It was a humble beginning. Gurkhas Brasserie is one of the first
Nepalese restaurants in Melbourne. When Gurkhas Brasserie first
opened in 1995 in famous Chapel Street in Melbourne, it had one main
purpose: to serve Australian public an authentic taste of Himalayan
kingdom of Nepal. Over the time, it lived up to its purpose winning
their customers praise and admiration, not just heir taste buds.
Gurkhas is now one of the most famous Nepalese restaurants in
Melbourne still serving the same taste of Himalayan cuisine but of
course with added smile.
'It is Better to die than to be a coward’ is the motto of the world
famous Gurkha Soldiers.
The term Gurkhas is traditionally used to describe the men of Nepal
who serve as soldiers in the armies of Nepal, Britain, or India. The
word Gurkhas originated from Gorkha, one of the districts west of
Nepal, where king Prithivi Narayan Shah reigned early 17th century.
He had very strong, loyal, tough and devoted Gorkhali armies from
whose contribute he succeeded in uniting Nepal into one kingdom
around 1768-69 AD.
Gurkhas are famous for their courage, loyalty, neutrality and
impartiality. They fought relentlessly again the British army from
East India Company between 1814-1418 to save the country from the
British Empire. They went to battle against the armoured British
with mere traditional weapon, Khukuri, a 16" long curved knife.
Although the British defeated Nepal, they were so impressed by the
Gurkha fighters that they enticed them to enter the British (and
subsequently, Indian) army. The first regiment of Gurkha was formed
in 1815. Since then, many Nepalese mostly the Rais, Limbus, Gurungs
and Magars have served and still serve in the British Army.
In the 185 years they have served in the British Army, the Gurkhas
have won 26 Victoria Crosses, along with other British military
honours, more than any other single group in the army. More than
200,000 Gurkhas fought in two World Wars, with 14,000 killed in
engagements in France, Middle East, Malaya, Boreno, Cyprus, and the
Falklands.
The Gurkhas have loyally fought in nearly all of the World's major
wars and have earned Britain's highest service awards. The Gurkhas
have earned their fame and have made their mythical and legendary
figure toward the world.
Our Connection to Gurkhas
Our connection to Gurkhas goes a long way back. Our grandfather,
Captain Parsuram Tamang, was one of thousands of Gurkhas soldiers
enlisted to The Brigade of Gurkhas. He was in service for nearly 27
years since 1941 and was decorated with several bravery awards. Click here to view his
Certificate of Service.
Our grand father Captain Parsuram Tamang with Princess Ann
