Their curiosity to better understand this advanced technology (called lyophilization or colloquially, freeze-drying) led them to invest in a small lab-scale equipment. Thus began the adventure of ingredient analysis, recipe formulation and product development alongside some of the best culinary chefs. Combining the best food science technology and culinary arts, they were able to re-imagine the future of consumer packaged foods – ‘Instant Foods’ that are Chef Crafted combining gourmet flavours and nutrition without the use of any preservatives or artificial ingredients!

What started in a 12 ft by 8 ft make-shift R&D facility with a small lab-scale equipment in mid-2020, has turned into a commercial scale fully integrated 24,000 sq ft advanced, state-of-art food-lab in Gurgaon, India. It’s here where culinary chefs, food technologists and most importantly, ultimate consumers come together to passionately craft healthy instant foods for everyday consumption by Yu – its customers.

Our Founders BB and VK at Yu's foodlab in Gurgaon

The Ikayu Moment!

Their curiosity to better understand this advanced technology (called lyophilization or colloquially, freeze-drying) led them to invest in a small lab-scale equipment. Thus began the adventure of ingredient analysis, recipe formulation and product development alongside some of the best culinary chefs. Combining the best food science technology and culinary arts, they were able to re-imagine the future of consumer packaged foods – ‘Instant Meal Bowls’ that combine gourmet flavours and nutrition without the use of any preservatives or artificial ingredients!

What started in a 12 ft by 8 ft make-shift R&D facility with a small lab-scale equipment in mid-2020, has turned into a commercial scale fully integrated 24,000 sq ft advanced, state-of-art food-lab in Gurgaon, India. It’s here where culinary chefs, food technologists and most importantly, ultimate consumers come together to passionately craft ‘clean label’ instant meal bowls for everyday consumption by Yu – its customers.

Humble beginnings – Yu’s first 12 ft x 8 ft food-lab

Yu's fully integrated 24,000 sq ft foodlab combining culinary expertise with advanced bio-chemistry processes