By Cam Lucadou-Wells
The ever-active Baryalai Rahimi has not only built a thriving 120-seat Afghan Rahimi Restaurant in central Dandenong.
He has also been a long-standing supporter of new arrivals, volunteering for several years with Southern Migrant and Resource Centre.
Before arriving in Australia, Mr Rahimi also helped a UN program for refugees while in Pakistan .
“This award will encourage me to work harder, not only with the business but in the wider Australian community,” he said as he accepted the Retail Award at the 2018 Greater Dandenong Chamber of Commerce Business Awards.
“Some people say Australia is one of the best countries.
“I disagree – Australia is the best country in the world.”
Trained in IT, Mr Rahimi re-invented his career path as a restaurateur in 2001.
He started cooking for crowds when volunteering as a chef for weddings and funerals within Melbourne’s Afghan community.
But the truth was that cooking “was in my blood”, he says.
When Rahimi first started up in Thomas Street 14 years ago, he was told he was making a mistake. His restaurant was one of about eight shops in the street, a dead part of town at the time.
At the same time, he worked two other jobs, as a migrant resource worker during days and a cabbie on Friday nights to support his family.
High standards meant his business had to succeed, he says.
Afghan Rahimi Restaurant prides itself on its culinary authenticity and calibre.
It treats guests with traditional Afghan hospitality, healthy flavourful dishes and banquets with Afghan decor present throughout.
Established in Dandenong in 2013, the venue has become well known as the premier location for Afghan food in Melbourne.
The team pride themselves on their customer-centric and highly attentive service. All the dishes are prepared freshly and to the highest standards with traditional preparation methods and local ingredients.
The restaurant has aimed to send the message across that they are a true representation of Australia’s amazing multicultural environment.
BREAKOUT
Retail Award
Sponsor: City of Greater Dandenong
Winner: Afghan Rahimi Restaurant
Nominees: Afghan Rahimi Restaurant, Le Pine and White Lady Funerals, Supergroups.
