HARRY MANGAT
Having spent most of his time cooking in Melbourne restaurants, Indian born, Australian trained chef Harry Mangat has worked and collaborated with some of Australia's most awarded and loved chefs; Raymond Capaldi, Peter Gunn, Blayne Bertoncello, Rosheen Kaul and Ross Magnaye just to name a few. His time staging at Attica in 2011 sparked his interest in where food comes from; how and where it's grown. This shifted his focus from the end product to it's origin - genuinely caring about our environment and how this impacts the food that ends up on our plates.
After meeting his wife, front of house loving Sandy Soerjadhi, their passion for travel and the great outdoors saw them journey the world together. Their latest projects sent them to work in some of Australia's most beautiful and rugged regions including FIinders Island and the magical Daintree Rainforest in Far North Queesnland. Each place exposing them to colourful flora and fauna, different cooking techniques and rich cultural influences. Combined with his creative ability in using spices, Harry continues to beautifully marry Indian flavours to local, regional and native Australian ingredients.
BIJI DINING
Back in the day, Biji is what Harry called his grandma - a natural talent in the kitchen, relentlessly and ever lovingly cooking for her generational household... and it's from his Indian roots our food takes it's inspiration. We started Biji Dining in 2016 as our "little project", a fun, creative avenue for exploration of new ideas and curiosity. Over the years, it has allowed us to travel, meet, cook and collaborate with some of this country's most talented chefs, farmers, wine makers, fishers and growers - teaching us ways that promote the things we believe in.
Today, Biji Dining is our "nomadic pop up project". A way of connecting better with people and our land through the food we create. Designing seasonal menus that reflect a sense of place. Ever inspired by flavours of the sub continent, we welcome you into our roving dining room. Share our love for good food and wine in a relaxed, genuinely warm and familial space.