Our Story
Inspired by Amma
John grew up in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, a city on the south-eastern coast of India known for its’ rich food heritage and hospitality. At a young age, he developed a love for cooking as he watched his Amma (mother) joyfully serve their family and community with food. Her genuine love and service through food inspired John to join her in the kitchen.
a food journey beginning with restoration
With this same heart for serving others, John went on to receive his Masters of Social Work in 2007 and began working for International Justice Mission (IJM), spending the first five years of his career rescuing and rehabilitating survivors and their children from slavery (forced labor) across south India. To this day, John (along with his team) rescued over 4,000 people from trafficking between 2007-2018.
a new purpose
In 2019, John married his lovely wife Rachel and moved from India to Orlando, Florida to start a life in a new city. The change of location brought with it the opportunity to explore and John found a way to combine his passion for food and social justice. He started a small business, John’s South Indian Kitchen, as a way to create community and share the experience of authentic, homestyle south Indian cooking with the Central Florida community.
A portion of every purchase pays for the education of children rescued from slavery in South India. John’s vision is to build a business that gives back, investing in and mentoring a new generation to rise above hardship to become empowered leaders transforming their communities for good. These children rescued from slavery (labor trafficking) can be educated and move into government jobs to stop the cycle of oppression.
More than simply good food, John’s South Indian Kitchen is on a mission to better lives and invite new friends into a taste of delicious experience of true south indian hospitality.
Our commitment is to bring you fresh, authentic south Indian dishes made with love and your family’s health in mind. All are welcome at our south Indian table.