The Circle

Thanuja Kariyawasam worked in the corporate sector for almost 17 years before she decided to retire after her third born. Because she was always passionate about cooking and dreamed of one day opening her own cafe, Thanuja decided that she would start her own food business.

“I started by creating an instagram page for my home cooking by the name of ‘an enthusiastic cook’ and then the first idea to advertise a product as a business started after I made a cookie bottle to be gifted as a teacher's day gift, for my children. What started there turned into my small business which initially started by the name of "Grace & Glory" which then with expansion was changed to ‘CIRCLES’”, Thanuja shared.

“CIRCLES initially was mainly focused on sweets and then branched out into savoury food, which has always been my passion.” Thanuja also customises orders based on client requests. Speaking of her experience with cooking, Thanuja explained, “I don't have any restaurant experience but my love for food started at home. My mom is a wonderful cook and she has had hotel school experience and I've always admired and followed her.” So once she gained traction on her instagram page, she decided to start the venture. “Once I stopped working it became easier to focus on trying out new recipes and to be more creative with my cooking. So together with my mother, I wanted to start this home based business.”

“I started my business with mainly cookies and cakes such as butter cakes, love cake, banana bread etc and then ventured into savoury food such as pastas, fried rice, waffles, dumplings, quiches, snacks, and I even make many local food such as rice and curries, string hoppers, rotis etc. Most of my orders are very customised when it comes to the local food types as I have many returning customers. Also, the snack box which has become quite a hit is customisable. They can select what they want from the menu to be added to the box and I do the decor free. The pastas are freshly made for each order with mostly homegrown fresh herbs to give the best flavour. In addition, I do gift boxes with cookie packs and handmade gift items”.

“My future plan is to open up my own food outlet and also to expand my business. I also plan to introduce new flavours and menu items which fits our local palate as well as, hits the spot when it comes to flavours. As we Lankans love our spices and flavours, I want to make my food in the same way we all love to eat in our own homes.”

We tried a few items off her menu, including the Mini Snack Box that comprised Stir-fried Meatball Mini Burgers, Cream Cheese & Jalapeño Crackers, Tuna Cutlets and Oat Berry Cookies. The snacks were tastefully arranged inside the box. This would make the snack box an ideal gifting option. Thanuja often ensures her food is not very spicy so those of all ages can enjoy them, but of course, she will make them according to your specifications. The meatballs in the burger had been stir fried with onions and the caramelised flavour made it tasty. Even though the Crackers seemed like the simplest option, they were certainly among our favourites. The cream cheese and Jalapeño combo is always a winner, and we can already envision people reaching out for this! The Tuna Cutlets were a good size with plentiful filling without going overboard with potatoes as many usually do, which we loved. Could have had a little more salt, but otherwise good. The Oat Berry Cookies were a pleasant surprise. Not usually a fan of Oat cookies, but we found ourselves going back for more!