LAXMI Shrestha left behind her home and restaurant business in Nepal to seek greener pastures on Saipan. “I came here to see if there was something better for me,” she said.
She started out as a hotel housekeeper, but her hard work and dedication eventually led to a coveted position at Nikko, one of the island’s most renowned hotels in those days.
“I have a passion for business and F&B,” she said.
With unwavering dedication, Shrestha honed her culinary skills at Palm Resorts, prior to landing a position at Caravan, an establishment known for its exquisite Middle Eastern cuisine which is almost similar to South Asian dishes.
While employed at Caravan, Shrestha’s entrepreneurial spirit was reignited.
“I wanted to have my own business. It was always my dream to have my restaurant because this is what I know, this is what I have grown to see my very own parents do,” she said.
In 2014, Shrestha opened Everest Kitchen, the only restaurant on island that serves sumptuous Nepalese cuisine and authentic South Asian dishes.
Hard work
Shrestha’s culinary venture brought the distinctive tastes of Nepal, India and other South Asian countries to Saipan.
“Nepal is known for Mt. Everest, and I brought the Everest here!” she said.
“At Everest Kitchen, we only use authentic spices,” she added. “That is the trademark of our dishes. We use authentic and fresh spices. You should only use the right spices to achieve the correct taste and aroma.”
Backed by loans as well as the advice of business-minded friends, Shrestha and her husband, Chola Gharti, worked hard to ensure that Everest Kitchen would not just be a flash in the pan, but enjoy success and longevity.
In less than five years, she was able to repay her loans.
“I can say that Everest Kitchen is truly successful now. We have paid our debts, our business is good — this is a dream that has become a reality and it is because of our good customers, our customers who have always supported us,” Shresta said.
During the pandemic, “the business didn’t die even during the lockdown — it was a difficult time for everyone, even for us, but we were still able to operate,” she said.
Shrestha and Gharti remain actively involved in food preparation and serving guests at their restaurant.
“To achieve our dreams, we have to do our best. We have to invest our time, effort, money and hard work,” she said.
Shrestha continues to oversee the operations of the restaurant, occasionally cooking dishes herself and training chefs on the proper techniques for cooking Nepalese food.
“Overall, I am humbled and grateful to the community — we owe our success to them. I hope they continue to visit us and dine with us. We will do our best to serve them in return,” she said.
Mouthwatering
Among the authentic Nepalese dishes served at Everest Kitchen are samosa, momo dumplings, baba ghanoush, hummus platter and various curry dishes, such as Indian buttered chicken, fish masala, lamb curry and chicken curry.
All these dishes are made with fresh ingredients and spices.
Everest also has a selection of flatbreads including naan and pita.
The restaurant can accommodate up to 70 guests.
“We offer in-house catering service for functions and special events,” Shrestha said.
For more information or to book an event, visit the Everest Kitchen on Micro Beach Rd. in Garapan or call (670) 233-2688.
Chola Gharti and Laxmi Shrestha of Everest Kitchen receive their Silver award for Best Vegetarian Restaurant and Best Mediterranean Restaurant.
