Guangzhou's Indian Flare: Popular restaurant a sign of close bilateral ties

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Indian-Chinese bilateral relations have had a positive ripple effect on many businesses in both countries.

In the southern Chinese city of Guangzhou, Indians make up one of the fastest growing segments of the city’s more than 120,000 foreigners. And, their desire to enjoy the home tastes is what has helped make Sharma Ji, a family-owned restaurant of nearly two decades, a success story.

“My Dad came to Guangzhou in 1999, and we decided to have a restaurant up here,” says Amit Sharma, one of three brothers who co-manages Sharma Ji, along with their father. “It’s easy to work in Guangzhou.”

Stir-fried tofu with vegetables is among the favorites at Sharma Ji. /Photo provided by Liu Jiaxin

One thing that they say makes it easy is that their mostly Chinese restaurant staff has worked together for years.

“I like working here because everyone is really nice,” says Ya Qun, who works as a chef at Sharma Ji. “We are like a family. And many people I know like Indian food.”

While the vast majority of the clientele at Sharma Ji are from India, the Sharmas say that in recent years, more local Guangzhou people have come here to enjoy themselves. They say that’s thanks not only to friendly Sino-Indian relations, but also because local tastes have expanded, and elaborated.

“Last year, I had Indian food for the first time,” says one Chinese patron, a native of Guangzhou. “A friend of mine recommended this restaurant. The food is indeed very nice.”

“Slowly people are diverting towards vegetarian food as well,” says Amit Sharma. “They want to try something Indian.”

The Sharmas plan to keep their cultural mix in Guangzhou for years to come, and know that strong ties between the neighboring countries will help their business continue to thrive.