We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Siddharth Raval a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Siddharth thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. So let’s jump to your mission – what’s the backstory behind how you developed the mission that drives your brand?

It all began with a woman’s quiet compassion began making a big difference. Her name? Malki De Silva (Founder @ Shawarma Paradise) — my mother with a deep sense of purpose and a heart tuned to the struggles of students trying to build their future on tight budgets. She had watched students juggling classes, jobs, and responsibilities, often forced to choose between textbooks and a healthy affordable meal. To her, no one chasing an education should have to skip meals or settle for unhealthy options. So, she stepped in with what she knew best: kindness, food, and unwavering generosity.

With no fanfare, her simple recipes started to grab students attention; meals filled with care, nutrition, and warmth — made not for sky shattering profit, but from purpose. A small set up for affordable meal service focused majorly on ASU students. Her mission was simple: “No student should go hungry while chasing their dreams.”

Word spread fast. Students who once went without dinner now had access to hearty, healthy meals for a fraction of the cost of other takeout. She didn’t just serve food — she served comfort, community, and care. Her small kitchen became a haven, and her mission evolved into something greater: building a network of nourishment for young minds, hence named Shawarma Paradise.

Siddharth, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

It all began with a woman’s quiet compassion began making a big difference. Her name? Malki De Silva (Founder @ Shawarma Paradise) — my mother with a deep sense of purpose and a heart tuned to the struggles of students trying to build their future on tight budgets. She had watched students juggling classes, jobs, and responsibilities, often forced to choose between textbooks and a healthy affordable meal. To her, no one chasing an education should have to skip meals or settle for unhealthy options. So, she stepped in with what she knew best: kindness, food, and unwavering generosity.

With no fanfare, her simple recipes started to grab students attention; meals filled with care, nutrition, and warmth — made not for sky shattering profit, but from purpose. A small set up for affordable meal service focused majorly on ASU students. Her mission was simple: “No student should go hungry while chasing their dreams.”

Word spread fast. Students who once went without dinner now had access to hearty, healthy meals for a fraction of the cost of other takeout. She didn’t just serve food — she served comfort, community, and care. Her small kitchen became a haven, and her mission evolved into something greater: building a network of nourishment for young minds, hence named Shawarma Paradise.

Can you talk to us about how your side-hustle turned into something more.

I, Siddharth Raval, always treated it as a side quest because my mother always took care of it all, also I had a full time job as Sr. Business analyst. But, lately my wife noticed her struggling with business operations and we thought of helping her out, before we realized it all went well and we were knees deep in work at the restaurant. So, I then join my mom and my wife full time at the restaurant.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

Quality, Consistency, Affordability.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://order.toasttab.com/online/shawarmaparadise
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shawarmaparadise.us/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shawarmaparadise/
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/shawarma-paradise-tempe-2?osq=Shawarma+Paradise+Tempe