The term “aru suvai” in Tamil, a South Indian language, refers to the six flavors that should be included in every plate of food—sweet, hot, bitter, sour, salty and pungent.


Radj Swamy, owner of Suvai Indian Kitchen, used this term as inspiration to create a name for his fine-dining Indian eatery.


Prior to opening the restaurant on Oct. 1, 2014, Swamy said he sought out potential staffers through social media to recruit like-minded people with an understanding of Indian cuisine. Through the inquiry on Facebook, Swamy found and hired people who are from the same town in India he is—Chennai—including Manager Sriram Seshadri, who has traveled to more than 40 countries.


“I’ve tasted foods all across the world,” Seshadri said. 


In addition to table service, Suvai offers delivery to Cedar Park and Leander residents through third-party company Local Eat and Drink, and pickup services are available through Suvai’s website. Customers who choose to pick up their orders receive text messages when their food is ready.


Before the end of the year, Swamy hopes to open a second area location at Discovery Boulevard and Cypress Creek Road in Cedar Park.


“The main goal is to give quality service [and] quality food,” Swamy said.


The menu, created by chef Vasanhan Sekar, includes cuisine from both north and south India, Swamy said, and each region focuses on different spices and flavors. North Indian dishes include more creamy flavors, whereas south Indian foods are spicier in nature, he said. Suvai dishes include butter chicken, chicken tikka masala, curries, kebabs and tandoori, or grilled meats. The restaurant also offers gluten-free, vegan and vegetarian items.


Suvai has designated chefs to focus on certain menu items. For example, chef Rajesh Dhevendaraj is responsible for making dosa, which is similar to a thin pancake made with rice that is fermented for about one day before serving. Dosa is served with dipping sauces.


“It’s my passion to work here,” Sekar said. “[The customer’s] happiness is my happiness.”


Suvai Indian Kitchen
12920 W. Parmer Lane, Ste. 105, Cedar Park
512-260-1060
www.suvaiindiankitchen.com
Hours: Tue.-Fri. 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m., Tue.-Thu. 4:30-9:30 p.m., Fri. 4:30-10 p.m., Sat. 11:30 a.m.-10 p.m., Sun. 11:30 a.m.-9:30 p.m., closed Mon.