AMBALA is, says general manager Faisal Khurram, “closely connected to the occasions and traditions that bring local families together.”
Here Faisal tells us more about the shop, which specialises in mithai - sweet treats enjoyed at weddings, festivals and family gatherings.
l What kind of food do you serve?
“Ambala specialises in traditional South Asian sweets, known as mithai, alongside savoury snacks and celebration treats. Our range includes favourites such as barfi, ladoo, jalebi, gulab jamun, halwa and rasmalai, as well as savouries including samosas, pakoras and spring rolls.
'Our sweets are made using time-honoured recipes and traditional methods' (Image: Ambala)
“Mithai is often enjoyed at weddings, religious festivals, family gatherings and as gifts, but it is also a popular everyday treat. We offer mixed boxes and gift boxes for sharing, as well as individual favourites for customers to take home.”
l How would you describe your business?
“Ambala is one of the UK’s most established South Asian sweet brands, with a heritage built on authentic flavours, traditional recipes and the role mithai plays in bringing people together.
The Bradford store gives local customers a place to pick up familiar favourites for celebrations, family visits and gifting, while also welcoming people who are trying South Asian sweets for the first time.
“The business combines a long-standing tradition with a modern retail experience, including in-store shopping, online ordering, delivery and click and collect.
“We’re really proud to be part of the Bradford community. It’s great to see customers coming into the store for weddings, festivals, birthdays and family occasions, and we also enjoy introducing Ambala to people who may be trying our sweets for the first time.”
Ambala's heritage is built on authentic flavours, traditional recipes and the role mithai plays in bringing people together. (Image: Ambala)
l What’s the background to the business?
“Ambala’s story began in London, where our founder Mohammed Ali Khan started making traditional sweets from Holborn in 1964, before opening the first Ambala shop in 1965. Over the past six decades, Ambala has grown into a national brand with more than 30 stores, while remaining focused on the traditional mithai enjoyed by generations of families.
“And now, our Bradford store is approaching its second anniversary on Great Horton Road.”
Some of the sweet treats on display.
l Do you see your business as part of the local community?
“Yes, we’re definitely part of the local community. Ambala is closely connected to the occasions and traditions that bring local families together. We see customers visit for everything, from weddings, Eid and Diwali to birthdays and everyday treats.
“We are proud to be part of Bradford’s diverse food scene, serving customers who have grown up with mithai as part of family life as well as new customers keen to discover traditional South Asian sweets and savouries.”
l Do you have a chef?
“Yes, we have a chef at the Bradford store who prepares food in store and helps maintain the quality and consistency of our products. Our sweets are made using time-honoured recipes and traditional methods.”
l Do you have themed events?
“Ambala marks key cultural and seasonal occasions throughout the year, including Diwali, Eid and wedding season, as well as local store celebrations and sampling events. These occasions give customers the opportunity to try traditional sweets and savouries, discover new products and pick up treats for celebrations.
“For many people, mithai is much more than something sweet. It is part of how families celebrate, share good news and show care for one another. Ambala is proud that its sweets have remained part of these moments for generations, and that the Bradford store can now play a role in the local community too.
“All Ambala products are suitable for vegetarians and are halal, as they exclude eggs, meat, meat products and alcohol.”
l Ambala Bradford, Great Horton Road, Bradford. Visit www.ambala.co.uk