Menus and Migration: The Next South Asian Table

The pandemic pushed the restaurant industry to its breaking point, testing the resilience of restaurateurs everywhere. For South Asian business owners, survival is intertwined with a greater mission: preserving cultural heritage through menus inspired by migration and memory. In this episode of SBS Spice, Ria Pandey sits down with four culinary trailblazers—Nelson Fernandes, Shaun Christie-David, Jessi Singh, and Minoli De Silva—to pull back the curtain on what it takes to balance authenticity with innovation. From the trials of entrepreneurship to the traditions that shape their kitchens, these restaurateurs remind us that the next South Asian table isn’t just about the food—it’s about cultural legacies served alongside it.

SBS Spice is the destination channel for young South Asian Australians, exploring what makes us tick—or ick. Join us for regular episodes featuring firebrand South Asian culture makers who are shaping our conversations.

Tap the audio player to listen to the full interview.

Meet our guests:

Shaun Christie-David, a self-described ‘culinary misfit’ Shaun Christie-David is the brains behind Sydney’s Colombo Social, a Sri-Lankan spot in Sydney’s Inner West led by a strong social purpose. Serving ‘soulful’ ethnic food, the restaurant recruits recently-arrived asylum seekers and refugees to work in the kitchen and front of house, while running a donation program to convert potential food waste into meals for the vulnerable.

Nelson Fernandes is the owner of the award-winning Spices 29, a restaurant specialising in the coastal cuisine of Goa, blending Indian and Portuguese influences. Situated on the sunny NSW Central Coast, it has earned numerous local and state awards since opening its doors in 2018. Nelson's menu pays tribute to his heritage while drawing inspiration from his global travels.

Jessi Singh is a global entrepreneur and restaurant owner whose love for cooking began during his childhood in Punjab, India where a traditional, agricultural upbringing instilled a passion for food and service. Having started his culinary career in the United States, Jessi has started a number of successful modern-Indian eateries, some of which include: Babu Ji's (New York City), Daughter in Law (Melbourne) and Don't Tell Aunty (Sydney).

Minoli De Silva, who participated in MasterChef Australia Seasons 13 and 14, where she reached the top 10, owns Ella by Minoli, a modern Sri-Lankan dining joint. Drawing from cultural principles of connecting with local produce and sustainability, Minoli's ethos revolves around popularising Sri Lankan food, aiming to make it a mainstream favourite.

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