Delhi has been called the food capital of India.
Sanjay Chauhan and Deepak Chandra have been sharing with Salmon Arm why that is at their new restaurant, Rangoli East Indian Kitchen + Bar, at 111 Lakeshore Dr. (beside the downtown Askew鈥檚 Foods).
Both chefs trained in Delhi, a territory known for its butter chicken, kebabs, biryani , rolls and samosa, among other dishes.
鈥淒elhi food is very traditional and more flavourful鈥�,鈥� said Chauan and Chandra.
鈥淥ur butter chicken is totally different 鈥� people love it. Every customer loves the Rangoli (veggie) korma. It is is totally different.鈥�
Diners have a wide variety to choose from on Chauhan and Chandra鈥檚 menu, including numerous vegetarian options and items, like the Rangoli korma, that can only be found at Rangoli. While spiciness can be tailored to individual tastes, Chauhan explained the spices used in many of dishes affect flavour, not necessarily heat. Adding to the uniqueness of their dishes, Chauhan and Chandra create their own traditional spice blends 鈥� garam masala, madras masala, etc. 鈥� on site.
鈥淓very dish has a unique taste,鈥� said Chandra. 鈥淵ou can order 10 dishes, you鈥檒l get all different flavours.鈥�
The chefs/business partners each have about 30 years experience in the food-service industry. Chandra comes from a family of chefs. Chauha said he knew at a young age that he wanted to do something creative with food. The two spent 10 years pursuing their passion for cooking in India, and another 20 in Canada. They met in Calgary, where Chauhan owned a restaurant called Delhi Darbar.
Chauhan said he and Chandra decided they wanted to open a business outside of Calgary. A love of nature brought them to B.C., and when they made a stop in Salmon Arm they decided that鈥檚 where they wanted to be. They took over the Lakeshore Drive location in August 2022, renovated and finally opened in December.
鈥淧eople are so nice here,鈥� agreed Chauhan and Chandra.
Rangoli is open seven days a week from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., and offers daily lunch specials for those who might be in a rush to eat and get back to work. For more information, visit the Rangoli East Indian Kitchen + Bar page on Facebook.
Read more: Salmon Arm couple capture spirit of the weekend with new restaurant
Read more: Salmon Arm couple share passion for plant-based food at new bistro
lachlan@saobserver.net
Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter
Sign up for our newsletter to get Salmon Arm stories in your inbox every morning.
