THE INDIAN KEBAB SHOP
Jaz Singh never wanted to come to New Zealand - but now he doesn’t want to leave.
Singh and his wife Cheshta Jassal are the new owners of the Beirut Kebabs and Salad shop in New Plymouth’s Centre City mall, and said it has been a busy first week, especially on Labour Day.
Originally from India, Singh said that Turkish and Indian food use similar flavours.
‘‘Our background’s Indian and we’re taking over the Turkish shop,’’ he laughed.
‘‘They have the same spices,’’ Jassal said. ‘‘There’s not too much difference.’’
They have been in the country for almost five years - although Singh originally never wanted to come.
‘‘[I said] I want to explore the world, go to America and Canada,’’ he said. ‘‘And here I am. I love New Zealand now.’’
Beirut Kebabs sells a variety of Turkish cuisine including kebabs, salads, iskenders, and meat and fries, but they will soon be introducing some new menu items, including Mediterranean pizza which will be available by the slice.
He said it was all a learning experience, deciding how to introduce new dishes and working out what to charge.
‘‘It’s quite new. Every day we learn new things,’’ Singh said.
Singh does a lot of the management side around his role as a property manager for Te Henui Lodge, while Jassal does most of the day-to-day operation. Both of them have a lot of hospitality experience.
They try and hire local people as a way of giving back to the community that has done so much for them, he said.
‘‘New Zealand has given us so many things, so we like to promote locals.’’
The couple are in for the long haul.
‘‘Extending this business a little bit maybe in future, maybe if someone wants a franchise in another town. We’ll be looking forward to that.’’
They are also looking at catering, Jassal said.
"New Zealand has given us so many things, so we like to promote locals." Jaz Singh