Couple from Mongolia bring a taste of India to the Sault

A historic downtown eatery in the Sault is getting a facelift, as its new owners venture into Canada for the first time.

A couple who has been recognized as one of the top Indian culinary food experiences in the world recently landed in the Sault all the way from Mongolia.

Muio's restaurant lasted 60 years in the Sault's downtown, but has been vacant for two-and-a-half years. Now, Oyunbileg Chuluunbazar and Surendra Kumar Bansal from Mongolia are working to bring a taste of something new to the Sault.

"We hope that we also uphold the respect that this building, this restaurant earned," Bansal said.

The pair first landed in Ottawa, before deciding to move to the Sault in December.

"It has its own unique heritage, especially this building, when we were searching, and the city attracts a lot of tourists also," Bansal said.

This will be Chuluunbazar and Bansal's fourth restaurant, with three already established in Mongolia. The award-winning restaurateurs plan to offer a fusion menu of familiar Asian and Italian foods, while specializing in vegan Indian cuisine.

"We are just trying to bring the diversity into the food scene of the city,” Bansal said.

“I believe that a lot of people will resonate that plant-based is not for strictly vegan people, it can be anyone's cup of tea," Chuluunbazar added.

"I want people to have healthy food ... and a good food style. Our vision is serving happiness."

The restaurant will be called ‘Ojas,’ a Sanskrit word that Bansal describes as a vitality, or vigour that is derived from food, and lifestyle.

The couple plans to open their doors sometime in mid-April.

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