Betty Bifwoli, a Kenyan living in the Netherlands took the unexpected move of quitting her lucrative law job to start a food business in 2018.
Speaking to Daring Abroad, Betty who worked at the International Criminal Court (ICC) in the Netherlands revealed she was an advocate of the high court and had an illustrious career in Kenya before she moved to Holland in 2009.
She revealed her decision to venture into the food business was inspired by the challenges she encountered in Netherlands in finding authentic Kenyan cuisine.
In addition, her passion for cooking also contributed to her exit thanks to her friends who motivated her and supported her in scaling the food business.
“Immediately after my pupilage, my husband got a job here and I moved in with him. I worked with the ICC, the Special Tribunal for Lebanon, and another organization but I felt like it was not my calling,” she stated.
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“I started by cooking for my friends and they encouraged me to start the business. I registered my business and got a location four years ago,” Bifwoli added.
Her restaurant, christened Kenyan Delicacies, provides dine-in, takeaway, and delivery services for Kenyan delicacies, including ugali, pan-fried chicken and beef, fish, pilau, green bananas, and snacks such as mandazis and samosas.
She explains that a plate of food retails between EUR10 (Ksh1,300) to EUR30 (Ksh4,500).
“My typical clients are local citizens from the nearby offices including the Parliament. They love chapati and beans: the Dutch love bread and the majority are vegetarian,” she disclosed.
Besides the restaurant business, Bifwoli sells Kenyan Souvenirs and runs a consultancy firm called Bifwoli Legal Consultancy.
“I have a consultancy firm where I help Kenyans who want to invest back home or want legal counsel,” the lawyer reiterated.