Amandeep Rolay brings his passion back with Rolay’z Kitchen
COVID closed his Rhyll restaurant, but Amandeep Rolay is back with a North Wonthaggi takeaway kitchen and a curry feast that drew about 150 people
COVID may have forced Amandeep Rolay to close his Indian restaurant in Rhyll but it could not take away his deep passion for cooking for others.
Now, the chef is returning to hospitality with Rolay’z Kitchen, a takeaway business operating from a council-approved home kitchen in North Wonthaggi.
It launched about a month ago, but the business recently introduced its food to a wider audience at a curry feast at Dalyston Hall on Saturday October 17, drawing about 150 people.
For former customers of the now-closed Himalayan Herbs Indian Restaurant in Rhyll, the flavours may seem familiar, and that is because Mr Rolay is the chef behind both businesses, bringing two decades of professional cooking experience to the latest venture.
He said the loss of customers during COVID forced the Rhyll restaurant’s closure, and before the pandemic, visiting tour groups had been an important part of its trade.
After the closure, Mr Rolay tried his hand at some other things but constantly found himself drawn back to the kitchen.
“Cooking is my passion,” he said.
His interest began in childhood, learning alongside his mother, whose approach to cooking continues to influence his work.
Rolay’z Kitchen offers Indian dishes including butter chicken and rogan josh, with an emphasis on preparing food to order.
Customers can phone ahead, with Mr Rolay encouraging those wanting dinner to place their orders earlier in the day.
“We prefer to have fresh cooking,” he said.
He is also establishing a WhatsApp group where customers can receive weekly specials, place advance orders and find updates about opening hours.
Knowing how many meals are needed will help him buy ingredients to meet demand and reduce food waste.
Saturday’s curry night was organised to introduce the business and reconnect Mr Rolay with local diners.
Originally he expected about 100 people, but bookings and walk-ins pushed that number up to about 150.
The evening included a raffle and Bollywood dancing with customers, while butter chicken emerged as a favourite when raffle winners were asked which curry they enjoyed most.
Mr Rolay said the support was amazing, with customers already asking when the next feast would be held.
At this point in time, he hopes to organise one every three months, with the frequency and menu guided by customer demand.
“People are really excited to have those kinds of events where we can get together,” he said.
Rolay’z Kitchen currently operates from noon to 8pm, seven days a week, with occasional closures to be advised.
To order or request to join the WhatsApp group, contact 0481 812 913.
