The Indian Chefs restaurant has opened its doors at 116 High Street in the former Chutney House restaurant in Maldon.
Rayan Jose, 20, is the owner of the new restaurant which is the second Indian Chefs restaurant to open after the first in Southend five years ago.
There are currently six other Indian restaurants operating in Maldon High Street.
The young manager has high hopes for this restaurant, which is now a branch of his dad, Bibin Jose’s restaurant.
The food is cooked by Indian husband and wife duo Mr and Mrs Kumar.
The owner says the authentic Indian cooking style means customers will see true Indian dishes cooked to perfection.
Rayan Jose said: “It’s the best job I could have ever asked for. I can’t complain in any means. You get to meet new customers on a daily basis and my aim is always to make them smile.
“I’m the front of house manager and run the entire restaurant which includes managing of staff.
“I will be honest it’s the most scary thing I’ve ever done in my entire life, but I will never trade that for anything else.
“It was one of the best days to get the keys and get the board up at the front of the restaurant.
“I’m over the moon.
“It’s a very unique type of cooking. Dishes take up to half an hour to cook.
“I drive to Ilford to one butcher twice a week because he provides the best meat. We don’t compromise in any way. That goes from our cleanliness to our standards.
“I’m the kind of person who would rather make less money. The thing that rewards me is to make people smile.
“I would love to educate Maldon on this type of cuisine. This is proper Indian food, Indian food like never before.”
The restaurant is open from Tuesday to Sunday lunchtimes and evenings. For more information, go to https://theindianchefsmaldon.co.uk/.