Chappati.com ready to cook up a storm in Malaysia

Published in Business Times, NST on April 3, 2013


For Restaurant Chappati.com, which is based in Petaling Jaya, the concept of serving authentic Indian cuisine, and Western-Indian flavoured dishes, has brought it huge success.

NORTHERN Indian-inspired fusion restaurants are mushrooming in every major city in the country today.

With fancy cross-culture decors and innovative menus, these restaurants are bringing modern twists to Indian cuisine, in a bid to attract increased clientele from all walks of life.

This contemporary Northern Indian restaurant is owned by The Restaurant Chappatidotcom Group - recently founded by four entreprenuers namely Sunil Sachdev, Updesh Gill and her sons, Harry and Sanjit Sidhu.

Combined, the founders have almost 40 years of experience in the food and beverage, and entertainment industries - Sunil through Classic Floral Services and Updesh via Hasheel Sidhu Services.

A substantial amount has been invested in the outlet and they are expecting to break even on its initial investment within its first year of operation, says Updesh.

Restaurant Chappati.com combines a modern decor with Indian flavours. 

The interior design is drawn from a mix of cultures, dressed in hues of colours.

Updesh said the key highlights of the restaurant includes tandoori items, Indian curries and bread, kebabs, pizzas and pastas.

"We have more than 200 items on the menu that includes a variety of cuisine from Northern Indian, fusion and Western favourites, as well as local delights. 

"The idea is to offer food for just about anybody," Updesh told Business Times in an interview recently.

Updesh said the challenge in Northern Indian cuisine is making people understand that the food is not all about being greasy and spicy, but is healthy to an extent because of the variety of spices used.

Sunil, meanwhile, believes the key to a successful restaurant is its service, speed, quality and consistency of the food, and cleanliness. The group will continue to invest to ensure that it operates under a certain standard.

"We are inspired to establish Chappati.com as a brand in the likes of AirAsia, Maybank and Nestle. 

"These are all brands that have crossed international borders to become known throughout the world," Sunil said.

Sunil added that the group is aiming to strengthen its presence in Malaysia as well as gain a foothold in several other countries.

"We plan to expand our operations abroad over the next two years. 

"We are targeting Singapore, Thailand, Australia, Indonesia (Bali) and the Middle East (Dubai) under the first phase of expansion," he said.

Sunil said the group is also planning to set up convention centres in the Klang Valley starting this year, featuring the Chappati.com brand.