Today we’d like to introduce you to Rajesh Pathak
Hi Rajesh, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
The idea of restaurant was born when I had my first job in a Greek restaurant during college. I knew I had a passion in the hospitality industry. Little did I know that in 2022 I will have my first Michelin Bib Gourmand awarded restaurant in Tampa called Gorkhali Kitchen and restaurant called Dancing Yeti in orlando in 2024.
Born in capital city of Nepal, Kathmandu I always had a taste for local street food, traditional method of cooking and use of local ingredients. I incorporate those local ingredients like Jimbu, Timur into my dishes.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It would be a lie if I said its been a smooth road however the response and overwhelming support has been instrumental. One of the initial challenges were introducing the cuisine itself. Not having a Nepalese restaurant around and we being the first one, its sometime hard for clients to know what to expect. we have been successful in painting that picture and deliver the consistency which is the key.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Dancing Yeti Orlando?
Dancing Yeti is the first Nepalese restaurant in Orlando that specializes in Nepalese dishes like Momo, Thukpa, Jackfruit Curry. We also serve Indian dishes like Tikka Masala, Vindaloo and vegan friendly dishes. We use traditional ingredients like Jimbu, Timur to build the flavor profile and imitate what you find in the local streets of Kathmandu city.
Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
I m a big advocate of consistency. If you are not creating it the same way over and over, then its going to be hard to thrive. Also there is no cutting corners, you have to be crisp every time.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://dancing-yeti.com/
- Instagram: dancingyetiorlando
- Facebook: dancingyetiorlando
- Yelp: dancingyetiorlando
Image Credits
Rabitu Shrestha and Rojina Pathak
