India Pavilion in Central Square was the area’s first Indian restaurant. During the month of May, owner Mohan Singh is celebrating its 25^th anniversary by offering his guests a free appetizer or dessert for each dinner ordered. “It is our way of sharing this significant anniversary with the people who have come to enjoy our food during these past 25 years,” said Mohan. “I opened this restaurant after arriving in America with $7 in my pocket and working in an Indian restaurant in New York. At the time, it was not possible to find Indian food in a restaurant or market in Boston. We have been met with great enthusiasm by the Cambridge community that has come to love our cuisine. Food lovers from the entire Northeast flocked to our small restaurant to try what that time appeared to be very exotic food.”

          In addition to complimentary appetizers and desserts, 10 percent of the proceeds of each dinner check will be given to a Cambridge charity.

         The restaurant has been expanded and redecorated but the food is still authentic Indian. “My wife, Parkash, and I applied a lot of love and car in opening the restaurant. It was a pizza place when I bought it, so major reconstruction was needed in the kitchen, but we pulled it off. Soon after, our daughter, Jaswinder, was born and my wife devoted her time to our family. Today Jaswinder (“Jas”) is not only my assistant, but she’s married and she’s also a full-time graduate student.” Her husband, Sukhwinder, has taken the role of middle manager in all my restaurants.” Mohan’s son, Harinder, also works in the business and his daughter, Herpreet, a senior in high school, headed to Boston University in the fall, is the unofficial photographer for the business. “I’m grateful to my wife for managing the household – a full-time job – while I manage the business,” said Mohan.

         While much of the menu continues to be the food of northern India, dishes from the southern regions have been added to recent years. Indian Pavilion is located at 17 Central Square on Western Avenue.

India Pavilion celebrates 25 years

Thursday, May 20, 2004

Mayor Michael Sullivan, from left, and Carl Barron congratulate Mohan Singh on the 25th anniversary of his business, India Pavilion. The mayor gave him a key to the city and vice mayor Marjorie Decker presented him with a citation in recognition of his years in Cambridge and his many activities to enhance business in the city, particularly Central Square.