Chef Jay (second from right) dines with The Wharf Cinema Center’s management staff.

LAHAINA – India Express is celebrating its one-year anniversary all month long at The Wharf Cinema Center. In the month of June, stop by for the lunch special: your choice of chicken or vegetarian entree served with rice and naan bread.

Chef Zakir (also known as Jay) is a native of West Bangal, India. He grew up in Hoquiam, Washington and has been preparing northern Indian cuisine for as long as he can remember.

Jay has worked his way from humble beginnings in India. After graduating from high school, he worked as a waiter, prep cook, and eventually a sous chef. He has managed restaurants from Alaska to California.

In 2010, he was asked to help open the first Indian restaurant in Lahaina, and Jay jumped at the opportunity. Since then, his hard work has paid off; last year, he had the opportunity to own and operate his own restaurant, and India Express was born.

Jay uses only fresh, local ingredients, with the exception of the unique spices that are only found in India. India Express focuses on the favorites: masala, koorma, vindaloo, saag and kabobs. Choose your favorite, and make it vegetarian or add fresh fish, chicken or lamb.

The unique spices make every entree full of flavor. Customers are asked how spicy they like the dish. Curry entrees are prepared mild, medium or hot.

Generous portions of tandoor (clay oven) baked naan bread are made fresh daily and can be ordered plain or with garlic, onion, coconut, shrimp and more.

Jay and his staff are thankful and excited to share their success with the community that has so graciously supported them. India Express is located on the Plaza Level of The Wharf Cinema Center next to the tropical koi pond. The restaurant is open daily from 10 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.

Call 661-1207 or view the full lunch and dinner menus at www.indiaexpressmaui.com.