Last year, during my annual business trip to London, at a dinner conversation with clients , there was a discussion on favorite Japanese restaurants in London. With my knowledge of Japanese cuisine limited to just Sushi and Tempura, it seemed like a good opportunity to know more about the cuisine. We were joined on the trip by our clients from Nepal, some of whom had lived in UK for an extended period and had fairly international palates. At the end of an animated half an hour discussion, "Zuma" was declared as a winner and it was decided that we will have dinner there the next day. Just as we were being served desserts, the elderly Nepalese client looked at me and knowing my Sindhi lineage enquired whether i knew that Zuma too was owned by a Sindhi. With no background about the restaurant or its owner , I politely said " No" and it was the first time I heard about Dada Arjun Waney. He then remarked that Mr. Waney's business acumen is unmatched in the hospitality industry and that he is the man with midas touch.
Zuma, located in the posh Knightsbridge area in Central London, serves contemporary Japanese cuisine inspired by informal "Izakaya-Style" dining in which dishes are brought to the table continuously throughout the meal. It was founded in 2002 by Chef Rainer Becker along with Dada Arjun Waney and Ms. Divia Lalvani( daughter of another well known Sindhi, Dada Gulu Lalvani). Zuma has been such a success that subsequently the team has opened up a number of branches across the world. I really enjoyed eating out at Zuma with their prompt service standing out.
Dada Arjun was born in Karachi before the partition in 1947 and subsequently shifting to Mumbai and then USA. He is an accomplished entrepreneur and has been felicitated with " Order of the British Empire" by the queen. Other than Zuma, he also runs La Petite Maison , Coya and a host of other restaurants in London and around the world. Like most Sindhi families, he is actively involved with philanthropic activities and runs Savitri Waney Charitable Trust (named after his mother) which has among other initiatives, has funded over 300,000 cataract operations in Bihar, India.
Dada Arjun's story of success represents the quintessential Sindhi Spirit - the spirit to succeed against all odds. I pray to Lal Saeen for his long life.
Hopefully, one day we will also have a Michelin starred Restaurant that serves Sindhi cuisine - I would love to see Saibhaji-Pulao , Seyal Paneer, Pallo Macchi (fish), Teevan (Mutton) and Tairi being served internationally.
I end by sharing a clipping of Mohit Lalwani's performance at World Sindhi Sammelan ,2017. I like the way Saeen Mohit adds a contemporary touch to the age old kalaams/songs. I hope you too like it.
Jai Jhulelal!
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