The story of Shandhar Hut is one of determination, family values, and a vision to bring authentic Indian cuisine to a community that had yet to experience its rich flavors. Our journey began with our parents’ dream to create something unique in Chilliwack, a city where Indian restaurants were unheard of at the time.

Our family recognized the potential for success in introducing Indian cuisine to Chilliwack, despite the prevailing local diet consisting mainly of meat and potatoes. Undeterred by skepticism from some community members, we pressed forward with our vision, confident in the appeal of our authentic flavors.

The path from dream to reality wasn’t without its challenges. After completing construction in 2004, we found ourselves hesitating, overwhelmed by the logistics of running a business.

Our moment of truth came unexpectedly, thanks to our neighbor Al, who had assisted with the restaurant’s electrical work during construction. His enthusiastic insistence on bringing his family to dine with us provided the final push we needed. This friendly ultimatum led to our official opening on June 29, 2005, marking the beginning of our culinary journey in Chilliwack.

Our commitment to growth and adaptation has been a constant throughout our history. After nearly two decades of success, we embarked on an ambitious expansion project. Despite the challenges posed by the global pandemic, we persevered through four years of construction to open our newer, larger location on July 15th, 2024. This expansion stands as a testament to our resilience and dedication to serving our community, even in the face of unprecedented obstacles.

At the heart of Shandhar Hut lies a deep-rooted family tradition of cooking and sharing meals. Our approach to food and hospitality is shaped by generations of family experiences and a passion for authentic Indian cuisine.

Interestingly, our family rarely dined out during our childhood years. This wasn’t due to a lack of options, but rather because of the culinary magic happening at home. Our mother, a cornerstone of our culinary tradition, was constantly experimenting with new recipes or preparing dishes passed down from her own mother. This home-based culinary adventure laid the foundation for what would eventually become Shandhar Hut.

Our family’s kitchen was our first restaurant, where every meal was an opportunity to explore and perfect the flavors that would later define Shandhar Hut.

This family tradition of home cooking has translated into the creation of signature dishes that have become synonymous with Shandhar Hut. We take pride in our unique offerings, including the Kashmiri, Madras, Rogan Josh, and our special seafood creation, “Queen of the Sea” (Jal Ki Rani). These dishes not only represent our culinary expertise but have also influenced the local food scene, inspiring other establishments in the area.

The kitchen remains the heart of our restaurant, with family members playing crucial roles in maintaining our high standards. Our mother continues to oversee kitchen operations, focusing particularly on our signature sauces, while the younger generation manages front-of-house operations. This blend of family involvement ensures that every dish served maintains the quality and authenticity that our customers have come to expect.

Since our inception, Shandhar Hut has been more than just a restaurant; we’ve been an integral part of the Chilliwack community. As the first Indian restaurant in the area, we’ve taken on the role of cultural ambassadors, introducing the rich flavors and traditions of Indian cuisine to our neighbors.

We consider ourselves pioneers of Indian cuisine and culture in Chilliwack, a role we embrace with pride and responsibility.

Our commitment to the community extends far beyond our kitchen. We believe in giving back to the place that has welcomed us so warmly. This belief manifests in our active participation in local fundraisers, school events, and charitable initiatives. We view our success as a blessing and feel a deep responsibility to reciprocate the love and support we’ve received from our community.

At the heart of our approach to customer service is the traditional Indian philosophy of “Atithi Devo Bhava” – The Guest is God. This guiding principle shapes every interaction we have with our patrons, ensuring that each visit to Shandhar Hut is not just a meal, but an experience to remember.

Over the years, we’ve continually evolved to meet the changing needs of our customers and the community. Our commitment to innovation is reflected in various aspects of our business, from our operations and services to our physical space. Some of our recent innovations include:

• Launching our own delivery service through an online ordering portal, complete with tracking and review features
• Introducing daily lunch specials, offering customers a set sampler platter at an affordable price
• Incorporating cutting-edge technology like robot servers to enhance the dining experience

These changes reflect our commitment to innovation while staying true to our roots. As we look to the future, we remain dedicated to growth and improvement. We’re constantly exploring new ways to enhance our offerings and create memorable experiences for our customers.

We invite our customers and community members to be part of our ongoing journey. Whether you’re a long-time patron or new to Indian cuisine, there’s always something exciting happening at Shandhar Hut. We encourage you to follow our story through our website and social media channels, where we regularly share updates, special offers, and glimpses into our culinary world.