After taking over ownership last year, Dulal Bijaya and his business partner have been working to improve downtown Harrisonburg’s Indian & American Café and satisfy customers new and old.

“[The past owners] were running this business for over 20 to 25 years,”  Bijaya said. “When we took over we tried to keep some aspects from their original recipe and we added our own recipes as well.”

Although the adjustment was slow, Bijaya tries to keep an open mind about customers and change.

“We want feedback from all of our customers, so if you have time, come by and we will be ready to serve,” Bijaya said.

Originally from Nepal, Bijaya has been working in the restaurant business since 2005. 

“I’d just finished high school around 16 or 17 and I had free time,” Bijya said. “I took training and I started cooking. I really love it, that’s why I’ve just kept doing it and why [my business partner and I] took over this business.”

He moved to the United States in 2007, and worked in hospitality and restaurant businesses.

“I’ve worked with a lot of cuisines, like Thai, Malaysian, Chinese, and American as well,” Bijaya said. “I’m from Nepal, and Nepalese and Indian people eat almost the same thing.”

Harrisonburg’s Indian & American cafe’s broad menu prides itself on being authentic and inclusive. 

“We take time and we are also thinking about people’s allergies. We don’t want to let them down,” Bijaya said. “If people are vegetarian or vegan, we are very conscious of that as well.”

Many customers have had positive experiences and returned to the cafe, including Morgan Moore from neighboring Sparrow’s Flowers. 

“The chana masala that they have is really good,” Moore said. “Last time I got the lentil soup and the samosas, they were both amazing.” 

Part of the reason why customers return is Bijaya’s passion for cooking, which is evident in his food.

“I love cooking and serving my dishes,” Bijaya said. “When people are happy about it, I also feel happy about it. That’s how hospitality works. I want to make people happy. If they smile and say thanks from the heart, that works for me. I don’t expect more than that, it’s all I need.”