Latest news with #RanjanDey
News18
02-07-2025
- Entertainment
- News18
‘Bapu Ji Doing Side Quests': Internet Can't Unsee Mahatma Gandhi Lookalike Chef
Last Updated: Chef Ranjan Dey, who runs a restaurant in San Francisco, sports round glasses, a bald head and a slender face that many say makes him resemble Mahatma Gandhi. An Indian-origin chef from the US has captured the attention of desis online, not just for his flavourful North Indian cuisine, but also for his striking appearance. Chef Ranjan Dey, who runs a restaurant in San Francisco, sports round glasses, a bald head, and a slender face, prompting many on social media to note his uncanny resemblance to Mahatma Gandhi. While his culinary skills and diverse menu are impressive, it's the unexpected likeness to the Father of the Nation that's sparking the most buzz online. Dey has been running his well-known restaurant, New Delhi, in the US for over 36 years. As an immigrant business owner, he now uses Instagram to personally invite diners to try his signature dishes. His lively way of describing food, paired with an intriguing menu, has sparked buzz among food enthusiasts online. While many admire his passion and energy, others are fixated on his appearance, unable to resist drawing comparisons between him and Mahatma Gandhi. Reacting to the post, a user wrote, 'They told us he got shot, didn't know he is frying bhindi in the Bay Area all this while." Another jokingly asked, 'Baapu aap kuch 'Godse' cheez banao." 'His methods are naan violent," a comment read. An individual stated, 'Thanks, Bapu, for showing the goras that Indian food is more than chicken tikka masala and mango Lassi." Another mentioned, 'Bapu Ji doing side quests." One more hilariously added, 'We got Bhindi Fry directly by the Bapu before GTA 6." Chef Ranjan Dey's restaurant, New Delhi, was inaugurated in 1988 by then–San Francisco Mayor Art Agnos. Since its opening, the restaurant has welcomed numerous prominent political figures, including Lt. Governor Pete Wilson, former Governor Jerry Brown, Milton Marks, and Willie Brown, all drawn by its authentic Indian flavours. In 1992, during his first presidential campaign, Bill Clinton visited New Delhi to engage with members of the Indian community and hear their concerns. He returned again in 1996 while seeking re-election. Over the years, the eatery has become a special spot for political figures to connect with the Indian-American community
CBS News
10-03-2025
- Business
- CBS News
San Francisco's oldest Indian restaurant faces closure threat as downtown struggles to recover
New Delhi restaurant, San Francisco's oldest Indian dining establishment and the city's only Indian legacy business, is facing an uncertain future, as the owner warns that the beloved gem may be forced to close its doors unless more customers return. "This is the time that I would love everybody to support us because once we are gone, you can't just say, 'Oh, I wish I came,'" said Ranjan Dey, the chef and owner of New Delhi. Dey, who has owned the restaurant since 1988, explained that despite being a staple of the city's culinary scene, New Delhi, like many other businesses in downtown San Francisco, continues to feel the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Five years after the start of the crisis, the area has yet to fully recover, particularly due to the ongoing remote work trend and persistent public safety concerns. "January and February have been one of the slowest [months] in 36 years," Dey added, reflecting on the severe decline in foot traffic and business. Located just two blocks from Union Square and one block from Market Street, New Delhi's once-vibrant location now experiences slow nights. The struggles have been felt across the area, with nearby retail giants like Macy's and Bloomingdale's set to close their doors, and Nordstrom already having left. "It's dire," Dey said, expressing the deep concern. "It is really scary. I have to dip into all my savings. They're all gone. I have to take personal loans left, right, and center to make sure I pay the bills, take care of my staff." The challenges aren't limited to restaurants alone. The owner of City Sightseeing San Francisco, a hop-on-hop-off tour bus company, also reported a significant decline in tourists, particularly those from China. Maneet Sohal, the owner, told CBS News Bay Area that this winter had been the slowest in years for his business, with fewer visitors and locals alike, further stressing the downtown economy. In response to the situation, Dey has been forced to get creative. He introduced a new entertainment concept to attract customers, adding live performances alongside his signature Indian cuisine. "It's spicy Curry-Oke, and that's more deliciousness. You have a few drinks, you can karaoke with a dish of curry out of tune," Dey joked, referring to the new "Curry-Oke" nights held every Tuesday and Wednesday. This unique combination of food and entertainment is aimed at drawing in younger crowds and re-energizing the dining experience at New Delhi. Similar efforts have proven successful for nearby legacy business John's Grill, which has been serving San Francisco for over 100 years. Owner John Konstin Jr. shared that their restaurant has bounced back by adding live jazz music every night of the week. "We have three levels rocking every night. We have live jazz music seven days a week," Konstin Jr. said, highlighting how live music has helped keep the restaurant thriving amidst tough times. To further support businesses in the area, State Senator Scott Wiener is working with local leaders to change laws that would allow more businesses to serve alcohol in downtown San Francisco, a move that could help revive the area's nightlife. "We're working on turning Ellis Street into an entertainment zone," Konstin Jr. added, hopeful that such initiatives will bring more life to the district. For Dey, any solution that could bring people back to downtown is welcome. "I feel we are going to overcome it, but we just need a little help. As a community, we can band together, we can help each other, we can overcome it," he said, holding onto the hope that long-time customers will return and support the establishment. New Delhi has not served lunch in a while due to a lack of daytime customers, but remains open every night for dinner starting at 5 p.m. Dey remains optimistic that the city's residents and tourists alike will rediscover the flavors of his restaurant and help preserve this San Francisco institution.
