A COLCHESTER businessman says he has been "overwhelmed" by the support the city has shown him after launching his second enterprise. 

Raj Shekhar, who moved from Hyderabad in southern India to Essex after the pandemic, started out with a grocery shop on the High Street. 

Now he has expanded into the restaurant sector launching a takeaway dedicated to Indian cuisine.  

Slice and Spice(Biryani Planet), in Military Road, has quickly become a popular spot for students and locals alike.

With a small team of five, the takeaway prides itself on cooking fresh, minimising waste, and offering reasonable prices.

(Image: Newsquest Reporter)

The takeaway has become especially known for its biryani, selling around 100 plates a day.

Mr Shekhar said: "I have received overwhelming support not just from the Indian community in Colchester, but from everyone.

"I tried starting off with fried chicken and burgers but that wasn't working very well. Since we introduced the Indian items, that I make sure are made with the authentic recipe from my home town, everyone has been loving it."

(Image: Newsquest Reporter)

Open from 4pm to midnight, it serves a range of Indian dishes, with all menu items priced under £10.

Their star attraction is the special chicken biryani, sold for just £4.99.

He said: "I decided to try my luck and move to the UK around two years back. Ever since there has been no looking back. I started with an Off License shop first and then acquired this venue.

"Although it was challenging at first and we were struggling to keep afloat, I decided to go back to my roots and that really connected with people.

"We have customers coming in even at midnight when we are about to close, just to get the biryani"

Mr Shekhar added: "I want to expand our menu and have a full menu by end of this year, because we have a lot to offer.

"Earlier, when we tried doing burgers and pizza, it didn't really see any customers. We changed the menu and it was the best decision I made for the business."