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Fourteen years of cooking Indian food for Kiwis has given the owner of Butter Box Chicken, in Warkworth, Ben Bhandari, a pretty good idea of the likes and dislikes of the New Zealand palate.
He says most Kiwis like the flavour of Indian dishes to be authentic. Making it mild, medium or hot is just a matter of adjusting the spices to taste, he says.
Ben’s father was a chef in New Delhi so food preparation has been part of his life for as long as he can remember. He trained at five-star hotels in India before moving to Auckland 14 years ago to run Sitar in Mt Eden.
Since then, he has been a chef at the Bombay Junction in Henderson, Curry King in Kerikeri, Spice Grill in Kaeo, Spice Trader in Devonport and Dum Must in Pakuranga.
The move to Warkworth was prompted by a desire to live in a “beautiful natural environment”.
“There are good business opportunities in Warkworth and it is a nice place with friendly people,” Ben says. “I look out the shop window and see trees and a river; that’s something I really love.”
Ben has big plans for the Butter Chicken Box.
He has already completely re-done the menu, introducing many of his own dishes including his signature butter chicken.
While his fresh ingredients are sourced locally, he imports many of the spices directly from India.
He believes the secret of a good curry is getting the combination of spices “just right”.
“Herbs and spices can promote good health, but only if you don’t overdo them.”
While the business is predominantly a takeaway service at present, Ben hopes to eventually establish a fine dining restaurant.
