By Leigh O'Connor.
Creating a social enterprise employing people with special needs and youngsters to give them a much-needed platform to acquire self-esteem, financial freedom and purpose in life is the premise behind Rouse Hill’s Spicy Bean Café.
The brainchild of owner, Rajiv Chaudhri and nestled in the Rouse Hill Town Centre, this concept cafe is the place to head for a boutique dining experience where global flavours are on the menu.
A hospitality expert with more than three decades of experience across England, India and Australia, Rajiv personally trains his workforce and is passionate about his menu, which encompasses the flavours of the world from his travels.
Born in India, Rajiv graduated in Hotel Management with an honours degree in English. He then moved to London to work at the exclusive St James Court Hotel in Buckingham Gate – serving several Heads of State, sports dignitaries and the Royal Family.
Rajiv has been the recipient of Australian Citizen of the Year 2023 in the Sydney Hills for his contribution to the community and for his business endeavours, as well as being featured in many magazines and publications for his service to people and the community over the decades.
His kitchen, bar and cafe have start-of-the-art equipment, which he configured himself to make it easy for his staff to operate.
Spicy Bean offers its own blend of coffee roasted in a local facility, which is very popular, along with more than 100 cocktails, mocktails, cold and hot drinks, which make it an ideal family restaurant. Rajiv also supports local artists with live music on Thursday and Saturday nights.
What will you get on the menu? Rajiv has lime pepper seasoning from Europe, harissa from Africa, peri peri from Portugal, ras el hanout from the Middle East and tandoori from India, in dishes sure to tempt all tastes.
It is an American-style fried chicken recipe, believed to have been brought in by Scottish immigrants from Africa, that he shares with AGFG readers. Buttermilk and Tennessee smokehouse seasoning give a real USA kick along with a sriracha, chilli and aioli sauce.
Opening a second store in Castle Hills Showground, which is a small takeaway cafe 100% operated by special needs staff, Rajiv plans more stores in the near future on the same business model.
