Castle 91 has held annual free community lunches since the pandemic.
On Monday, 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 community members, 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 could not afford to buy a New Year or Christmas lunch or dinner was welcome.
Castle 91 staff: Ashsish Rana, Neeraj Rayal, Harpreet Kaur, Harjeet Singh and Mike Dhillon. Photo / David Hall
“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 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 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.
He said one of the key practices was Daswandh, which involves donating a portion of earnings to charity, and 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
“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.”
