An Indian restaurant in Welling says it is loved by customers just months after opening its doors.
Cumin, based in Falconwood Parade, was opened by 44-year-old restaurateur Makdad Khan in November last year.
Less than three months later, the restaurant has already earned a 4.8 rating on Google, with dozens of five-star reviews praising its food, service and atmosphere.
Makdad told the News Shopper: “After getting all this experience, I opened this restaurant alone myself.
“All the experience, I put there.
“I’m making sure the price matches the food and everyone.
“It's a traditional touch to fine dining.”
Makdad first entered the restaurant industry in 2013 and now owns several venues across south east London and Kent, including Indian Diner in West Wickham, and Calcutta in Petts Wood.
He said opening Cumin was a chance to bring everything he had learned from previous businesses into one place.
He added: “After so many branches, I wanted to open this one by myself.
“I’m making a nice and decent restaurant, a proper traditional Indian restaurant.”
The restaurant seats around 60 to 70 guests and aims to offer a relaxed dining experience.
Makdad said: “It’s a beautiful, quiet area.
“Not noisy, perfect size, not too big, not too small.
“This helps to run smoothly, and customers are happy.”
The name Cumin was chosen deliberately, inspired by one of the most commonly used spices in Indian cooking.
He explained: “Cumin is a nice flavour spice.
“It changes the flavour, and it’s good for health as well.
“It makes every dish better.
“Most of the time we touch cumin, and it changes everything.”
Everything on the menu is prepared in-house, led by a chef with 40 years of experience who travels from London each day to work at the restaurant.
Makdad said having a trusted and experienced team has been key to the restaurant’s early success.
Many of his employees are family friends whom he has known for a long time.
He described them as “very experienced” and that they “enjoy working here”.
Despite strong competition from other restaurants in the area, he believes consistency and service have helped Cumin stand out.
He said: “There are lots of restaurants surrounding the area.
“But whoever comes in our place always comes back.
“They love the food, they love the atmosphere, and service is good.”
Among the dishes he recommends are the king prawn meat cheese, Maharaj Jalam and the restaurant’s special grill selection.
Cumin opened on November 19 and is set to celebrate its four-month anniversary.
Makdad added: “In a short time, we got fantastic feedback.
“We want to make customers happy, and we want them to come back again.”
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