Our Story
Shef’s Fiery Kitchen began with one woman, one tiny kitchen, and a big love for bold, comforting food.
Founder Shefali Somani—affectionately known as “Shef”—was born in Tanzania to Indian parents. She grew up in a home where food was love, culture, and tradition all rolled into one. Her mother’s cooking, rich with hand-ground spices and intuitive skill, made a lasting impact. Years later, living in Dubai introduced her to new global flavors and deepened her love for Southeast Asian cuisine and African street food.
After settling in Calgary, Shefali couldn’t find the kind of ready-to-eat meals she craved—flavorful, authentic, nutritious, and easy to enjoy. So in 2007, she launched Shef’s Fiery Kitchen out of the Calgary Farmers’ Market, offering handmade Indian and Thai meals that were anything but ordinary. Her mission? To help busy people eat well without compromising on taste or quality.
With the help of her sister-in-law Sharon Somani, who brings energy, warmth, and business savvy to the team, Shef's Fiery Kitchen has grown from market stall to small-batch producer supplying local grocers like Calgary Co-op and soon, Sobeys and Freson Bros. Every meal is cooked in a compact 250 sq. ft. kitchen, with care and creativity—and always a focus on sustainability and minimal food waste.
The menu rotates every few weeks, offering customers a chance to explore new flavors regularly. The summer BBQ patio features East African and Indian street food, while the growing frozen and shelf-stable product line is making it easier than ever to bring Shef’s food home.
From kids’ cooking classes to shelf-stable sauces, Shef and Sharon are building a community around food that’s inclusive, exciting, and grounded in tradition.
We believe food should nourish more than your body—it should feed your curiosity, connect you to culture, and bring a little fire to your everyday.
Contact
We're always looking for new and exciting opportunities. Let's connect.
403-918-7433
403-975-2475