It is a story of inspiration, built on the passion and untiring dedication of owner and former engineer, Michael Sharma and wife Jaya, who came to Australia in 1974.
Our Story
The couple aimed to make a livelihood out of introducing Indian food and spices to a population in Melbourne that was previously hesitant to try the vibrant and exotic flavours of this cuisine. It was a cuisine that had never existed there until Curry Corner opened its quaint shop in the midst of Chinese business establishments on Russell Street in 1978… making it the first-ever Indian grocery and food takeaway shop in Melbourne.
With the spirit of true pioneers, husband and wife worked as a team, introducing various spices and herbs, and delectable Indian curry takeaways to residents through food tasting and cooking classes, in hopes that locals in Melbourne might acquire a taste for the unique food. Through continuous efforts and belief in what they could offer, the couple’s hard work was eventually rewarded.
Curry Corner is now an iconic business, famously known across Australia as the go-to Indian food shop and curry place for the freshest herbs and spices, and mouth-watering Indian delicacies prepared lovingly by Jaya Sharma, the shop’s passionate cook. In 2010, Michael Sharma was awarded by Melbourne’s Lord Mayor, Robert Doyle for his untiring and unyielding spirit to provide services to Melbourne’s multicultural community.
Curry Corner’s menu of delightfully distinctive takeaway food for meat-eaters and vegetarians alike has been enjoyed through the decades by people from all walks of life: from local residents to film celebrities and political leaders. Its fragrant spices, chutney and pastes find their way into restaurants, shopping centres and other establishments. The shop’s services have expanded as well, to include food catering for all types of occasions, due to demand and popularity.
1978
Curry Corner opens its first shop in Russell Street, as the first-ever Indian grocery and food takeaway shop in Melbourne.
2010
Owner Michael Sharma is awarded Silver Medal for his contributions of Indian food and spices and years of unyielding service to Melbourne’s multicultural community.
2016
Son Aneal Sharma takes over management of Curry Corner.
2019
Curry Corner shop transfers to a new and better location in Victoria Street, North Melbourne.
Today, Curry Corner remains a close-knit, family-oriented business, with son Aneal Sharma now managing its shop. Equally passionate in his love for the business that his parents have dedicated much of their lives to, Aneal continues the heart-warming success story of Curry Corner alongside mother, Jaya, providing quality spices and food made from the heart, in hopes of keeping Curry Corner an icon of Indian culture etched in Australia’s multicultural fabric for generations to come.