By Shamsiya Hussainpoor
Olinda’s restaurant, best known for its lamb cutlets, ‘Indian by Nature’ has been nominated for the 2024 Yarra Valley Readers’ Choice Awards, by The Australian Good Food Guide (AGFG) – Home of The Chef Hat Awards.
The AGFG is designed as an essential navigational and rating accomplice, the Australian Good Food and Travel Guide has long been acknowledged as Australia’s most comprehensive restaurant, accommodation and travel authority encompassing not only all major metropolitan areas but many of the smaller townships that lie in between.
Every year AGFG inspectors conscientiously inspect thousands of establishments and other places of interest for inclusion in the publication.
Mr Jangid who migrated to Australia with his family from India in the early 2000s purchased the restaurant from his friend in 2007 and renamed it to, ‘Indian by Nature.’
Prior to his purchase, the restaurant “was all over the place,” selling all kinds of things from gifts, noodles, books and much more.
“It’s a very proud moment and very happy moment for all of us here, of course we don’t do things to win awards, at least not in hospitality, but it’s nice to be recognised – it’s like a little pat on the back,” he said.
“Anything in the form of a comment, feedback or something that helps you improve, no matter which profession you are in, it gives you a boost, and it tells you what you’re doing, it’s actually good, people love it.”
He said the place is more than just a restaurant, it has become a “united house” for the community during challenging times.
“I’m in love with this place, it’s full of nature and the small community is filled with very beautiful people, and that’s what kept me here all these years,” Mr Jangid said.
“We have seen a lot of ups and downs, including a lot of blackouts, and there was a big storm that happened in 2021 – it surely was a very challenging time, this whole area was cut off from the world, a lot of trees were down, and many lost their homes.”
“A lot of businesses, including myself, who had power or generators stepped forward to help the community, many people came and charged their phones, laptops and lights – it made me feel really proud to be able to help the community in ways I was able to.”
Even though times were tough, Mr Jangid said it built community resilience in the face of adversity.
“Our doors were open; we made some chai for people and that night my staff and I all stayed in the restaurant.”
Mr Jangid said in Hindi, there’s a common phrase that says, “treat your customers as your God.”
“We have a simple rule here, if something I’m cooking, and I don’t like it, I won’t serve it to others, it’s not all about quantity, but rather quality.”
Mr Jangid said as an Indian, the love of cricket runs in his blood, hence he brought the joy of the game to Olinda, right in front of his restaurant.
“During summertime, people stayed longer, and we used to play cricket until late midnight,” he said.
“First there was only five of us playing, using a tennis ball of course, and later everybody joined – we had over 20 guys playing cricket right here at the front of the restaurant.”
But when Covid came along, things changed forever, the games stopped, people didn’t dine out late but Mr Jangid said running the restaurant despite of the changes has given him many joyful memories and friends of all ages.
The kids who came to his restaurant with their families played hide and seek with him, he would give them lollies and made sure they all felt welcome.
“Now the kids have all grown up, they come with their families and they’re having beer – my goodness, now that makes me feel old (he chuckled), but when time flies with a lot of pleasant memories it somehow energises me to wake up every single day and do it all over again.” he said.
Over the years, the restaurant has seen many customers, both locals and tourists and Mr Jangid ensures his customers are served cautiously.
“There are a lot of dietary requirements and that’s another reason why nothing is premade here, so we can serve anyone, because once it’s premade you can’t do anything about it,” he said.
“The only minus point here is I do not get delivery, I have to go get the things myself, but it satisfies me, because I buy it fresh.”
Mr Jangid said he feels extremely supported by his community.
“It’s a small community with a big heart,” he said.
“A big thank you for recogning us and a really big thank you for the ongoing support in the last 17 years.”
“Sometimes there’s lot of things in your heart that you can’t describe in words. It’s one of those feelings.”
