Simkaur’s journey from Punjab to London reflects a story of migration, personal growth, and adaptation. A single mother with no formal blueprint to follow, she navigated personal and professional challenges to establish herself in a competitive world, eventually gaining recognition as a notable entrepreneur in the UK.
After relocating to the UK in 2002, Simkaur ventured into business by 2007. Her turning point came in 2017 when she took over a failing restaurant. She saw potential in the business while others cautioned it as a risk. She rebranded it into Punjabi_Kitchen — an eatery known for its home-style Punjabi cuisine and vibrant ambience. Her personal touch, resilience, and deep understanding of cultural identity helped turn the restaurant into a community favorite.
But she gained success following many challenges. In 2020, due to an unjust turn of events, she lost control of the restaurant she had established. She decided to rebuild instead of accepting defeat. Within the same year, amid the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, she regained ownership of the original restaurant and launched two additional ventures, bringing her total to four independently operated businesses.
In 2023, she took to Instagram to document her journey — not with the intention of becoming a social media personality, but to share her authentic story. Her honest and often raw content resonated with thousands. In just one year, her Instagram account @punjabi_kitchen amassed over 200,000 followers who admired her for her hustle, humility, and real-life storytelling.
“I never aimed to go viral,” she says. “I simply wanted women to know that we’re all capable of starting over — and winning.”
Today, Simkaur has gained recognition as a successful restaurateur and content creator which reflects her journey as a role model for women navigating hardships and striving for independence. Her story highlights the role of resilience in overcoming challenges, showing how setbacks can serve as a foundation for future growth and renewed success.
