My Story

I am not ashamed to share my life story; in fact, I feel proud and love to inspire others.

My name is Maya. I was born in a small village in Bhutan and grew up in Nepal, both countries nestled in the shadow of the Himalayas. I am the second of five siblings. When I was 12, my father passed away, and we were raised by our single mother. Life wasn’t easy, and from a young age, I learned the value of hard work. My family, like many others, struggled to make ends meet, but we never lost hope. As a child, I dreamed of becoming a successful businessperson in the food industry and kept that desire alive. I was inspired by my father and learned many different street and local recipes in Nepal from an early age.

In the early 1990s, a civil war broke out in Bhutan, causing many to lose their lives, families, and property, forcing them to flee the country. I was just a little girl when we came to Nepal. We lived in a refugee camp in eastern Nepal for over a decade, facing daily challenges for food, shelter, and clothing. With the help of some organizations, we were able to meet our daily needs. One day, we were given the opportunity for third-country settlement and arrived in Fredericton, New Brunswick, Canada in 2009.

I took ESL classes and worked hard at Samosa Dilite Kitchen in a full-time position and at Howard Johnson Hotel in a part-time role. In 2012, I married the love of my life, who shares the same background. We have two beautiful children, a boy and a girl. Our son is autistic, and life has been more challenging with a child who has special needs. In 2015, we moved to Calgary, Alberta, where we lived for seven years. In Calgary, we faced additional struggles due to the high cost of living in a big city and the long, extreme winters. My in-laws worked full-time, and my husband worked for several different companies. During COVID, my husband started driving long-haul trucking across Canada and the USA, while I stayed home to take care of the children. During my free time, I ran a small food catering business from home.

In early 2023, I had the opportunity to take over a new restaurant business in Windsor, Ontario. I moved to Windsor first, and after five months, my family joined me. I may be wrong, but so far, I believe I am the only female chef in the Bhutanese and Nepalese community in Canada. My husband is my greatest source of courage and the backbone of our business. Now, my passion has become my profession. “Nepali Palace Restaurant” is now operated as a locally owned family business.

At Nepali Palace Restaurant, we are passionate about delivering the true flavors of Nepal to our guests. I prepare each dish with authenticity and care, ensuring a remarkable dining experience in a warm, inviting atmosphere. As soon as you enter, you’re greeted with a vibrant blend of aromas that transport you directly to the bustling streets of Kathmandu. Our menu features an array of traditional dishes, from aromatic spicy curries and flavorful biryanis to delectable momo (dumplings) and tasty noodles, each crafted to perfection. Whether you are a longtime lover of Nepali cuisine or trying it for the first time, our culinary adventure promises to delight your taste buds with rich and comforting flavors that celebrate the essence of Nepalese culture. Join us at Nepali Palace for an unforgettable meal that will leave you longing for more.