ZAIQA WINS AWARD FOR BEST RESTAURANT

By Lucy Carroll

The Zaiqa Indian Restaurant on 36 Society Street, was recently awarded Connaught’s Best Asian Restaurant at the Asian Restaurant Awards.

The restaurant opens from 4pm-11pm every day, specialising in Indian and Thai cuisine. Proprietor Sohail entered the competition, as he was confident in his team’s ability to succeed.

“We entered the National Competition because we're incredibly proud of our team's dedication to providing high-quality, authentic cuisine. Winning the award was a huge honour and a testament to our hard work and commitment to culinary excellence. It was an incredible feeling to be recognized by industry experts.”

Having worked in various roles in the hospitality industry over a number of years, undertaking the management of his own restaurant was something that Sohail was well-equipped for, and along with his team of six staff, they have adapted to the market remarkably well, already winning awards despite only being in business since May 2022.

“While Zaiqa is a special project, I've been fortunate to work in various roles within the hospitality industry. This experience has given me a deep understanding of the business, from front-of-house service to kitchen management. Running a restaurant has been a rewarding journey. One of the most valuable lessons I've learned is the importance of teamwork. Our team's dedication and passion are the driving force behind Zaiqa's success”, he notes.

Unusually, the restaurant operates under a BYO (Bring your Own) model, whereby they do not sell alcohol on the premises and allow customers to bring their own with no corkage fee.

As the only restaurant like it in town, Sohail believes this business model is the way forward.

“We believe that BYOB restaurants offer a fantastic dining experience. They allow customers to personalise their meals with their favourite beverages, making it a more affordable and enjoyable experience.”

With the high demand for Indian food in Ballinasloe, Sohail is considering developments such as new menu items and increased facilities. He’s also offering some great deals over the Christmas holiday, such as Sunday lunch specials and Christmas gift vouchers.

“This Christmas, we’re excited to offer a special Sunday lunch menu from 1pm-3pm, €20 per head. It will be a festive menu that celebrates the flavours of the season with a unique Zaiqa twist. We’ll have exclusive deals for families and groups, including discounts on larger orders and special tasting menus.”

Sohail also noted that while the town may be an unlikely location for setting up a business for some, small towns and rural Ireland in general do offer their own set of benefits in regard to entrepreneurship.
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“While running a business in the west of Ireland presents challenges like seasonal fluctuations, it also offers unique benefits. We have access to fresh, local ingredients and a strong sense of community. The stunning natural beauty of the region also attracts visitors from all over the world”, explains Sohail.