RAJU MEHRA
HOSPITALITY
Raju Mehra was working as an executive chef with Punjab tourism in Delhi when he decided to move to Australia to start a business here.
He came over and set up Bengal Tiger in South Melbourne back in 1982.
“There were about 50 Indians in Melbourne then,” he says. “You could not find any Indian around.”
Raju says he had to educate the Australian clientele about Indian cuisine. “Bengal Tiger was one of about four Indian restaurants. They would eat only curried sausages. Now, they are aware of the regional cuisines.”
In 1996, he sold the hugely popular Bengal Tiger to move across the bridge and start Indian Roast, which was at the time, the only Indian restaurant in Wyndham.
He says he chose the western suburbs because South Melbourne was close to the western suburbs and a lot of the clientele were from here.
Raju has been in the business for over 40 years and he’s been in the same area which means he now gets to see the second generation come through his doors. “And that’s quite special because I’m very involved with the local community. There are a lot of milestones to celebrate.”
Contact Sid to obtain a copy of Who’s Who 2017. If you wish to place an ad in the 2018 edition, call 0424 934 804
Support Independent Community Journalism
Dear Reader,The Indian Sun exists for one reason: to tell stories that might otherwise go unheard.
We report on local councils, state politics, small businesses and cultural festivals. We focus on the Indian diaspora and the wider multicultural community with care, balance and accountability. We publish in print and online, send regular newsletters and produce video content. We also run media training programs to help community organisations share their own stories.
We operate independently.
Community journalism does not have the backing of large media corporations. Advertising revenue fluctuates. Platform algorithms change. Costs continue to rise. Yet the need for credible, grounded reporting in a multicultural Australia has never been greater.
When you support The Indian Sun, you support:
• Independent reporting on issues affecting migrant communities
• Coverage of local and state decisions that shape daily life
• A platform for small businesses and community groups
• Media training that builds skills within the community
• Journalism accountable to readers
We cannot cover everything, but we work to cover what matters.
If you value thoughtful reporting that reflects Australia’s diversity, we invite you to contribute. Every donation helps us maintain the quality and consistency of our work.
Please consider making a contribution today.
Thank you for your support.
The Indian Sun Team
