Argentinian delicacies brand Pampa Mia launched amidst the Shanghai lockdown at the end of March 2022.

Yet – against all odds – it overcame both startup and COVID challenges, and has not only grown, but thrived. 

Co-owners Zarmair Keshishian and Samantha Chan

So what does the team – co-owners Zarmair Keshishian and Samantha Chan – owe this success to?

Plain and simple: Empanadas.

And not just a few empanadas, but thousands and thousands of empanadas – in 21 different flavor varieties to be exact – baked with love over the last two years.

And not just empanadas, but also desserts, dulce de leche alfajores and traditional Argentinian sauces as well. 
 

Since launching, the duo has teamed up with restaurants, consulates, businesses, markets and more to share a genuine taste of Argentina with the Shanghai foodie loving masses. 

In between filling Eleme orders, expanding with a second kitchen, and growing their product line, we were able to snag a few minutes to hear their origin story, plans for the future, and how we can get our hands on their coveted confectionaries. 

Give us your elevator pitch – what is Pampa Mia?
Pampa Mia is all about offering handcrafted Argentinean delicacies, such as empanadas, delightful desserts, and flavorful sauces.

Crafted with passion, a twist of modernity, and using only the finest quality ingredients, we believe each bite is simultaneously a taste of tradition and authenticity. 

What is Pampa Mia’s origin story?
Pampa Mia Artisanal Bakery was founded in March of 2022, just before Shanghai went into lockdown.

As a startup, we encountered numerous challenges during this difficult period, but with determination and foresight, we overcame them.

With my Argentinean background and a shared passion for great food with my fiancée and co-founder Samantha Chan, we saw the opportunity to offer high-quality Argentinean products that we personally enjoy.

This vision led to the creation of Pampa Mia, where we aim to promote Argentinean culture and traditions through our delicious delicacies.

Where does the name Pampa Mia come from?
The name is a tribute to our roots and heritage; 'Pampa' represents the fertile plains of Argentina, while 'Mia' reflects a personal connection, meaning 'mine' or 'my.'

Together, it symbolizes our deep ties to Argentinean culture and the expansive landscapes and diversity that inspire our products.

What is the makeup of your customer base? 
It generally consists of expatriates in China seeking an authentic taste of their home countries, primarily Latin Americans.

We have also begun attracting a local audience comprising individuals who have lived overseas or are eager to explore new culinary experiences. 

Our presence at popup markets and international school fairs has contributed to this expansion, resulting in over a thousand customers across 18 provinces.

Thanks to nationwide shipping, we cater to both B2B and B2C markets, serving individuals, companies, consulates, and more. 

Why do you focus primarily on empanadas? 
Our focus is on empanadas due to their status as a beloved Argentinean delicacy with a rich cultural heritage.

Our menu currently features 21 empanada varieties, entirely made from scratch, offering a wide range that captures the essence of Argentinean cuisine and culture. 

This diversity allows us to showcase both traditional and modern flavors, highlighting ingredients that make our products unique. 

Also, empanadas are versatile, convenient, and loved by many customers, making them a popular choice for individuals and businesses alike.

With two distinct sizes available, they can be enjoyed as appetizers or as a satisfying main meal. 

You have been recognized as a food partner for the Argentinean Consulate. How did you secure the collaboration? 
Undoubtedly, this partnership has been forged because of the quality and taste of our handmade empanadas and dulce de leche alfajores, which both offer genuine authenticity of true Argentinean flavors. 

As one of the few providers of Argentinean cuisine, we've had the privilege of providing our products at major events organized by the Argentinean Consulate.

How do you source your ingredients? 
We procure our ingredients from reliable suppliers offering top-notch imported products.

While we use Argentinean beef and prawns in our fillings, we also utilize produce from Uruguay, Italy, Australia, and New Zealand. 

Moreover, we meticulously choose local ingredients that align with our standards of freshness and quality, guaranteeing that every bite is as authentic as possible. 

What challenges have you faced in growing the business? 
We've encountered typical business challenges and had to navigate them through innovation and patience, particularly during the 2022 lockdown; this period brought startup hurdles that we had to solve in order to consolidate and thereafter scale our business. 

Over time, we’ve experienced logistical complexities due to China's size, adaptation to market changes, issues with consistent sourcing of ingredients, and scaling production to match demand growing pains. 

However, I’m pleased that with real resolve, we have been able to find solutions to any challenge that has come our way.

You've recently inaugurated a new kitchen. What does this mean for the company and for everyday consumers like us? 
Absolutely! Our brand-new kitchen in Changning District is up and running, allowing us to increase our daily production.

We're incredibly excited about this advancement as it opens up opportunities for significant growth and enables us to introduce new products to our customers.

How do you see Pampa Mia continuing to expand and grow in the future? 
We have exciting plans ahead for Pampa Mia. In the short term, we're looking to expand our menu with new meat-based dishes.

In the future, we're considering options like opening a physical storefront or even exploring the potential of establishing a franchise.

While there is nothing definite yet, the possibilities are endless, and we're optimistic about the bright future ahead of us.

How can readers purchase Pampa Mia products both online and at offline events?
Scan the QR below to explore our full menu and place orders through our mini-program.

Readers can also follow us on Instagram @pampamiash for updates. 

We also recently launched a limited menu on Eleme, with plans to expand our offerings soon – just search Pampa Mia on Eleme.

Stay tuned for our presence on Meituan, and possibly on JSS and Sherpas as well.

As for upcoming markets, we regularly participate in at JS Market events and international school fairs throughout the year.

To stay updated on our market schedule for offline events where our products are available for purchase, add the WeChat ID: zarmairk or scan the QR below.

[All images courtesy of Pampa Mia]