Women-Led Restaurant’s Expansion Brings Distinct Indian Cuisine to Downtown Grand Rapids
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., July 22, 2024 – The Grand Rapids Downtown Market today announced Curry Leaf Indian Cuisine will open their second location inside the Market Hall later this month. Curry Leaf’s new downtown restaurant will offer a similar menu to its Kentwood location. With the addition of Curry Leaf, the Market Hall is now home to 18 indoor merchants.
Building on 12 years of established momentum, the restaurant’s newest co-owners, Mounika Miryala, Sahaya Priya Moorthy, and Kavitha Naalam, all long-term friends who emigrated from India, are eager to expand into the Downtown Market and share the flavors of Indian cuisine.
“Our vision is to serve an authentic Indian experience by bringing together flavors that encompass all corners and cultures within India,” said Moorthy. “We bought the restaurant to celebrate the unique flavors of the curry leaf, which is native to the whole of India, and is intertwined with our culture. We are expanding into the Market to share our distinct voices and perspectives on food.”
At Curry Leaf, vibrant spices, time-honored techniques, and high-quality ingredients come together to create a dining experience that has been admired for thousands of years. The menu includes classic items including Butter Chicken, Garlic Naan, Tikka Masala, Vegetable Samosas, Tandoori Chicken, multiple rice dishes, traditional beverages, and a selection of bright Indian desserts. Guests of the Market Hall will enjoy this genuine Indian cuisine by building their own bowl with rice and naan, or by trying one of their rotating specials. Vegetarian options will also be available.
“Curry Leaf has been a landmark in the Grand Rapids region for more than 10 years and their menu is a vibrant tapestry woven from the diverse culinary traditions of India,” said Mimi Fritz, President/CEO of the Grand Rapids Downtown Market. “We love to provide a platform for small businesses to grow, and Curry Leaf’s expansion, led by three determined women, is a delicious addition to the Downtown Market experience.”
Miryala, Moorthy, and Naalam each have dreamed of owning a restaurant that highlights their traditions and culture.
“We are eager to turn a ‘new leaf’ by honoring the legacy of Curry Leaf’s previous owners while committing our own focus on fresh ingredients and recipes sourced from our home country,” added Miryala. “The Market Hall offers a chance to reach thousands of people who would never even consider walking into an Indian restaurant, but will try something new because they’re visiting the Downtown Market.”
Curry Leaf offers authentic dishes that draw from ALL of India's rich culture and culinary traditions – a distinction not many Indian restaurants dare to make. Enjoy this new addition serving authentic Indian entrées, beverages, sides, and desserts, opening later this month.
The Grand Rapids Downtown Market is open from 11:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 11:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m. on Friday, 10:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m. on Saturday, and 10:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m. on Sunday. Learn more at https://www.downtownmarketgr.com/market-hall.
About Curry Leaf Indian Cuisine
Establishing itself as a staple restaurant in Kentwood, MI, Curry Leaf Indian Cuisine celebrates the unique flavors and health benefits of the curry leaf, an essential ingredient in Indian cooking. Native to India, the curry leaf is known for its distinctive aroma and slightly citrus-forward taste that enhances the flavor of their dishes. Under new ownership, the brand intends to expand its reach, bringing distinct cuisine from all over India to West Michigan. More at https://curryleafmi.com/.
About the Grand Rapids Downtown Market
The Grand Rapids Downtown Market is a delicious destination that brings together small businesses, food entrepreneurship, award-winning venue spaces, and public events to create a vibrant, year-round downtown experience. Open seven days a week, the LEED-certified building is home to 18 local, artisan food merchants and restaurants. More at www.downtownmarketgr.com.
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