Diners keen on experiencing Indian and international cuisine with a difference would seek satisfaction with the opening of the first Indian sizzler restaurant chain in Parnell, close to Auckland’s central business district next week.
Kobe, which has been a hot favourite of millions of discerning customers in India, will commence operations at 123 Parnell Road on February 7 with a Valentine Special, offering a discount of 15% on all sizzlers and a free glass of wine.
SPS Restaurants Limited, which holds the master franchise for Kobe in New Zealand, owns the new restaurant.
Directors and Partners Sandeep Kabra, Prashant Shenoy and Sanjay Badakere were upbeat about their venture, saying, “Kobe was the best thing that happened to Auckland in recent years.
“The restaurant will serve delicious sizzlers with appetising accompaniments and a choice of succulent meats and sauces. Diners can experience a unique ambience, as they enjoy their meal with our thirst-quenching in-house brewed Chilled Ice Tea and delicious sizzling Brownie’s and Sorbet Ice creams,” they said.
Catering to the middle and up markets, Kobe will offer a wide range of sizzler items ranging from ‘Steak on the Grill,’ ‘Kiwi Shashlik,’ ‘Sizzling Chicken,’ and ‘Lamb Seekh’ to ‘Vegetable Shashlik’ and ‘Vegetable Satellite.’
“Our ‘Kiwi Shashlik’ comprises beef skewers served with fried eggs, chips, grilled tomato and honey-cured bacon,’ while ‘Sizzling Chicken’ is grilled chicken breast served with sautéed zucchini, green beans and carrots. Vegetarian options would also be available,” Mr Kabra said.
Changing concept
Established in 1975 in Mumbai, Kobe Sizzlers has expanded to 18 locations including North, East, West and South India, Dubai, Kuala Lumpur and Muscat.
“We are confident that New Zealanders would enjoy the exclusive and exquisite menu that we have designed for them, catering to their taste,” Mr Shenoy said.
The concept of sizzlers has changed over the years to include vegetarian dishes to cater to the growing number of vegetarians and vegans around the world.
From beef, chicken, fish, assorted vegetables, French fries and mashed potatoes to steamed rice, spaghetti and cheese, sizzlers have evolved to meet almost every taste and budget. Sizzlers also cater to the weight conscious and those in need of cholesterol control.
Mr Badakere said traditionally sizzlers were food item prepared on iron platters, heated at a high temperature on griddle plates and served hot.
“Our restaurant has the benefit of four experienced and Kobe trained chefs and other staff, along with a fully licensed bar,” he said.
Sizzler revolution
While Indians grudgingly accepted the fast food industry, the ‘sizzler revolution’ ushered in by the Kobe group was perhaps the most significant in recent decades.
With the ability to prepare and serve items that could appease almost every diner, the sizzler chain has steamed up the Indian market. Thus, people of Gujarat in general and Surat in particular can expect pure vegetarian sizzlers such as Shashik, Waghamama, Exotica and Satellite, along with lamb, chicken and other delicacies.
There are other items like Sandwich blocks, Rolls, Pizzas, Nachos and Pastas, which are sumptuous and sating. Their signature cooler Lemon iced tea is a great companion to any sizzler.
Aromatic experience
Food critics in India and elsewhere have categorised Kobe restaurants as ‘reasonably priced, satisfying, value-for-money food experience.’
According to the founders, “Kobe is all about eating well while eating out.”
“The aromatic experience of ingredients cooked on a hot iron plate that sizzles while on its way to the customer’s table, tickles the palate in 40 varieties. Ensuring a good meal is much more than great food. It is an experience to a pleasant memory.”
While not all delicacies would be available initially at Kobe Auckland, the owners plan to extend the menu in stages.
Mr Kabra said that like its counterparts, Kobe Auckland would thrive on the working person and family customer, also providing a good place for teenagers and youth, who want to enjoy a meal or just a soup or cheese in a clean comfortable atmosphere.
Guaranteed service
“With quick service and a flexible menu, orders are prepared almost immediately with fresh made products, both hot and cold. All of our menu items are top quality ingredients and prepared specially for our operations. While looking into the service experience, the service designs looks at the customers and their needs, thoughts, feelings, sensations, and associations and evoke an experience unique to Kobe,” he said.
According to the parent company, Kobe Sizzlers spreads its relishing new look across a chain of restaurants, backed by the promise of consistent quality and ambience, with the use of pristine local ingredients to deliver superbly conceived dishes offering modern interpretations and time tested classics alike.
Our motto is, “Creating loyalty across major cities in India and moving across borders internationally offering value-for-money cuisine,” Kobe India managing director Nazmul Rizwi said.
Opening hours
The restaurant in Parnell will be open from 5 pm to 10 pm from Tuesday to Thursday and on Sundays from 5 pm until late on Fridays and Saturdays. (Monday Holiday). Further information can be obtained on (09) 2152682 or 021-326442.
Photo : 1. Sanjay Badakere, Prashant Shenoy and Sandeep Kabra with Kobe India managing director Nazmul Rizwi 2. Kobe caters to all tastes and budgets
