Mia Stainsby
Sun
Most popular dishes: Tikka chicken (above, left), butter chicken (centre), lamb and chicken kebabs (right). Photograph by : Ian Smith, Vancouver Sun
DEEPAK AND ALKA SURI
Owners, Tandoori Delight
(Interview with Deepak)
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I was a banker in New Delhi but my major role was as a broadcaster. I had a cable TV network, like Rogers here. I sold that when I came to Canada in 2002. I was part owner of Radio India broadcasting here and had a talk show, Bollywood Masala, mostly about the inner self and inner powers.
My wife was a stay-at-home mom, a simple person with vast knowledge and when she wanted to do something, I felt like supporting her totally. Relationships are the most important thing in the life of any person. I feel that if you can prove to the world or yourself of your success with the closest person to you, then you can win the whole world.
We have been married 22 years and she supported what I did for 19 years. I wanted to make the point that a housewife is worth millions. I call her Annapurna, the goddess of food.
What brought you to Canada?
We were very well settled in Delhi. I was doing very well with connections everywhere. But with two brothers and my parents here, I was the only one left there.
We heard from them that it was peaceful and the education system basically attracted us most. My older daughter is in criminology. My second daughter is in Grade 12 and wants to be a dentist. My son is in Grade 8 and is a computer genius.
My home is Canada. Whatever is going to happen is going to happen here. There are so many ethnic people here, so much exposure to meet, talk and be with so many cultures, religions and people with different experiences. It’s a very good thing for any business organization to keep in mind whenever, whatever product you are dealing with, to keep this in mind.
Who does what in the business?
Basically our menu was created by me and my wife. We created variations. For our wraps, instead of using naan, we found a tortilla which was the best match.
What’s next?
We want bigger facilities and open more retail and maybe franchise. At that stage, we hope to sell to places like Save On Foods, Costco and maybe start a frozen line. We have visitors from Seattle, Victoria, Las Vegas and Dallas wanting franchises. I have business cards from so many places.
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TANDOORI DELIGHT
6692 Main St., Unit 205, Vancouver, 604-324-1212; and 7630 Sixth St. (at 14th Avenue), Burnaby, 604-777-8004.
Predominantly takeout with lots of choices. Excellent value for tasty kebabs, tandoori dishes, curries, and wraps, all under $10.
