THIRU RAJAMANI, Chef/Owner

After graduating with a Culinary Arts degree in Chennai, India, Thiru traveled the world as a chef on a boutique cruise line before heading to New York City. He spent 12 years honing his skills at East Village landmark Frank Restaurant, advancing up the food chain from bus boy to eventually become the restaurant’s general manager.  It was there that he met his wife and future business partner, Heather, a fellow restaurant veteran. Driven by their passion for the restaurant industry, they opened a cozy Italian restaurant in the heart of Fort Greene, named for their two year old son, Dino.  It quickly became a popular neighborhood favorite. Inspired by this success, Thiru secured a stall at the Brooklyn Flea and spent long evenings after-hours in Dino’s kitchen re-connecting with his culinary roots, preparing and creating magnificent South Indian cuisine, cooking crispy dosas with flavorful fillings and fresh chutneys for his stall at the Flea.

Over the next few years, Thiru’s food became a hit at the Flea and he grew such a devoted customer base that he and Heather were able to open a brick and mortar space in Carroll Gardens. And with that, Dosa Royale was born. Dosa Royale found its first home on Court Street, where the menu expanded to include many traditional appetizers, curries and desserts. Two years later, when a storefront opened up down the street from Dino, Thiru and Heather jumped at the opportunity to neighbor their two passion projects. They are proud to bring this unique South Indian cuisine to their friends and neighbors in the Fort Greene area.