Mumbai, India – September 25, 2025: Over the past twenty years, Royal China has established itself as one of India’s premier fine-dining Chinese restaurant chains, thanks to the vision, perseverance, and culinary passion of founders Neville and Michelle Vazifdar. The couple’s journey reflects a careful balance of business strategy, culinary authenticity, and commitment to consistent quality.
From London Inspiration to Indian Reality
Royal China traces its roots to London, where the original franchise gained acclaim for its authentic Cantonese offerings. Inspired by this success, the Vazifdars identified a unique opportunity: bringing genuine Cantonese cuisine to the Indian market, which had largely been dominated by heavily Indianised Chinese fare.
The first Indian outlet launched in Fort, Mumbai, in 2003, marking the beginning of a new chapter for Chinese fine-dining in the country. The success of the first restaurant quickly led to a second branch in Bandra, signalling strong market acceptance and proving the business model’s viability.
Strategic Expansion Across Major Cities
Following the initial success, Royal China pursued measured expansion, establishing outlets in other major metropolitan areas, including Delhi, Pune, and Kolkata. Each new location retained the brand’s hallmark features: elegant interiors, meticulous service, and a menu focused on traditional Cantonese flavors.
The brand has been especially celebrated for its Dim Sum offerings and use of high-quality ingredients sourced both locally and internationally. This dedication to authenticity attracted a loyal clientele, ranging from business elites to celebrities, and helped Royal China build a reputation as a definitive destination for refined Asian dining.
Keys to Longevity and Success
In interviews, Neville and Michelle Vazifdar have consistently highlighted that the brand’s enduring success stems from consistency, authenticity, and attention to detail. Their strategy combined replicating the standards of the original London outlets with subtle adaptations to suit Indian diners’ expectations—without compromising on culinary integrity.
Over two decades, Royal China has demonstrated that premium, authentic cuisine can succeed in a competitive market, setting a benchmark for fine-dining Chinese establishments in India. As the chain continues to evolve, the Vazifdars remain committed to expanding the brand while retaining the core values that have defined its journey.
About Royal China:
Founded in 2003 in Mumbai, Royal China is a fine-dining restaurant chain serving authentic Cantonese cuisine. Known for its Dim Sum and dedication to high-quality ingredients, the chain now operates in multiple Indian cities, maintaining a reputation for premium dining experiences.
