They say variety is the spice of life, and in India it is cinnamon, coriander, black pepper, cumin and paprika.

Gurpreet Blaggan emigrated from Punjab, India, to the United States in 2008 and harbors fond memories of India’s diversity and culture. Blaggan opened the Royal Punjabi restaurant three and a half years ago to share with the community the flavors of India.

The Royal Punjabi serves authentic Indian cuisine, the favorite dishes on the menu being “butter chicken,” which is chicken cooked in buttery tomato sauce; Chicken Tikka Masala, a dish composed of chicken marinated in yogurt and also cooked in tomato sauce, and the chicken wings.

His chicken soup won Blaggan notoriety and a plaque, following a soup contest that took place in Norwich in May 2019. His lentil soup is nutritious, the lunches and dinners for sale are mouthwatering and healthy. He serves two kinds of bread called naan and poori, and the lasse, a yogurt shake, is delectable.

During the peak of the pandemic, Blaggan, a charitable and gracious chef, pitched a tent outside of his venue to feed the hungry and the downtrodden. He applies his faith as a Sikh by donating savory meals to soup kitchens, senior centers and to individuals in need of food.

He attended the Lincoln Culinary Institute in Hartford, and became an international pastry chef and baker, landing himself a job at the Sugar Belle in South Windsor in 2015.

Blaggan won two awards while in school for culinary arts for his majestic sugar sculpture of the Taj Mahal.

Blaggan met his wife in India and he is the father of two children. His parents and uncle have all made America their home.

He states that he “just wants to do something for the community” and that he loves to cook.

The Royal Punjabi is located at 198 Main St. in Norwich, and the hours of operation are 11:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Monday-Thursday and 11:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Friday through Saturday. The establishment is closed on Sundays.