A young culinary entrepreneur, Deep Raj Thapa from Samtse, has spun a tale of resilience, innovation, and a devotion to the art of gastronomy. His brainchild, Dim Sum Basket, an establishment inaugurated on the 1st ofMarch 2023, presents an amalgamation of traditional Chinese cuisine and novel culinary experiences.
With a bachelor’s degree in hotel management, Deep Raj Thapa hails from the quaint region of Karshaling in Samtse Dzongkhag. His aspirations, coupled with his zeal to merge acquired skills with specialized training, led to the establishment of Dim Sum Basket, a restaurant that stands as a testament to his dedication and culinary finesse.
The name “Dim Sum,” which translates to “Touch the Heart,” embodies the essence of the restaurant – to serve delectable and nourishing traditional Chinese cuisine consisting of small plates of dumplings and other snack dishes. Dim Sum Basket isn’t merely a restaurant; it’s an innovative concept, offering newly developed culinary innovations and authentic meals prepared using traditional Chinese cooking techniques.
This culinary haven caters to both non-vegetarian and vegetarian palates, presenting a diverse menu that includes delightful desserts such as the explosive sweet flavor of caramel custard. Deep Raj shares, “Dessert is like a feel-good song, and the best one makes you dance.”
The menu also features appetizers like chicken lollipops, perfect for any occasion, especially when paired with Chinese noodles or rice. Moreover, Dim Sum Basket serves refreshing herbal teas—jasmine, mint, and oolong—that are not only delightful but also contribute to good health. The establishment prides itself on presenting wholesome food that is not only beautifully prepared but also evokes a range of emotions in its customers.
Beyond serving tantalizing dishes, Deep Raj aspires to consistently deliver health-conscious meal presentations with appropriate garnishes, exceptional flavors, and distinctive tastes. A vital aspect of his vision includes providing job opportunities through his business, uplifting the local community. Starting a business in the culinary world posed various challenges for Deep Raj.
Despite his education and expertise, he faced rejection and a lack of opportunities in the established hotel and restaurant industry, which ultimately inspired him to embark on his entrepreneurial journey.
Overcoming financial hurdles and securing reliable resources and employees was a daunting task. However, with perseverance and determination, Deep Raj approached various banks for loans, facing rejections until the Loden Foundation embraced his entrepreneurial vision and provided support
through their entrepreneurship program.
While confronted with obstacles in sourcing raw materials and facing inflation, he maintains resilience by seeking solutions, occasionally seeking supplies from relatives abroad and employing strategies to combat inflation’s impact on his food costs.
As a devoted food enthusiast, Deep Raj’s passion for the culinary arts serves as a driving force. He acknowledges his friends and family as mentors, relying on their guidance to manage his time effectively and meet business obligations.
He emphasizes, “Becoming an entrepreneur is not a choice for me, it is a faith.” His strategy revolves around managing risk, making sacrifices, thinking positively, and maintaining a strong mentality without being careless in business.
With an eye on the future, Deep Raj encourages young aspiring entrepreneurs to stay motivated and focused, believing that the future lies in creating unique market platforms. He envisions Bhutan as a rising
business hub, leveraging the government’s efforts to position the nation as a popular tourism destination.
Deep Raj Thapa stands as an embodiment of Bhutan’s entrepreneurial spirit, epitomizing the fusion of passion, determination, and innovation in the culinary world. As he continues to tread on this path, his dedication to crafting culinary delights remains an inspiration and a beacon of hope for aspiring entrepreneurs in Bhutan and beyond.
By Purni Maya
