Today we’d like to introduce you to Pawandeep Khinda
Hi Pawandeep, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I grew up immersed in the restaurant business, as my parents owned a location in Pasadena. From a young age, I watched them manage their restaurant, and by high school, I was actively helping out. This early exposure fueled my passion for the industry, leading me to pursue a degree in Business Management in college. Graduating from Cal State Northridge.
Six years ago, I realized my dream by opening my own restaurant in Glendale, where we serve authentic Indian cuisine. Our goal is to share the rich flavors and traditions of Indian food with our community. My father’s journey began in 1996 with the opening of All India Cafe, and his dedication to quality and authenticity has always been an inspiration.
As the child of an immigrant father, I am deeply committed to continuing and passing along my father’s journey. I want to share with the world what traditional Indian food is all about. At our restaurant, we take pride in crafting our recipes from scratch and grinding fresh spices to ensure every dish bursts with flavor. Our commitment to using fresh, organic ingredients and creating a welcoming atmosphere has earned us multiple awards from esteemed organizations such as Eater LA and Zagat. Additionally, our restaurant has been featured on Channel 7 News, highlighting our dedication to quality and authenticity.
One of the greatest joys of working in the restaurant business is that food brings people together. It allows me to meet a diverse range of individuals from various professions and backgrounds. The beauty of this industry lies in the incredible friendships and connections I have made over the years. I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Through our culinary offerings, we aim to provide a genuine taste of traditional Indian cuisine to everyone who walks through our doors. By doing so, we honor my father’s legacy and celebrate the rich cultural heritage he brought to this country.
I am Mom now of a 6 month old baby Boy now. Makes me want to work harder and show my son his mommy can do it.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
As a restaurant owner, I’ve faced numerous challenges over the years. Staff shortages and high expenses are persistent issues that can strain any business. The COVID-19 pandemic presented an unprecedented challenge, disrupting our operations and forcing us to adapt quickly to new realities.
Despite these struggles, we’ve managed to overcome them and are now thriving. The key to our success lies in my personal investment in the business and the unwavering support of my family. Being deeply involved in every aspect of the restaurant allows me to address issues promptly and effectively. My family’s support has been invaluable, providing the encouragement and resources needed to navigate tough times.
Another aspect of the business that keeps me engaged and motivated is the desire to meet customer demands for new and exciting offerings. People always want to experience something new, so working on new ideas and menus is both fun and challenging. It pushes us to innovate and keep our offerings fresh and appealing.
Our commitment to quality and authenticity, coupled with the strong foundation built by my father’s legacy, has helped us stay resilient. We continue to serve our community with dedication and passion, ensuring that our restaurant remains a cherished destination for those seeking authentic Indian cuisine. Through perseverance, creativity, and the support of loved ones, we’ve turned challenges into opportunities for growth and improvement.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I manage the front of house at our restaurant, where I handle a wide array of responsibilities essential to our success. This includes managing marketing efforts, negotiating business deals, and organizing catering events of all kinds. I am also deeply involved in hiring staff, crafting our menu, and working directly at the restaurant to ensure everything runs smoothly.
One of my greatest sources of pride is seeing how far we’ve come and hearing from customers who travel long distances just to experience our food. When patrons share that they’ve driven an hour or more to dine with us, it validates our efforts and fills me with immense satisfaction. What truly makes us proud is when customers tell us that our food tastes like it’s home-cooked, fresh, and amazing. These personal touches and the authenticity of our dishes resonate deeply with our guests, making them feel like they’re enjoying a comforting meal from their own kitchen.
What sets us apart from others is our unwavering commitment to authenticity and freshness. We take great care in using only the freshest ingredients and preparing everything in-house. We don’t rely on premade items or shortcuts; instead, we grind our own spices, make our own recipes, and put a personal touch into every dish. This dedication to quality and detail not only distinguishes us from our competitors but also creates a dining experience that our customers truly value and appreciate.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
I owe much of my success to several key individuals who have played vital roles in my journey. First and foremost, I want to give credit to my parents. They not only raised me but also taught me the values of strength and leadership. Their support and investment in my dream were instrumental in helping me open my own business. They’ve been my guiding lights and have shaped me into the strong, resilient individual I am today.
A big shout-out also goes to my uncle, Chef Happy(Amritpal Singh). He is my business partner and helps me run the back of the restaurant, allowing me to focus on the front of house. We work together as a team, and his expertise and partnership have been invaluable. If it wasn’t for him, I would not be able to open my own restaurant.
I’m also incredibly grateful for my friends, Larissa and Glen. They have been my biggest cheerleaders and supporters from day one. Their dedication to capturing photos and videos of our food has brought our dishes to life and helped tell our story in a compelling way. Their work has given our food a vibrant presence and helped us connect with our customers on a deeper level.
Finally, I want to acknowledge my siblings, my brother and sister. They have been my backbone, providing unwavering support and encouragement throughout this journey. Their belief in me and their constant cheerleading have been a source of strength and motivation.
Each of these individuals has played a crucial role in our success, and I am deeply thankful for their support and contributions.
Pricing:
- Lunch Specials starting at $11.95
- Dinner Combos starting at $18.95
- Appetizers starting at $6.95
- Entrees starting at $12.95
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.allindia.cafe
- Instagram: allindiacafe
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/all-india-cafe-glendale?osq=all+india+cafe
Image Credits
Santokh Singh Khinda- Owner and Chef.
Amritpal Singh- Owner and Chef
