Meet the Entrepreneurs: Tina and Mayul, Founders of Lakhey Restaurant

In the heart of Jordan, where cultures, languages, and cuisines meet on every street corner, Lakhey Restaurant brings a vibrant taste of Nepal to Hong Kong. More than just a place to eat, Lakhey is a space where food, tradition, and community come together. With authentic Nepalese and Newari dishes such as Samay Baji, Yomari, and Laphing, the restaurant offers both a memorable dining experience and a meaningful connection to Nepalese culture.

A Shared Dream Built in Hong Kong

Lakhey Restaurant was founded by Tina and Mayul, a couple who both moved to Hong Kong around 6 to 8 years ago. They met here, built their lives here, and later got married. Along the way, they also built something else together, a restaurant shaped by their shared love for Nepalese food, culture, and hospitality.

Their journey as entrepreneurs is closely tied to their own story in Hong Kong. Living away from home made them value their roots even more, and that inspired them to create a place where Nepalese traditions could be celebrated and shared with others. Through Lakhey, Tina and Mayul have created not only a business, but also a welcoming cultural space where customers can experience the warmth and richness of Nepal.

The Meaning Behind the Name “Lakhey”

The name Lakhey carries deep cultural meaning. In Nepalese folklore, Lakhey is a legendary figure known for its fierce face, protruding fangs, and striking red or black mane. Though it may look intimidating, Lakhey is traditionally seen as a protector, a guardian spirit believed to keep people safe from harm.

Lakhey holds a special place in Nepalese festivals and cultural performances, especially through traditional dances that celebrate its strength and symbolic role in the community. By naming their restaurant after this figure, Tina and Mayul are doing more than choosing a memorable name. They are bringing a piece of Nepalese identity into Hong Kong and inviting others to learn about its stories, symbols, and traditions.

Bringing Nepalese Heritage to the Table

What makes Lakhey Restaurant stand out is its strong cultural identity. The restaurant is not simply serving food inspired by Nepal. It is offering dishes that are deeply rooted in Nepalese and Newari tradition, prepared in a way that reflects the founders’ pride in their heritage.

From the savory richness of Samay Baji to the sweet comfort of Yomari and the bold flavors of Laphing, every dish represents a different side of Nepal’s culinary culture. These are not just menu items, they are part of a wider story about family, celebration, memory, and belonging.

The interior of Lakhey Restaurant adds another layer to that experience. Decorated with Nepalese inspired elements, including representations of Lakhey and other traditional deities, the space helps customers feel immersed in the culture behind the cuisine. It creates an atmosphere that is warm, distinctive, and full of character.

More Than a Restaurant

Lakhey Restaurant is also a place of connection. Tina and Mayul’s hospitality shapes the dining experience, making guests feel welcomed and comfortable from the moment they arrive. Their warmth as hosts reflects the values behind the business and helps turn a meal into something more personal and memorable.

The restaurant also celebrates Nepalese festivals and holidays through special events and promotions, giving both Nepalese and non Nepalese customers the chance to experience important cultural moments through food and community. In this way, Lakhey is not just serving the local Nepalese community, it is also introducing Hong Kong to the traditions and spirit of Nepal in an accessible and meaningful way.

Building Community Through Culture and Food

In a city as fast paced as Hong Kong, places like Lakhey Restaurant matter. They offer more than convenience or variety. They offer identity, comfort, and belonging. For Nepalese residents, Lakhey can feel like a reminder of home. For others, it is a chance to explore a culture through one of its most powerful expressions: food.

Tina and Mayul have built a restaurant that reflects both tradition and community. Their story shows how entrepreneurship can be rooted in culture and powered by genuine care for people. Lakhey Restaurant is not just a business. It is a celebration of heritage, a bridge between communities, and a meaningful part of Hong Kong’s multicultural food scene.

Visit Lakhey Restaurant

Explore the authentic flavors of Nepal at Lakhey Restaurant, located at G/F, 28 Battery Street, Jordan, Hong Kong, where Tina and Mayul bring together food, culture, and heartfelt hospitality in one welcoming space. To make a reservation or learn more, you can call +852 2657 2822 or +852 5649 5123, email lakheyhk@gmail.com, or follow Lakhey Restaurant on Facebook and Instagram. If you would like to learn more about the entrepreneurs we feature, reach out to info@guidefong.org and stay tuned for more stories.