One of the Sault’s newest restaurants was born out of a passion for healthy, sustainable eating. Owner Oyunbileg Chuluunbazar (Oyuna) and her husband, Surendra Kumar Bansal (Kumar), opened Ojas Plant-Based Restaurant because they wanted to bring a unique dining experience to the city. “We wanted to create a place where people can enjoy delicious, plant-based international fusion cuisine that not only tastes great but also contributes positively to their health and the environment,” says Kumar.
The name of the restaurant has special significance. “’Ojas’ is derived from the Sanskrit term, which means ‘vitality’ or ‘life force’. It reflects our mission to provide food that nourishes the body and soul, bringing happiness and well-being to our customers,” he says.
Many wonder how to pronounce it. “It is pronounced just like it’s written,” Kumar explains. “There are no silent or hidden sounds.
” Kumar is from India and Oyuna from Mongolia. The pair have extensive experience in the restaurant and hospitality industry, each with over 20 years of experience running successful restaurants. They have managed and operated eateries that have served some very high-profile, distinguished guests—none other than the Dalai Lama, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the President of Mongolia.
Kumar has worked in different Indian restaurant kitchens since 2002. The restaurant’s head chef, Georgekutty T.M.
, has over 10 years of professional cooking experienc.