
For Sameena, Nourishing Gourmet is more than just a business—it’s a way to nourish both the body and the community. Even as the company continues to grow, Sameena’s mission remains the same: bringing people together one meal at a time.
