When Passion Travels
Beyond Distance
"Some guests visit a restaurant because they are hungry. Some visit because they have heard good things. And then there are a few rare guests who travel extraordinary distances simply for the love of food."
On 18 June 2026, I was seated at the reception counter of Lazeez Hakeem when something caught my attention.
At Table No. 23, a gentleman who appeared to be around sixty years old had already finished his meal and completed his payment. Yet instead of leaving, he continued sitting comfortably, engaged in a long and pleasant conversation with our Hall Captain, Parvez Khan.
There was nothing unusual about guests enjoying conversations after a meal. It happens often at Lazeez Hakeem. Still, I found myself curious about what they were discussing.
Nearby stood the table's waiter, Pawan Pandare. During a casual conversation, he mentioned something that immediately caught my attention.
"Sir, this guest has come from Mumbai by flight just to eat at our restaurant."
For a moment, I was surprised. Then came a feeling of pride. And along with that pride came a sense of responsibility.
Any guest who values your food enough to travel across cities deserves a personal thank you.
Just then, the gentleman walked toward the reception counter to leave. I greeted him warmly and expressed my gratitude for visiting us. During the conversation, I offered him a cup of coffee, which he graciously accepted.
I invited him to sit at Table No. 1, and what followed became one of the most memorable conversations I have had with a guest.
As we spoke, I learned that he was a true food enthusiast. For him, distance was never an obstacle when it came to authentic food. Good food, he said, can call him anywhere.
What impressed me even more was his philosophy about cooking. He shared that he was also a passionate chef and strongly believed that original recipes should be preserved and respected.
He spoke about how many establishments today modify dishes according to convenience, availability, or market trends. His words were simple but powerful:
"If a dish is no longer prepared using its original ingredients and traditional method, then perhaps it deserves a new name. Authentic food should remain authentic."
His perspective deeply resonated with me.
Our conversation soon expanded beyond food. He shared stories about his education, professional journey, life experiences, and personal values. In return, I spoke about the journey of Lazeez Hakeem, the hard work and vision of my late father, the challenges we faced over the years, and the future aspirations that the next generation, led by Mohammad Husain, hopes to achieve.
He listened patiently and offered thoughtful encouragement for the road ahead.
There was something remarkably peaceful about his personality. A gentle smile. A calm voice. A humble presence. And words filled with wisdom. The kind of person whose company leaves a lasting impression long after the conversation ends.
Eventually, after finishing his coffee, he expressed his desire to leave. I accompanied him outside and requested his visiting card. Smiling, he said the card was inside his bag and promised to send it to me later on WhatsApp.
Before parting, we took a selfie together and exchanged good wishes. I thanked him sincerely for his visit, his time, and his inspiring conversation.
After returning to the reception counter, Captain Parvez Khan came over and shared how the conversation with the guest had actually begun.
The guest had asked him:
"Do you know that people travel all the way from Mumbai by flight just to eat here?"
Parvez replied proudly,
"That would be a great honour for us. Are you from Mumbai?"
The gentleman smiled and said,
"Yes, I am. This morning I felt like eating your Nihari and Khameeri Roti, so I booked a flight and came."
Parvez assumed he must have had some other work in Bhopal. But the guest clarified:
"I do have an office here, but that work could easily have been handled remotely. The real reason I came today was to enjoy the food at Lazeez Hakeem."
Later, through his visiting card, we learned more about him.
He was Dr. Sant Singh, Chief Operating Officer (COO) of AgNext Technologies, a globally recognized AgriTech and FoodTech company working in Artificial Intelligence and Food Quality Assessment solutions.
A highly accomplished professional. A senior leader. A decision-maker responsible for operations across multiple regions.
Yet what stayed with us was not his designation. It was his humility. His appreciation for authenticity. And his unwavering belief that great food deserves respect.
That afternoon reminded me of something important.
In the restaurant business, we often measure success through numbers, revenue, and growth. But sometimes, success arrives quietly. It sits at a table. Shares a cup of coffee. Leaves behind a conversation. And reminds us why authenticity still matters.
For all of us at Lazeez Hakeem, meeting Dr. Sant Singh was not merely an interaction with a guest.
It was a reminder that genuine food, prepared with honesty and tradition, still has the power to inspire people to cross cities, board flights, and travel hundreds of kilometres in search of a memorable meal.
And for that, we remain grateful.