TUCKED inside the busy food court at Nausori Plaza, one small curry house has quietly earned a loyal following among families, workers, and travelers alike.
The Curry King restaurant is more than just another takeaway spot it is the result of years of persistence, hard work, and a lifelong passion for cooking.
Behind the counter is 36-year-old Ashneel Prasad, a man whose journey into the food business began long before he opened his restaurant doors.
Raised in Tacirua Heights, Ashneel spent more than 15-years quietly building his experience in kitchens and food stalls, learning through practice, observation, and the encouragement of family and friends.
His first steps into the industry were humble.
He started by selling simple roti parcels from a taxi base in Tamavua, serving customers who were looking for a quick and satisfying meal. While the work was modest, it planted the seed for something much bigger. Over time, cooking evolved from a hobby into a career, and eventually into a dream of owning his own restaurant.
In 2021, Ashneel operated a school canteen at Tamavua Primary School, where he continued sharpening his culinary skills while balancing catering jobs for weddings and community gatherings.
Every opportunity became another lesson in understanding flavours, people, and the importance of consistency.
Ashneel later travelled overseas before returning home in 2025 with renewed determination to establish his own business in Fiji.
“It was always a dream to start a business at home,” he shared.
That dream became reality when he opened The Curry King in Nausori.
Since then, the restaurant has steadily grown into one of the area’s favourite neighborhood curry houses.
Ashneel says the support from the Nausori community has been overwhelming.
“I am enjoying here in Nausori, compared to Suva, it is much better.
“I used to work in Suva at a restaurant, but here the environment and the people are really good.”
The Curry King has become especially known for its comforting and flavorful dishes.
While chicken curry remains close to Ashneel’s heart a dish he believes connects almost every customer and they frequently return for is roast lamb, Palau, and the ika vakalolo dishes.
“There are a lot of customers for roast lamb and Ika Vakalolo,” he said proudly.
Beyond serving daily customers, the restaurant has also gained recognition through including providing meals for Nauru Airlines during their seasonal operations in Fiji.
“We are grateful for the opportunity that has been given to me and how I am running my business, it feels like one of my dreams came true.
Despite his growing success, Ashneel remains grounded and focused on encouraging others. He hopes young people can learn from his journey and understand the value of persistence.
“My message to the youngsters out there is to never give up,” he said.
“Dream big. There is always a future ahead, and if you work hard, you will achieve your dream.”
Stories like Ashneel’s remind us that restaurants are more than places to eat.
They are built on family traditions, community support, and the determination of people who turn simple beginnings into something meaningful, one dish at a time.
The Curry King restaurant, level 2, shop 5, at the Nausori Plaza.
Pictures: JOHN CHETTY
Delicious curry chicken served at the Curry King
restaurant.
Picture: MELI NAGUSUDRAU
