After a brief takeover of Siaa Pan Indian Cuisine, Laverry Kumar has moved on to open Balluchi Indian Fusion & Bar at the Budgetel Inn on Market Street. The restaurant and private event space at the Bugetel, 4903-A Market St. has been vacant for the past 13 years, according to owner Sanjeev Badhiwalala.
“We’re very pleased to have a brand new restaurant in this space,” Badhiwalala said.
Kumar, just 23 years old and a recent graduate of the University of North Carolina Wilmington, has overseen a full renovation of both the kitchen and dining space. Kumar and her mother, Daljeet, will work together managing daily operations. Two Indian-cuisine chefs have been recruited to manage the kitchen, which will serve lunch, dinner and a late-night menu.
“Our menu is designed to be a gateway into Indian cuisine,” Kumar said. “Some people shy away from Indian food because they think it’s too spicy, but really most dishes are just a very flavorful blend of different spices. Our fusion dishes give people the opportunity to get a taste for the cuisine gradually before moving on to some of the more authentic flavors.”
The menu is made up of many traditional Indian dishes such as chicken tikka masala, tandoori chicken, lamb vindaloo and vegetable biryani. There is a large selection of vegetarian options, both appetizers and entrees, as well as several seafood options.
Kumar says the restaurant will also serve vegan and vegetarian-friendly curry bowls starting at $5.99. Customers can choose from a variety of curries, vegetables and proteins to create their own bowls, which will be served from lunch until closing. While dinner service will end at 10 p.m.; the curry bowls will be available for take-out or dine in until 2:30 a.m. Delivery will also soon be available.
Balluchi features a full bar as well as a D.J. booth and dance floor. Kumar will host a College Night each Friday and will offer a daily 10 percent student and senior discount.
Balluchi Indian Fusion & Bar is open Monday, 11 a.m. to 2:30 a.m., and Wednesday through Sunday 11 a.m. to 2:30 a.m. It is closed Tuesday.
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