A new food market opening later this year has chosen an Ilford resident who runs an Indian home cooking business for a three-month rent-free deal.

Arjun Manikandan has been named Mercato Metropolitano's competition winner in a competition which gets his The Malayali Project business into the market.

The 26-year-old beat 100 competitors from all round London to win the deal — with his mum’s cooking.

“We’ll be in the market with our authentic Kerala southern India cuisine,” he said. “People don’t really know about Kerala and its values. Kerala is ‘God’s own country’ because of the naturistic beauty and culture.”

His inspiration is from his mother’s aromatic Kerala cooking at their home in Ilford, which he now shares in the market when it opens.

“We’ve never run a business before,” Arjun admits. “But knowing we’re being supported all the way gives me confidence to say — okay, let’s do this.”

He gets one-to-one sessions on how to source sustainable local ingredients, as well as how to create a long-lasting business plan and getting the low-down on branding and marketing.

The competition was kicked off by Mercato to help Londoners get through the cost-of-living crisis with the winner taking the first step in turning their business idea into reality.

Redbridge Council leader Jas Athwal said: “Arjun’s story of being inspired by his mother’s home cooking was incredibly moving. Mercato coming to Ilford is part of plans to transform the town centre and boost the local economy.”

Arjun’s home-cook business idea is on the menu of the new community market. 

Mercato’s chief executive Andrea Rasca said: “We were blown away by Arjun’s passion to bring authentic Kerala cuisine to our markets. He got a perfect score. We can’t wait to see what he cooks up.”

The company helps build communities around “affordable seasonal produce to preserve the environment”. It runs markets at Wood Wharf, near Canary Wharf, at Elephant & Castle and in Mayfair.

It is opening in Ilford later this year.

Judges picked Arjun in the three-month search for London’s best foodie entrepreneur.