Where Authentic Indian Flavour Meets Multicultural Auckland Hospitality
In a busy food scene like Auckland, only a few restaurants manage to become places that people trust with their families, their celebrations, and even their special guests. Sangam Indian Restaurant in Kumeu and Junoon Indian Cuisine in Orakei have achieved this position through consistency, clean cooking, and genuine hospitality. Both restaurants are owned and operated by very friendly Mr Rupesh & Most Humble Lady Shubu Sinha, who built them from humble beginnings and turned them into two of the most loved Indian dining spots in the region.
These restaurants are renowned for their authenticity, warmth, and strong connection to the community. Their approach is simple: cook everything fresh, stay true to Indian flavours, provide a peaceful environment, and treat every guest like family. The result speaks for itself. Close to eighty percent of customers are repeat guests, and most of them are from outside the Indian community. This shows the broad appeal and trust these restaurants have earned across cultures.
Rooted in Authenticity, Respected for Quality
Both kitchens focus on using fresh ingredients and making their curry bases in-house.
- Sangam highlights “scrumptious dishes of North India prepared in ethnic style” and offers a true homely comfort that locals love.
- Junoon proudly states that they use only fresh produce, avoid artificial colours, and do not use MSG. This clean cooking style has attracted many health-conscious diners.
Review platforms such as TripTap describe Sangam’s food as capturing “the true essence of North Indian cuisine with vibrant spices and real flavour”. Whether dining in or picking up, customers often mention the warm welcome and the honesty in the food.
Junoon’s guests highlight its peaceful ambience, generous portions, freshness of ingredients, and the unique BYO wine option, which is very popular among Remuera and Orakei families.
A Customer Base as Diverse as Auckland Itself
What surprises many newcomers is that the regular crowd at Sangam and Junoon is incredibly multicultural. Families, office teams, young couples, seniors, and food lovers from all walks of life visit every week.
Both restaurants offer:
- A family-friendly space
- Affordable pricing
- Plenty of vegetarian and vegan dishes
- A calm, distraction-free environment
- Clean, safe surroundings with easy parking
These are simple yet powerful reasons why people from many backgrounds become loyal customers.
Catering Trusted at the Highest Levels
Sangam and Junoon are not only serving dine-in customers. They are also preferred caterers for some of Auckland’s biggest cultural, community, and diplomatic events.
Their team has catered for:
- The Consulate General of India in Auckland
- Community festivals
- Private family events
- Corporate gatherings
- Special diplomatic functions
The food quality remains the same as in the restaurant, and menus are often customised for the occasion.
High-profile guests who have enjoyed their food include:
- H. E. Neeta Bhushan, High Commissioner of India
- Dr Madan Mohan Sethi, Consul General of India, along with his family
- Hon. Piyush Goyal, senior Cabinet Minister of India
- Several local leaders, business owners, and cultural organisers
These visits and partnerships show the trust placed in Rupesh and his team. Catering for diplomatic events requires precision, hygiene, and consistency, and both restaurants are now well recognised for meeting these expectations.
Community First: A Business Built on Heart
Rupesh has always kept community support at the centre of his business philosophy. Beyond serving food, he and his team regularly sponsor or support:
- Local clubs and sports teams
- Cultural celebrations
- Charity events
- School and neighbourhood functions
For example, the Kumeu Racquets Club publicly thanked Sangam for being a strong sponsor. This kind of involvement creates a bond with local families, helping the restaurants grow through goodwill and trust.
Comfortable Dining and Easy Access for All Ages
Both restaurants take pride in offering a safe, relaxed dining experience:
- Sangam (Kumeu) has a casual, spacious layout with plenty of street parking and a friendly atmosphere perfect for group dinners.
- Junoon (Orakei) benefits from being located inside the Orakei Bay Village, which provides free parking, easy access, and a secure environment for families.
Parents appreciate the clean interiors, space for strollers, high chairs, and staff who always remain patient and polite.
Perfect for Celebrations, Family Dinners, or Corporate Events
People visit Sangam and Junoon not only for regular meals but also for:
- Birthdays
- Anniversaries
- Business dinners
- Community functions
- Pre-wedding gatherings
- Festival celebrations
- On-site or off-site catering
The restaurants are versatile, offering everything from quiet dinners to large catering setups.
Where to Visit
Sangam Indian Restaurant (Kumeu)
📍 3/45 Main Road, Kumeu 0810
☎️ 09 412 8396
🌐 sangam.co.nz
Experience: Wonderful North Indian comfort food with the warmth of a neighbourhood favourite. Perfect for families and groups.
Junoon Indian Cuisine (Remuera, Orakei Bay Village)
📍 Unit 2, 228 Orakei Road, Remuera, Auckland
☎️ 09 600 3169
🌐 junoon.co.nz
Experience: A peaceful, refined Indian dining experience with BYO wine and beautifully crafted food.
A Message for New and Future Customers
If you have not visited Sangam or Junoon yet, this holiday season is a great time to discover why these two restaurants are trusted by diplomats, loved by locals, and supported by the wider Auckland community.
The Webfit News team will also be visiting soon for an exclusive on-camera feature. Stay tuned for behind-the-scenes stories, chef interactions, and a closer look at the dishes that make Sangam and Junoon such special places.
