But did you know that India Gate started from humble beginnings? It was founded in 2017 by Saravanan Subramaniam, a true kampung boy from Batu Gajah, Perak.
Speaking with FMT Lifestyle at his 10th branch located on Jalan Barat here, Saravanan opened up about his challenging journey to success. Having studied at a Tamil school and earning a diploma in computer engineering, he initially struggled to find work.
“I didn’t have good job opportunities in Batu Gajah. My uncle was selling vegetables in the wholesale market here in PJ Old Town, so I came here to work with him,” the 47-year-old recalled.
After learning the trade, Saravanan started his own vegetable wholesale business at Pasar Borong Selangor and ran it for around 15 years.
Life, however took an unexpected turn in 2005 – he was diagnosed with throat cancer. An accident also took the life of his brother, his closest ally.
As Saravanan spent the next eight years recovering, he decided it was time for a fresh start.
“Back then I was supplying vegetables to almost 120 restaurants, so I had an understanding about F&B operations,” he said.
“Then in 2017, I bought over a restaurant in Cyberjaya. India Gate was initially a failing business – the owner was actually one of my customers to whom I used to supply vegetables. Since he owed me money, he ended up selling the restaurant to me.
“This was how the first outlet of India Gate restaurant came to be.”
Still, how did he find the courage to take over a failing restaurant with little to no experience in this tough industry?
“I identified that the main issue with the previous restaurant was its management,” Saravanan shared. “The chef also wasn’t delivering good-quality food.
“But the area had a strong crowd, with neighbouring restaurants doing well – so the customer base was already there.”
He added: “The one thing that stood out to me was the catchy name ‘India Gate’. I really liked it, and it has changed so much in my life.”
Given his experience in the vegetable trade, Saravanan was confident he could turn things around. He brought in a new team and revamped the menu – and that’s when the magic happened.
“We went from RM200 in sales to RM7,000 to RM8,000. That’s when I got the confidence: we had created something that customers love. So, I had the idea to open another restaurant, our second branch in Puchong, Bandar Puteri.”
Saravanan envisioned this second outlet as his dream restaurant. He even took charge of the interior, inspired by his father’s work as a carpenter, which led to the restaurant’s distinct wood-themed aesthetic.
Every dish served at Saravanan’s restaurants gets his personal approval before making it onto the menu. But his favourite is the banana leaf meal, featuring over 16 different items – all with unlimited refills.
Indeed, there are many unique dishes on the menu, but Saravanan says their bestsellers are the biryanis and naans. In fact, they even have a Malaysia Book of Records title to prove it: for the highest sales of biryani and naan in a single year!
And soon, the nation took notice of his remarkable success. India Gate Restaurant received the Consumers’ Choice Award in 2022, while Saravanan was honoured as Business Icon of the Year 2023 at the Desam Awards in Chennai, India.
“It’s been a remarkable journey. Even when I look back now, it’s astonishing to me,” he said.
Now, India Gate is expanding nationwide, bringing its signature Indian cuisine to the northern regions. Mini branches will also be opening shortly in high-end Klang Valley malls.
Plus, they’re in the process of obtaining halal certification, so everyone can enjoy!
Indeed, as India Gate continues to grow, Saravanan’s story is proof that with hard work and the right opportunities, even a humble kampung boy can make it big.
Learn more about India Gate here.