Tiffany Hiralal and Rakesh Kanhai are hospitality entrepreneurs — in the Netherlands and Suriname — with a deep passion for Surinamese culture.
For over twenty years, Rakesh has been active in the world of live shows, artist development, and creative production — amongst others Kesh is known as DJ Kesh and from initiatives as Prestige Worldwide, 4 The culture foundation, and studio Sipaliwini in the midst of the rainforest in Suriname — experience that naturally aligned with Tiffany’s vision when their paths crossed. At the time, Tiffany was stirring up a quiet revolution in the Surinamese culinary scene in the Netherlands.
After an inspiring spiritual and cultural food journey through Suriname, Tiffany developed a new restaurant concept rooted in the strength of Surinamese ancestors and authentic traditions. At Papa Aswa in Amsterdam, they honor ancestral heritage and celebrate Surinamese culture by connecting meaningful stories to dishes, and presenting the Surinamese kitchen with the dignity and creativity it deserves.
Together, they organized Suriname’s first dinner show experience and continue to dedicate themselves to Suriname in many ways — including the early development of a food forest, reflecting their shared intention toward forest stewardship and living in balance with self, community, and nature.
As partners in business — and in love — Tiff & Kesh walk an untrodden path toward harmony with themselves, each other, and nature.
Rakesh Kanhai ponders on their ambassadorship: “this Forest93 ambassadorship holds as much value for us, as our PSA (Persons of Surinamese Descent status) — it deepens my relationship with Suriname. I actively think and work towards: how can I make this authentic? How can it resonate with everything I do? My intention is to learn — and to share that learning, in the right way,”
See part of Tiff & Kesh’s story in Suriname in this episode of the VPRO/Omroep Zwart tv series “De nieuwe generaties van Suriname”, which aired in September 2025 in the Netherlands. In this episode they tell about their deep connection to Surinamese culture, the land and each others ancestral roots. In Suriname, they grow their signature cassava for their restaurant in Amsterdam, weaving a living connection between both worlds through the art of food.
Follow Tiff & Kesh via their socials:
On LinkedIn or on Instagram via Papa Aswa, TIff’s Insta, Kesh’s Insta.
And follow their businesses via:
www.papaaswa.nl
www.prestige-worldwide.nl