Indiya-Indiya, based on 354 High Street, was opened by Raj Ali’s father 35 years ago.
It has since become one of Sutton’s longest-standing Indian fine-dining restaurants, serving generations of customers.
The 50-year-old owner told Your Local Guardian: “We’ve been serving the community for 35 years.
“This is the oldest Indian fine-dining restaurant in Sutton.
“My father opened it around 35 years ago, and we’ve been running it as a family ever since.
“We serve proper, traditional Indian food, not fast food, and we still cook everything fresh when people order.”
Raj explained that Indiya-Indiya has built its loyal customer base through consistency, authenticity, and hospitality.
He said: “Some of our customers have been coming for 20 or even 30 years.
“It’s a very homely, family-type restaurant.
“People come here because they know what they’re getting.
“They will get good food, good service, and a warm welcome.”
The restaurant offers both dining in and delivery services and provides outside catering for weddings and events.
Raj said: “Our chicken tikka masala, chicken karahi, and fish curry are always favourites,” he said.
“We also have great rice and breads, and they are all cooked fresh.
“Everything is made to order.”
Over the years, Indiya-Indiya has faced its share of challenges, including during the pandemic.
But Raj said the community’s support kept the business going.
He said: “The takeaway side was busy, and even though the restaurant was closed, people kept ordering from us.
“That’s why we survived.
“I really appreciate that.”
Raj also addressed confusion caused by a past hygiene rating, in which they received one star.
Raj explained: “There was a misunderstanding when we got one star, but it wasn’t because of the kitchen.
“My father had passed away at the time, and my chef was at the funeral.
“The council came back later and saw everything was fine, we got five stars straight away.
“If anyone checks now, they’ll see we have a five-star rating.”
Sutton Council and the Food Standards Agency have confirmed Indiya-Indiya’s top hygiene rating.
As for the future, Raj hopes to continue serving Sutton for many years to come, with the next generation already involved in the business.
He added: “My family helps me, and my children will take over one day.
“We just want people to come and see that real, traditional Indian restaurants still exist in Sutton.
“We’ve been here for 35 years, and we’re not going anywhere.”
Indiya-Indiya is open every day from 5.30pm to 11.30pm.
