By Mark Zeske

Southlake restaurant dishes up taste of Nepal

Atish Gurung says his Taste of India, the only Indian restaurant in Southlake, could also be called "Taste of China."

But the most accurate name would be "Taste of Nepal." Gurung and his cousin Javish Gurung, co-owners of the restaurant, both were born in Nepal, a landlocked country between India and China.

"Because the borders are open, our culture is blurred between both," says Atish Gurung. "Our food is blended with both cultures. For example, in China they eat soup. In India, they eat curry. Our food includes both."

A diverse crowd comes into the restaurant in the Southlake Village shopping complex. Gurung says he is amazed at how many non-U.S. natives visit each week.

"We get a lot of Europeans in here to eat," Gurung said. "Surprisingly, a high percentage of those customers are from England. Again, I think it goes back to culture. They grow up in England and there's an Indian restaurant on every other corner. They are used to the food and like it. They can get it here and feel like they are at home."

To make sure the food tastes just like home, the Gurung cousins spend time in the kitchen. Especially on the weekends, one of them usually is cooking.

Gurung says Taste of India gets heavy lunch traffic during the week from workers at nearby businesses, and is busier at dinner on weekends.

"Probably the most popular thing about Taste of India is our lunch buffet," Gurung says. "One of the first things we did when we bought the restaurant was lower the price to $9.99. It's been a big hit."

The cousins previously owned and operated a Nepali restaurant in Irving for 12 years.

"But we got an offer we just couldn't refuse, so we sold it," Atish said.

The cousins looked around and decided their best opportunity was to buy the Taste of India, which had been in business for three years. They made the purchase in 2011 and quickly remodeled, changed everything from the paint to the furniture.

"The best thing was that there was no surprises," Gurung said. "Business increased a little, enough to pay for all the improvements. We continued to have a steady stream of loyal customers."

Gurung says business stays steady.

"We do well because of our regulars," he said.

Gurung says the key to their continued success is customer service.

"It's a small family business," he said. "Our biggest thing in Southlake is to make our customers happy and keep them coming back. So far, so good. They know what to expect when they come here. They know what they are going to get when they come in here and they like it."

Taste of India also offers take out, delivery service and catering.

Owner's favorite

Atish Gurung's favorite dish at Taste of India is the Chicken Tikka Masala, $14.99, a well-spiced, popular Indian dish.

"We cook it at over 500 degrees," he says. "It is boneless chicken in a blend of herbs, spices, onions and cream.

"It is delicious and I love it."

Taste of India, 2140 E. Southlake Blvd., Ste. B, Southlake, 817-421-0305,www.dfwtasteofindia.com

Mon.–Sat. 11 a.m.–9:30 p.m.; Sun., 11 a.m.–9 p.m.