Siddiqi pledges to spice up Curry Mile
LEISURE sector operator Jaf Siddiqi is striking out on his own with a £1m ‘unique’ restaurant venture on Manchester’s famous Curry Mile.
The 30-year-old who has been working with Viva Brazil – a small successful North West business – for the last few years, has teamed up with his father and brother for his new concept, Malai, which will be launched in Rusholme in the autumn.
It will offer a free valet parking and rickshaw rides to take customers into Manchester city centre after dining at Malai.
Mr Siddiqi from Bramhall in Stockport expects Malai will be first of many, with further openings planned over the next three years, including one in Manchester city centre next summer and Liverpool in two year’s time.
He said: “I have identified a gap in the market. Ten years ago there were a number of well-established five-star restaurants offering quality Indian food in very traditional surroundings. Today, there are a small number of very good operators who have taken a more contemporary approach to Indian dining.
“I think there is a gap in the market for a venue which can offer excellent service and uncompromised home cooked Indian food, accompanied by the very best hand selected wines and a bespoke cocktail list – all of this in a sophisticated and luxurious environment.
“What I am bringing to the area is something which has never been done – not just in this region but across the UK.
“The restaurant will offer a complete dining experience, with theatre style cooking, table-side barbecues and an open kitchen. Our diners will be able to see the chefs in the kitchen as they prepare their food.
“My biggest frustration with this industry is operators who serve sub-standard food to their ‘valued customers’, which is not to the standard they would be happy to eat in their own homes.
“The expectations of Indian food in the UK has increased dramatically, with a good percentage of people now understanding exactly what good Indian food is. I am going to bring a menu full of old classic dishes that have been cooked in my family for generations – and I’m sure that they will be very much appreciated by all of our guests.
“At Malai we will pride ourselves in only using the finest local ingredients and will not compromise on our traditional methods of cooking.”
Jaf added: “Visiting Malai will be “an experience” – our guests will not only remember the food, they will remember the service, the ambiance and all of those little extras which will set us apart from the rest and hopefully ensure our customers will return again and again.”
Building work will start next month and the restaurant is expected to open at the beginning of October.
