22 May 2025, 13:28IM Communications
Award-Winning Faith: The Sabbath Testimony Behind an Indian Restaurant in Ireland
In the bustling city of Waterford, an Indian restaurant is not only serving up delicious Indian cuisine but also offering a powerful testimony of faith. Andhra Spice, owned and operated by Seventh-day Adventist couple Katherina and Naresh Gandrala, has recently been honoured with an Award of Excellence, which they received even before completing one year in operation.
While awards and five-star reviews are impressive in any context, what makes this recognition especially remarkable is the couple’s steadfast decision to keep the restaurant closed every Saturday—in observance of the biblical Sabbath, which is observed from sunset Friday to sunset Saturday. In an industry where weekends are typically the most profitable days, their choice stands as an act of faith and trust in God.
“We really praise God for this,” Katherina shared. “Customers appreciated us even though we hadn't completed one year. It was only 10 months when we received this award. All glory and honour to God that we, as Adventists, got an award among all the other restaurants. All our Google reviews are five stars!”
The award is based entirely on customer ratings and reviews, with no external judges involved. That makes the recognition even more meaningful to the couple. Their restaurant, they explain, is more than just a business—it is a ministry.
A Leap of Faith
Before opening Andhra Spice, Naresh had never worked professionally as a chef. In fact, he says even his family back in India would be surprised to see him now. “Back in India, I never cooked. I was the only son after three daughters, and I never really had the opportunity,” he said. “But I learned how to cook from my mother, and I love it. I love feeding people. When they eat and say the food is good, that makes a big impact on us. It encourages us to keep going.”
The couple opened the restaurant in March 2024 with two purposes in mind: to bring authentic Indian flavours to Waterford and to use food as a tool for ministry. As they prepared to launch the business, they made a firm commitment to stay closed on Sabbath hours, no matter the financial implications.
"When we decided that we would start the business, we said no matter what, we are going to be closed on Sabbath," said Katherina. "There are many customers who have asked why we are closed. That gives us an opportunity to share our faith, to testify. We felt this is a kind of ministry we are doing through our food."
Customer Reactions
The restaurant’s quality and values have not gone unnoticed. Customers not only return for the food but often comment on the warmth and integrity behind the service. “I absolutely love any food with flavour,” said Raj Cheln, one enthusiastic client. “Once I found this place, I made it a point to come over when they are open. The food is absolutely delicious”. As a regular customer he knows about the opening times of the restaurant. “To be closed on Saturdays, that’s their choice. As a business, they can decide when to open and close. But they’re open other days and available in the evenings, what makes it perfect for people coming from work”, he adds.
Praveen Vasimalla, who is also an Adventist and a friend of the couple, was also present at Andhra Spice’s one year anniversary. “I can really see God’s blessings in their journey. God has a purpose for them here—to minister through the food they are cooking. Their decision to close on Saturdays is a testimony in itself. Most customers ask why, and that gives them the chance to talk about their faith”, he commented.
A Testimony That Nourishes
For Katherina and Naresh, the journey has not always been easy. The restaurant industry is demanding, and starting a new business in a competitive market, especially with the added challenge of being closed on Saturdays—could have spelled difficulty. But instead, their business has flourished, and their faith has grown stronger.
"Taste and see that the Lord is good. We have kept the Sabbath. We have tasted the Lord—and He is good," said Katherina. “This award, these blessings, they come from Him”.
Having celebrated their first anniversary in March 2025, Katherina and Naresh now look forward to many more years of serving the community—not only through food, but through love, faith, and quiet witness.
Their story is a powerful reminder that obedience to God is never in vain. In a world driven by profit and pressure, their decision to put faith first stands as an inspiration to fellow believers and business owners alike. As their ministry continues, so does their testimony—one plate at a time.
In the bustling city of Waterford, an Indian restaurant is not only serving up delicious Indian cuisine but also offering a powerful testimony of faith. Andhra Spice, owned and operated by Seventh-day Adventist couple Katherina and Naresh Gandrala, has recently been honoured with an Award of Excellence, which they received even before completing one year in operation.
While awards and five-star reviews are impressive in any context, what makes this recognition especially remarkable is the couple’s steadfast decision to keep the restaurant closed every Saturday—in observance of the biblical Sabbath, which is observed from sunset Friday to sunset Saturday. In an industry where weekends are typically the most profitable days, their choice stands as an act of faith and trust in God.
“We really praise God for this,” Katherina shared. “Customers appreciated us even though we hadn't completed one year. It was only 10 months when we received this award. All glory and honour to God that we, as Adventists, got an award among all the other restaurants. All our Google reviews are five stars!”
The award is based entirely on customer ratings and reviews, with no external judges involved. That makes the recognition even more meaningful to the couple. Their restaurant, they explain, is more than just a business—it is a ministry.
A Leap of Faith
Before opening Andhra Spice, Naresh had never worked professionally as a chef. In fact, he says even his family back in India would be surprised to see him now. “Back in India, I never cooked. I was the only son after three daughters, and I never really had the opportunity,” he said. “But I learned how to cook from my mother, and I love it. I love feeding people. When they eat and say the food is good, that makes a big impact on us. It encourages us to keep going.”
The couple opened the restaurant in March 2024 with two purposes in mind: to bring authentic Indian flavours to Waterford and to use food as a tool for ministry. As they prepared to launch the business, they made a firm commitment to stay closed on Sabbath hours, no matter the financial implications.
"When we decided that we would start the business, we said no matter what, we are going to be closed on Sabbath," said Katherina. "There are many customers who have asked why we are closed. That gives us an opportunity to share our faith, to testify. We felt this is a kind of ministry we are doing through our food."
Customer Reactions
The restaurant’s quality and values have not gone unnoticed. Customers not only return for the food but often comment on the warmth and integrity behind the service. “I absolutely love any food with flavour,” said Raj Cheln, one enthusiastic client. “Once I found this place, I made it a point to come over when they are open. The food is absolutely delicious”. As a regular customer he knows about the opening times of the restaurant. “To be closed on Saturdays, that’s their choice. As a business, they can decide when to open and close. But they’re open other days and available in the evenings, what makes it perfect for people coming from work”, he adds.
Praveen Vasimalla, who is also an Adventist and a friend of the couple, was also present at Andhra Spice’s one year anniversary. “I can really see God’s blessings in their journey. God has a purpose for them here—to minister through the food they are cooking. Their decision to close on Saturdays is a testimony in itself. Most customers ask why, and that gives them the chance to talk about their faith”, he commented.
A Testimony That Nourishes
For Katherina and Naresh, the journey has not always been easy. The restaurant industry is demanding, and starting a new business in a competitive market, especially with the added challenge of being closed on Saturdays—could have spelled difficulty. But instead, their business has flourished, and their faith has grown stronger.
"Taste and see that the Lord is good. We have kept the Sabbath. We have tasted the Lord—and He is good," said Katherina. “This award, these blessings, they come from Him”.
Having celebrated their first anniversary in March 2025, Katherina and Naresh now look forward to many more years of serving the community—not only through food, but through love, faith, and quiet witness.
Their story is a powerful reminder that obedience to God is never in vain. In a world driven by profit and pressure, their decision to put faith first stands as an inspiration to fellow believers and business owners alike. As their ministry continues, so does their testimony—one plate at a time.
