World-class noodles for Gujarati palates

US-based restaurant major Mark Pi International has entered the state and plans to open branches major cities, reports Haresh Pandya.

Gujaratis can now get a taste of the world's best-known noodles with US-based restaurant major Mark Pi International (MPI) entering the state.

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MPI, an international restaurant chain founded by master chef and six-time Guinness record holder Mark Pi, has opened its branches in Ahmedabad, Rajkot and Surat under the brandname Mark Pi's Crazy Noodles.

From rocking glasses to the gigantic noodle bowls to the dancing and singing waiters, this brand seems to be set to revolutionise the Oriental cuisine experience in the country.

In addition to regular Chinese food and its own huge collection of noodles, MPI offers dishes from Japan, Thailand and Malaysia.

New concepts like Teppenyaki and Oriental Grills, once in the domain of exclusive five-star hotels only, are also there for those with small budgets. "We will also serve special Jain food. Even without onion and garlic it will not lose its original taste and charm," says Karan Verma, chief executive officer, MPI.

Acknowledging the good business opportunity that Gujarat has to offer, founder president Mark Pi said, "We've been following the Indian market for quite some time now. We feel the market in Gujarat in particular poses a great challenge and yet offers a tremendous opportunity also. It is maturing up both from the demand and supply points of view and we as a business group would like to capitalise on it."

"We have aggressive expansion plans for Gujarat itself and will soon open additional outlets in Ahmedabad, Rajkot and Surat. In fact, within about five years, MPI will cover all the metros and mini metros by investing over Rs 80 crore in Gujarat alone. We hope to reach even the smaller cities with a population of more than 1 lakh," adds Verma.

Interestingly, after having played a vital role in revolutionising the Chinese food experience in the US, the MPI now has ambitious plans to open over 400 outlets in the Asia-Pacific within the next five years.

Email Haresh Pandya: haresh_pandya@yahoo.com