About Gurkhas
‘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 contribution 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 the East India Company between 1814-1418 to save the country from the British Empire. They went to battle against the armoured British with a 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, the Middle East, Malaya, Borneo, 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.
History of Gurkhas
It was a humble beginning. Gurkhas Brasserie is one of the first Nepalese restaurants in Melbourne. When Gurkhas Brasserie first opened in 1995 on the famous Chapel Street in Melbourne, it had one sole purpose: “to serve the Australian public an authentic taste of the Himalayan kingdom of Nepal”. Over time, it lived up to its purpose, winning its customers’ praise and admiration, not just their taste buds. Gurkhas is now one of the most famous Nepalese restaurants in Melbourne serving the same taste of Himalayan cuisine with an added smile.
Chandra Yonzon – Founder of Gurkhas in Australia
Run By – Sukuman Tamang & His Son since past 13 Years
Our Connection to Gurkhas
Our connection to Gurkhas goes a long way back. The Founder of the Gurkhas chain of restaurants in Australia, Mr Chandra Yonzon’s grandfather, Captain Parsuram Tamang, was one of the thousands of Gurkhas soldiers enlisted in 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.
