Today we’d like to introduce you to Sunil Srivastava.
Hi Sunil, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My journey began in Jaipur, India, where food was never just something we ate—it was a way of bringing people together. Growing up, I was surrounded by the incredible diversity of Indian cuisine and developed a deep appreciation for the traditions, stories, and cultures behind every dish.
I pursued my passion by studying at the Institute of Hotel Management in Bangalore and was fortunate to train and work with some of India’s most respected hospitality brands, including ITC Welcomgroup, the Taj Group, Le Méridien, and the legendary Bukhara restaurant. Those experiences taught me discipline, excellence, and the importance of honoring tradition while embracing innovation.
After moving to the United States, I realized that many people knew Indian food through only a handful of familiar dishes. While those classics are wonderful, they represent only a small part of India’s incredibly diverse culinary landscape. That realization became my inspiration.
Together with my wife, Chef Anu, I founded Verandah with a simple but meaningful mission: to change the way people experience Indian cuisine. We wanted to create a restaurant where guests could discover the richness of India’s regional flavors, enjoy warm and genuine hospitality, and experience Indian food in a refined, contemporary setting without losing its authenticity.
The journey hasn’t always been easy. Like many independent restaurateurs, we’ve faced economic challenges, changing markets, and the many ups and downs that come with building a family-owned business. But every obstacle has strengthened our commitment to our vision.
Today, Verandah is more than a restaurant. It’s a place where food tells stories. Through experiences like our Taste of India: Forgotten Cuisines of India series, we introduce guests to lesser-known regional traditions, ingredients, and culinary histories that are rarely found outside India.
Beyond the restaurant, we’re expanding that mission through W’Kana Gourmet, bringing authentic Indian sauces, snacks, and specialty products to families who want to enjoy genuine Indian flavors at home.
Looking ahead, my dream is to see Indian cuisine recognized alongside the world’s great culinary traditions—not only for its bold flavors but also for its remarkable diversity, history, craftsmanship, and regional identity. Whether through our restaurant, our products, education, or future media projects, my goal remains the same: to inspire people to discover the true depth and beauty of Indian cuisine, one meal at a time.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Like most entrepreneurial journeys, it has definitely not been a smooth road. Building a restaurant is one challenge; building a restaurant that is trying to change people’s perception of an entire cuisine is another.
One of our biggest challenges has been introducing guests to the incredible diversity of Indian cuisine. Many people are familiar with a handful of popular dishes, but India is home to hundreds of regional cuisines, each with its own history, ingredients, and techniques. Educating guests while still making the experience approachable has been both challenging and incredibly rewarding.
The restaurant industry itself is demanding. We’ve navigated rising food costs, labor shortages, inflation, supply chain disruptions, and changing consumer dining habits. There have been times when we questioned every decision, but those moments also forced us to become more creative, more disciplined, and more resilient.
Another challenge has been balancing authenticity with accessibility. We never wanted to compromise the integrity of our food, but we also wanted guests from all backgrounds to feel comfortable exploring new flavors. That balance requires constant learning, listening, and refinement.
As a family-owned business, every success and every setback is personal. My wife, Chef Anu, and I have invested not only our time and resources but also our hearts into Verandah. Long days, late nights, and countless sacrifices are simply part of the journey. But seeing guests celebrate anniversaries, graduations, birthdays, and family milestones with us reminds us why we started.
Every challenge has reinforced our belief that Verandah is about more than serving food. It’s about preserving India’s culinary heritage, sharing meaningful stories through cuisine, and creating memorable experiences that bring people together.
Looking back, I wouldn’t say the road has been easy—but it has absolutely been worthwhile. Every obstacle has made us stronger, and every guest who leaves with a new appreciation for Indian cuisine reminds us that we’re moving in the right direction.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Verandah is a chef-driven, family-owned modern Indian restaurant built on a simple belief: Indian cuisine is one of the most diverse and sophisticated culinary traditions in the world, yet much of that diversity remains undiscovered. Our mission is to introduce guests to the true depth of India’s regional cuisines while delivering the warmth and hospitality that define Indian culture.
Led by Chef Sunil Srivastava and Chef Anu, our menu combines time-honored recipes with contemporary presentation, using fresh ingredients, traditional techniques, and thoughtful craftsmanship. While we proudly serve beloved classics, we are equally passionate about showcasing lesser-known regional specialties that tell the story of India’s rich culinary heritage.
What truly sets Verandah apart is that we don’t simply serve meals—we create experiences. Through our signature Taste of India: Forgotten Cuisines of India series, guests embark on a monthly culinary journey exploring different regions of India through chef-curated tasting menus, storytelling, cultural history, and regional flavors. We want every visit to be both memorable and educational.
Hospitality is at the heart of everything we do. Whether it’s an intimate dinner for two, a family celebration, a corporate gathering, or a large catered event, our goal is to make every guest feel genuinely welcomed and cared for. We believe exceptional food should be matched by exceptional service.
Beyond the restaurant, we are expanding our vision through W’Kana Gourmet, developing authentic sauces, snacks, and specialty products that bring restaurant-quality Indian flavors into people’s homes. It’s another way for us to share India’s culinary traditions with a wider audience.
What I’m most proud of is that Verandah has become more than a restaurant. It has become a place where people celebrate life’s milestones, discover new flavors, and experience Indian culture in a meaningful way. Every guest who leaves with a deeper appreciation for Indian cuisine is a reminder that we’re fulfilling our mission.
Our vision is to elevate the perception of Indian cuisine—not just as comfort food, but as a world-class culinary experience deserving of the same recognition as the great cuisines of France, Italy, Japan, or Spain. We hope that every guest who walks through our doors leaves inspired, satisfied, and eager to return for another journey through the incredible flavors of India.
What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
The most important lesson I’ve learned is that success isn’t built overnight—it’s built through consistency, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to your purpose.
There have been many challenges along the way, from economic uncertainty and rising costs to changing consumer habits. Like any entrepreneur, I’ve faced moments of doubt. But I’ve learned that setbacks are not failures; they’re opportunities to adapt, improve, and become stronger. Every obstacle has taught me something valuable about leadership, perseverance, and the importance of staying true to your vision.
I’ve also learned that people may come for the food, but they return because of how you make them feel. Exceptional hospitality, genuine relationships, and consistently delivering on your promises create lasting loyalty that no marketing campaign can replace.
Perhaps the biggest lesson has been to never compromise your core values. It can be tempting to follow trends or take shortcuts, but I’ve found that authenticity is what truly resonates with people. By remaining committed to quality, integrity, and sharing the rich diversity of Indian cuisine, we’ve built meaningful connections with our guests and earned their trust.
At the end of the day, our business isn’t just about serving meals—it’s about creating memories, celebrating culture, and bringing people together. If you focus on serving people with passion and purpose, success becomes a byproduct of the relationships you build.
Pricing:
- Dinner 45-100
- Catering As per your Menu selection
Contact Info:
- Website: www.verandahrestaurant.com and www.wkanagourmet.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/verandahcuisine/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063602410460
- Twitter: https://www.linkedin.com/company/104465093/admin/dashboard/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@chefsunilsrivastava9706
- Yelp: https://biz.yelp.com/biz_info/1ve7atK7OcFunwvuTfh34w
