We were lucky to catch up with Pooja D. Bhatia recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Pooja D. thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What’s the backstory behind how you came up with the idea for your business?

Frustrated by the constant flood of sugary, over-processed gifts, I found myself regifting most of them. It wasn’t until I created a box of stuffed dates for a diabetic friend—who called it the most thoughtful gift they’d ever received—that I realized the need for health-conscious alternatives. This moment of inspiration led me to develop a range of gourmet treats made with minimal, high-quality ingredients, entirely free from gluten and dairy. Packaged beautifully, these treats offer a delicious, elegant option for those who value both flavor and well-being, without compromising on health.

Pooja D., before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I’ve always been committed to living a health-conscious lifestyle. From maintaining a disciplined workout routine to managing portion control, reading labels, and making every snack, sweet, and treat for my family from scratch, I’ve always been mindful of what I put into my body. This awareness has been a guiding force in my life, and it’s something I’ve always wanted to share with others. My passion for promoting healthy, delicious food is one of the key reasons I started Varah—to prove that healthy doesn’t have to mean compromising on taste.

Varah is a gourmet food gifting company that reimagines the way people experience gifts by combining elegance with health-conscious indulgence. Our mission is to challenge the belief that food gifts are a choice between visual appeal and nutritional value. We specialize in crafting both sweet and savory treats made with wholesome nuts, natural sweeteners, and minimal ingredients to create sophisticated flavors. Rooted in the rich traditions of South Asian cuisine, our fully vegetarian menu is designed to meet a range of dietary needs, without ever sacrificing taste or quality. What sets us apart is our dedication to offering a product that is as visually stunning as it is healthy, making every gift an unforgettable experience. At Varah, we’re proud to provide gifting options that reflect both thoughtful presentation and a commitment to mindful eating.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

In the food industry, reputation ultimately comes down to the ingredients. Many businesses, as they grow, opt for lower-cost or longer shelf-life ingredients through food science. We’ve never taken that path and promise to never compromise on the quality of our ingredients. This means our products may have a shorter shelf life than some of our competitors, but I believe discerning customers understand and appreciate this commitment to purity and freshness. Our focus on using minimal, high-quality ingredients that cater to specific dietary needs—without cutting corners—has helped build trust and loyalty within our market.

But, this also extends to presentation – after all, we eat with our eyes first. The way our products are visually crafted is just as important as their flavor. Our packaging doesn’t just look great on our website, it has a premium look & finish that leaves an impression.

When you combine these two elements—exceptional quality and stunning presentation—you get a product that not only looks beautiful but is genuinely good for you.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

I launched Varah Gourmet Luxuries in Dubai in 2016, and by 2019, the business was gaining momentum. However, just as things were taking off, I had to relocate to San Francisco, which meant shutting everything down. It was an incredibly difficult decision, but I resolved to rebuild Varah in the U.S. Once I navigated the complex regulations, secured the necessary permits, and set up the infrastructure, the pandemic hit. Everything came to a standstill, and I feared it was the end of Varah. Without social gatherings, the demand for gifting seemed non-existent.

But I refused to give up. I pivoted to learning online marketing, invested in ads, and adapted my packaging for nationwide shipping. I hoped for the best, even though the future seemed uncertain. Then, something unexpected happened—rather than diminishing, the demand for thoughtful gifts surged. Although people couldn’t meet in person, they found solace in sending meaningful gifts to loved ones. What began as a local gifting business transformed into a nationwide venture. The surge in demand was overwhelming, and from that point forward, I haven’t looked back.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.varah.us
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/varahgourmetluxuries
• Facebook: https://facebook.com/varahgourmetluxuries
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pooja-d-bhatia-240366106/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@varahgourmetluxuries