F
itzroy North dining staple Horn Please is turning 16, and it’s marking the milestone with a one-day-only menu priced to match.
On Saturday, 15th August, the restaurant will offer a curated birthday menu with every item set at $16, alongside live entertainment featuring belly dancers. The date also carries added significance, falling on India’s Independence Day — a coincidence that owner and chef Amar says adds a layer of cultural resonance to the occasion.
For Amar, the journey to this milestone began long before Horn Please opened its doors. Hailing from Kapurthala in Punjab, India, he grew up surrounded by the flavours of his mother’s cooking — an experience he credits as the spark for his culinary career. “My mom’s cooked meals were the source of my inspiration,” Amar recalls. “I grew up eating delicious cuisines cooked by her, it was utterly magical and encouraged me to create unique and wholesome dishes myself.”
That early passion led him to join the chef team at Jalandhar Hotel in Punjab, where he honed his skills before bringing his vision to Australia. He first launched Dhaba at the Mill before acquiring Horn Please, which he has since elevated into a beloved local institution. Today, he also owns Daughter in Law in Melbourne and Adelaide, and has extended his cooking adventures to Sydney with Pinky Ji — a fun dining experience described as full of “desi vibes.”
Since opening, Horn Please has built a reputation for its lively atmosphere, warm service, and what the team describes as an “unapologetically unauthentic” approach to Indian cuisine. Amar’s goal has been clear from the start: to serve Indian food with a unique twist and create an exciting space that stands apart from the regular Indian dining experience.
“Reaching sixteen years is something we’re incredibly proud of,” Amar said. “This celebration is our way of thanking the community that has supported us over the years, and it’s even more special to share it on India’s Independence Day.”
Regulars and newcomers alike are encouraged to come ready to feast and have fun. As the team puts it, they hope every guest who passes through the doors feels the hospitality spirit of India, where it is always an honour to feed a visitor.
The birthday event runs all day, with the special menu available throughout service — perfect for a special occasion or simply a delicious meal in Melbourne’s inner north.
Event Details:
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What: 16th birthday celebration with $16 menu items and belly-dancing performances
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When: Saturday, 15th August (all day)
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Where: Horn Please, Fitzroy North
Click here for bookings
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