Mahmudul Hasan Ronju, director of Indian Curry and Pizza Fashion, is steadily building a name for himself in Fiji’s competitive food industry. Originally from Bangladesh, he has spent nearly a decade in the country, bringing with him a blend of culinary experience, determination and ambition.
Ranju arrived in Fiji in August 2016. After briefly returning to Bangladesh, he married and later brought his wife to join him.
The couple now live in Fiji with their young son, who was born in June 2024. Notably, the day his son was born also marked the date Ronju received his Fijian citizenship — an occasion he describes as both meaningful and fortunate.
“The day my son was born was the day I received my citizenship, so he is like my lucky charm,” he said.
Before venturing into business ownership, Ronju worked as a chef and later as a manager at Masala Twist Restaurant.
These roles gave him practical experience in both cooking and business management, forming the foundation for his current enterprise.
Although he holds a diploma in electrical engineering, his career path shifted towards the culinary field, where he found greater opportunity and fulfilment.
Indian Curry and Pizza Fashion, launched on January 16 this year, is his first independent business.
The restaurant offers a diverse menu reflecting a multicultural approach to food.
Customers can choose from pizzas, burgers, sandwiches, seafood, and Chinese-inspired dishes such as Mongolian chicken and lamb.
Breakfast has a particular focus, with options including pancakes, fruit salad, and eggs prepared for customer’s preference.
Ronju emphasises that all food served is halal, with no pork on the menu. He also incorporates elements of local cuisine, offering selected Fijian dishes alongside his core offerings.
His aim is to cater for a broad customer base while maintaining quality and affordability.
“I worked with many Fijian people, so I learned from them. Now I’m well-versed with what kind of people Fijians are and what kind of food they like.
Well, I think nowadays Fijians are in love with curry.”
Operating in a highly competitive market presents significant challenges.
Established international brands and well-known local businesses dominate much of the fast-food sector.
Nevertheless, Ronju remains confident that quality and consistency are the keys to success.
He believes good food and reliable service naturally attract customers and encourage repeat visits.
Despite being a new business, he has already begun planning for expansion.
His goal is to open another branch, potentially in Suva, once the operation becomes more stable.
Financial constraints remain a hurdle, and he is exploring options for support to help realise these plans. “I’m looking for support from a bank or something. As soon as I get it, I might open another branch, where I can introduce all the meals.”
Running the business involves considerable operational costs.
Rent and service expenses are high, yet Ronju remains committed to managing these pressures through careful planning and hard work.
He highlights discipline, punctuality and honesty as essential qualities for success.
Ronju sources his ingredients from local suppliers and relies on his decade of experience to develop his recipes.
His cooking style blends his Bangladeshi background with an understanding of Fijian tastes, enabling him to create dishes that appeal to local customers.
Looking ahead, his ambitions extend beyond business success. He hopes to provide a stable life for his family, eventually owning land and building a home in Fiji.
Above all, he expresses a simple wish for his son — to grow up to be a good human being.
“I’m not looking to be famous person but my aim is to be a good human and maybe, I can buy a land here for my small family.”
Through persistence and a clear vision, Mahmudul Hasan Ronju is carving out his place in Fiji’s food industry, one meal at a time.
Indian Curry and Pizza Fashion, specialise in
different varieties of drinks to enjoy
with your food.
A favourite…ready to serve mouth-watering
lamb stew.
For pizza enthusiasts, this is one place to check out.
These burgers are enjoyed best with their signature Masala tea.
Far left: One bite of their food and it explodes with flavor in your mouth.
From
Bangladesh to Fiji, Indian Curry and Pizza Fashion is slowly making its name in the culinary world in Fiji.
