Women to Watch: "Never Compromise on Your Dreams, Passion," Michelle Vazifdar, Founder, Royal China
Women to Watch:

How does it feel to run one of the most successful Asian restaurants in the country?

It feels great to see how our evergreen love for Asian cuisine has become so big. This truly means the world to us, and we couldn’t be more grateful. We are indeed proud of how our hard work has garnered appreciation and the love of the masses over the last 20 years. This is exactly what keeps us going, and we are excited to see what the future holds in store for us. 

What were some of the roadblocks encountered?

One of the initial hurdles we faced was finding the right location for our restaurant in Mumbai, where space is limited. We wanted to make sure that the location we chose became synonymous with our restaurants, so it was crucial for us to make sure we got hold of the perfect place. Apart from that, the COVID-19 pandemic was another obstacle that came in our way, as well as for many other businesses. 

What has kept you going?

Our love for good food and the wonders that it can do is what keeps us going. Besides that, the love and appreciation we keep receiving from people is our biggest motivation to do better. 

What’s your plan expanding the brand to other cities/country? 

We'd love to bring one of our restaurants, JIA, to Bandra. We are also looking forward to expanding our business to Goa, as it is one of the most fascinating locations for good food, unwinding, and so much more.

Tell us about your other businesses and brand. 

We also own JIA: The Oriental Kitchen and Kuai Kitchen. We are focused on the Asian cuisine and have tried to bring out its various nuances. JIA caters to Japanese and Thai cuisine, while Kuai Kitchen is a fun and quirky restaurant that offers a variety of Asian delicacies. 

What are the five tips you would want to share with fellow female restaurant owners?

Some of the tips I’d share with women restaurant owners include: 

1.    Never compromise on your dreams and passion.

2.    Be honest with yourself about what you want. 

3.    Never stop learning.

4.    Never let hurdles or circumstances get the better of you. 

5.    Continue to give your all in everything you do!

Top trends that you foresee.

I believe that there will be a huge demand for plant-based dishes in the coming years. There will also be an increased interest in healthier options, and new sustainable practices will emerge. 

 
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