A Tauranga restaurant is preparing to host its annual free community lunch again.

Castle 91 has held annual free community lunches since the pandemic.

On Monday, January 13, the Indian restaurant will be holding its 2025 free community lunch at its restaurant on Cameron Rd from 11.30am until 2pm.

Restaurant owner Mike Dhillion said that as members of the community, the staff believe they have a social responsibility to give back, especially since the local community has supported Castle 91 in various ways.

Dhillion said every local who couldn’t afford to buy a New Year or Christmas lunch or dinner is welcome.

Castle 91 staff: Ashsish Rana, Neeraj Rayal, Harpreet Kaur, Harjeet Singh and Mike Dhillon. Photo / David Hall

“We believe that Castle 91 should reciprocate and support those in need within the community,” he said.

“Prior to Covid-19, we held this event as a one-off in 2018. However, during the pandemic, we witnessed many locals losing their jobs and struggling in difficult times.

“We received numerous requests for free food, as people simply didn’t have the money to buy meals.”

They decided to organise a free community lunch and on the day of the event they were overwhelmed by the long line outside.

“It became clear that many people are reluctant to ask for help, even though they need support during tough times.”

Some of the curries that will be served at the Castle 91 free community lunch. Photo / David Hall

When Dhillion asked the attendees why they came, he learnt that some were single mothers who had lost their jobs and others had faced job losses due to sickness or disability.

“We provided 300-400 free meals throughout the pandemic.

“We made the decision to continue this tradition each year, organising a free lunch around Christmas or New Year’s.”

Dhillion remembered during the pandemic, a man continued to visit the restaurant several times a week seeking a free meal. “He had lost his job and became homeless, sleeping in his car for about two to three months.”

Castle 91 staff: Ashsish Rana, Neeraj Rayal, Mike Dhillon, Harjeet Singh and Harpreet Kaur. Photo / David Hall

When things began to settle and life returned to some normalcy, the man returned to the restaurant.

“This time he was well dressed, and we didn’t initially recognise him. He approached us and said, ‘You guys helped me during Covid when I was homeless. Now I have a new job, a new car in Rotorua, and I just wanted to come back and say thank you. I’d also like to pay for a couple of butter chicken meals.‘”

This inspired Dhillion to continue to hold these annual free community lunches as he could see the good he was doing for the community.

Castle 91 takes pride in the food they prepare and are looking forward to serving Tauranga community members at the free lunch. Photo / David Hall

“Our community comes first. Tauranga is like family to us, and just as we wouldn’t let a family member go hungry while others enjoy their meals, we feel compelled to support those who have struggled in the past – whether due to job loss, illness, or disability.

“We come from Punjab and follow the Sikh religion, where acts of charity are an integral part of our culture.

“One of the key practices is ‘Daswandh’, which involves donating a portion of one’s earnings to charity, as well as organising ‘Langar’, the tradition of offering free meals to those in need on various occasions.

“We continue to uphold these values in our community here, carrying forward the spirit of giving and service, as we believe in supporting others, just as we have been supported by this wonderful community.

“We want to ensure that everyone is included in the celebrations.”

Another one of the dishes Castle 91 will be serving at their free community lunch. Photo / David Hall

Dhillion said they had around 50-60 people attend the free community lunch last year.

“It’s getting bigger every year. Hopefully we will have 80 attendees this year, but we have arrangements for 120 people and within the time we can serve up to 150 people and we would love it if we achieve this figure.”

On the day, two options will be served: butter chicken or vegetable korma, which will each be paired with rice and naan bread.

One of the curries that will be served at the Castle 91 free community lunch. Photo / David Hall

This year, they have also added Cholle Bhature to the menu as well.

For Tauranga locals willing to pay, they will be able to get the butter chicken special for $10.

Get in touch with Castle 91 about the community lunch on 07 571 8891 or email castle_91@ymail.com.