Whanganui hospitality stalwart Surjit Singh returns with new business

Nirpaljit Kaur and Surjit Singh have taken over the former George’s space on Victoria Ave. Photo / Mike Tweed

A familiar hospitality face is back in business in central Whanganui.

After moving to the city from India, Surjit Singh spent six years working in a restaurant before running his own takeaway shop for another six.

“I’ve had a break for three years but I’m ready to start again,” he said.

He and his wife, Nirpaljit Kaur, will open Jeet’s Indian Takeaways this week.

The couple has set up at 40 Victoria Ave, best-known for housing George’s Fisheries and Restaurant, opened by George Matsis in 1958.

Matsis sold it in 2007 but George’s continued with a series of different owners.

Before Jeet’s, Joje’s Takeaways operated at the site.

Singh said he would not be offering fish and chips, but everything on his menu would be “cooked fresh, in front of your eyes”.

“All my dishes are special, seriously.

“We’ve been setting up for about two months because we had to change everything and move new equipment in.”

The couple’s son, Gurpreet Singh, said they both loved cooking and were always on hand to cater for big celebrations.

“Making food from scratch, nothing frozen, is one of Dad’s passions, and he even makes his own cheese.

“Nothing is hidden out the back, he is there cooking right in front of his customers.”

Gurpreet Singh said northern Indian food was his father’s speciality and people used to drive from Hamilton to buy his samosas and Amritsari kulcha, a version of naan bread with potato and cheese filling.

Matsis, still the landlord, visited last week with his wife and daughter, Gurpreet Singh said.

“He came and congratulated us, and loved what we did with the changeover.

“George worked there because it was his passion and love, and that’s what Dad is doing. I think he recognised that.

“We served them some food. It was a great way to start this place.”

Singh said only he and his wife would work at Jeet’s - “we know what each other is doing”.

“It’s a real family thing and I’m excited to see everyone again.”

Jeet’s opens at 11am on November 12.

Mike Tweed is a multimedia journalist at the Whanganui Chronicle. Since starting in March 2020, he has dabbled in everything from sport to music. At present his focus is local government, primarily Whanganui District Council.