In a heartening display of community spirit, a cherished Indian eatery located on Perth’s bustling South Street is once again preparing to offer complimentary festive meals this Christmas Day. Praveen and Swarna Kumar, the dedicated proprietors of Tabla Indian Restaurant, are continuing their now three-year-old tradition of providing hot, freshly prepared dinners to individuals and families in need, as well as to the tireless emergency services personnel across Perth and Kinross.
The roots of this remarkable initiative run deep, stemming from Praveen’s childhood experiences in a small village in India. There, it was customary to invite the less fortunate into one’s home for a Christmas dinner, fostering a profound sense of shared community. Transplanting this deeply personal value to his adopted home in Perth, Praveen and Swarna have chosen to dedicate a day that could otherwise be highly profitable to a cause close to their hearts: ensuring that no one in their local community goes without a nourishing meal during the festive period.
On Christmas Day, Tabla Indian Restaurant will temporarily close its doors to regular diners, transforming its kitchens into a hub of festive production. The talented culinary team will be busily preparing a special menu of starters and main courses, all destined for those who might otherwise face a solitary or challenging festive season. These carefully prepared meals will be both delivered to various locations and available for direct collection from the restaurant itself, ensuring maximum accessibility for anyone in need of a warm plate and a gesture of kindness.
Last year, the program saw an incredible outpouring of support, reaching numerous local beneficiaries. Meals were gratefully received by staff at Perth Royal Infirmary, the local fire service, and police officers working hard to keep the community safe. Beyond the frontline services, the Kumars extended their generosity to seven local charity houses, including vital organisations such as the Salvation Army and Shelter Scotland, making a tangible difference to many vulnerable residents throughout Perth and its surrounding areas. This year, the team is already taking pre-orders from several charity houses and departments within facilities like Murray Royal Hospital, demonstrating the sustained need and appreciation for their efforts.
The success of this annual endeavour relies not only on the Kumars’ dedication but also on the remarkable spirit of local volunteers. Last year, numerous individuals from Perth and Kinross generously offered their time and vehicles to assist with deliveries, ensuring that hundreds of meals reached their intended recipients across the region. This collective effort truly embodies the compassionate and supportive nature that defines our community, transforming a simple act of giving into a widespread network of care.
The core philosophy driving this heartwarming tradition is straightforward: to guarantee that everyone has at least one proper, comforting meal on Christmas Day. In a world where festive cheer can sometimes highlight feelings of isolation or hardship for others, initiatives like this serve as a vital lifeline and a beacon of hope. It underscores the profound impact that local businesses and their families can have when they actively participate in strengthening the social fabric of their town.
Tabla Indian Restaurant will be open for meal collection between 11 am and 2 pm on Christmas Day, welcoming anyone who wishes to partake in the festive fare or simply enjoy a moment of shared humanity. Requests for these complimentary meals can be made easily through Tabla’s various social media platforms. It’s also worth noting that this generous offering is part of a broader trend of local kindness, with another coffee shop in Perth also planning to serve free Christmas Day meals, showcasing the collective heart of Perth and Kinross during the holiday season.
The roots of this remarkable initiative run deep, stemming from Praveen’s childhood experiences in a small village in India. There, it was customary to invite the less fortunate into one’s home for a Christmas dinner, fostering a profound sense of shared community. Transplanting this deeply personal value to his adopted home in Perth, Praveen and Swarna have chosen to dedicate a day that could otherwise be highly profitable to a cause close to their hearts: ensuring that no one in their local community goes without a nourishing meal during the festive period.
On Christmas Day, Tabla Indian Restaurant will temporarily close its doors to regular diners, transforming its kitchens into a hub of festive production. The talented culinary team will be busily preparing a special menu of starters and main courses, all destined for those who might otherwise face a solitary or challenging festive season. These carefully prepared meals will be both delivered to various locations and available for direct collection from the restaurant itself, ensuring maximum accessibility for anyone in need of a warm plate and a gesture of kindness.
Last year, the program saw an incredible outpouring of support, reaching numerous local beneficiaries. Meals were gratefully received by staff at Perth Royal Infirmary, the local fire service, and police officers working hard to keep the community safe. Beyond the frontline services, the Kumars extended their generosity to seven local charity houses, including vital organisations such as the Salvation Army and Shelter Scotland, making a tangible difference to many vulnerable residents throughout Perth and its surrounding areas. This year, the team is already taking pre-orders from several charity houses and departments within facilities like Murray Royal Hospital, demonstrating the sustained need and appreciation for their efforts.
The success of this annual endeavour relies not only on the Kumars’ dedication but also on the remarkable spirit of local volunteers. Last year, numerous individuals from Perth and Kinross generously offered their time and vehicles to assist with deliveries, ensuring that hundreds of meals reached their intended recipients across the region. This collective effort truly embodies the compassionate and supportive nature that defines our community, transforming a simple act of giving into a widespread network of care.
The core philosophy driving this heartwarming tradition is straightforward: to guarantee that everyone has at least one proper, comforting meal on Christmas Day. In a world where festive cheer can sometimes highlight feelings of isolation or hardship for others, initiatives like this serve as a vital lifeline and a beacon of hope. It underscores the profound impact that local businesses and their families can have when they actively participate in strengthening the social fabric of their town.
Tabla Indian Restaurant will be open for meal collection between 11 am and 2 pm on Christmas Day, welcoming anyone who wishes to partake in the festive fare or simply enjoy a moment of shared humanity. Requests for these complimentary meals can be made easily through Tabla’s various social media platforms. It’s also worth noting that this generous offering is part of a broader trend of local kindness, with another coffee shop in Perth also planning to serve free Christmas Day meals, showcasing the collective heart of Perth and Kinross during the holiday season.