Gurbachan Singh has been traveling the lengthy distance between California and Washington in a semi-truck since 2018. According to Singh, driving a truck can be both taxing and liberating. Physical constraints, loneliness, and long driving hours can all wear a driver down.
And then there’s the never-ending quest for a satisfying dinner.
Singh was thrilled and pleased to discover Amayah’s Cafe near Biggs Junction while on a typical drive on U.S. 97. He noted that there aren’t many dining options, much less real North Indian cuisine.
According to Singh, who discovered the location a few years ago, it’s sort of like at least it used to be a secret place. Not even I was aware of it.
Biggs Junction, located in the Columbia River Gorge at the intersection of Interstate 84 and U.S. 97, may appear to be simply another fast stop for food and gas. However, the crossroads is a treasure trove of some of the best Indian food in Oregon for many South Asian truck drivers who drive the route.
Since its opening in 2022, Amayah’s Cafe in Biggs Junction has grown to be a well-liked destination for South Asian truck drivers.Profenna Chiara
Singh fell in love with Amayah’s Cafe’s shahi paneer after tasting it.
“I can identify a quality restaurant by the quality of their shahi paneer,” he remarked. It’s the simplest to make, but it’s also the most difficult.
Two food stands across the street from one another, Amayah’s Cafe and Sizzling Tandoori Hut, run their establishments with the same mission: providing South Asian truckers with a sense of home.
The neighborhood’s first food truck, Amayah’s Cafe, debuted in 2022. The cafe, which is the third location owned by Babita Kainth and her business partner Atanu Das, is named after Kainth’s daughter. As a thank you to the truck drivers who travel through the area, the Biggs Junction site was created.
More than 20% of truck drivers in the United States are Punjabi, a group that includes eastern Pakistan and northern India, according to Raman Dhillon, CEO of the North American Punjabi Trucking Association.
They are the most significant individuals in our lives and in the lives of all people since, according to Kainth, there would be a major transportation issue worldwide if there were no truckers.
Kainth was inspired to provide a solution for truckers because there were few meal options along the 130-mile stretch south near Bend and the 100-mile stretch east toward Pendleton. In addition to well-known delicacies like butter chicken, tikka masala, naan, and samosas, Amayah’s Cafe serves traditional North Indian Punjabi fare including aloo paratha, paneer kadai, and dal tadka. West Bengali chef Das received his culinary training at Bangalore’s Hotel Crowne Plaza.
Because of the high caliber and practicality of Amayah’s Cafe, Singh’s schedule now includes stopping by Biggs Junction for a meal.
Regarding co-owner Das, Singh remarked, “The guy who runs the place is a really nice guy.” The cuisine prepared by these folks is delicious and authentic, just like it would be back home.
Singh claims that many large eateries overspice their Indian cuisine. He claimed that too much flavor destroys the food and makes it no longer authentic.
Singh listed the flexibility to personalize his meals, place advance takeout orders, and help a small business as other benefits. When he’s traveling, the attributes keep him coming back to Biggs Junction for his favorite dish, shahi paneer.
According to Singh, it’s superior to other locations and fast food restaurants like McDonald’s. The majority of truck stops serve stale, unhealthy fried food. At least you can tailor the cuisine to be healthy at these places, like an Indian restaurant, taco truck, or anything similar.
When Kainth founded Amayah’s Cafe in Biggs Junction, she already owned a restaurant in Portland. Although Kainth’s Portland shop is shuttered, she still runs other food carts in Hood River and The Dalles two years later.
Sizzling Tandoori Hut opened across the street from Amayah’s Cafe shortly after it debuted in Biggs Junction. The success of his first truck stop in Aurora and his personal experiences motivated the owner, Happy Singh, to create a second one.
Lamb curry, butter chicken, and tandoori chicken rice are among the North Indian Punjabi dishes offered at Sizzling Tandoori Hut in Biggs Junction.Profenna Chiara
According to Happy Singh, “I was a truck driver myself for a long time, so this food idea for the truckers came up.” Finding meals on the road was really difficult while I was driving back then.
Drivers are the focus of Happy Singh’s Sizzling Tandoori Huts’ design. Drivers can park their vehicles on the highway side at Biggs Junction and unwind in outdoor areas with lounge chairs, string lights, and Punjabi-style cots. Booth seating and a canopy to protect diners from the weather are provided by a nearby shipping container.
Happy Singh’s commitment to the community is further demonstrated by his monthly Sangrand langar, when he serves truck drivers free vegetarian food in accordance with the Sikh custom of Vand Chhako, which places a strong emphasis on sharing. Happy Singh is dedicated to giving back, as evidenced by his efforts, which are motivated by the teachings of Guru Nanak Dev Ji.
On November 14, Sizzling Tandoori Hut employees in Aurora give away free meals to truckers.Profenna Chiara
That kind of service will be seen by the Sikh community worldwide, and Happy Singh stated, “I want to be a small part of it too.” I’m really happy that I’m doing that, and I make sure to serve myself on that specific day.
Happy Singh carries on the custom, which began in Aurora and later spread to his second shop in Biggs Junction, once a month during the full moon. Truck drivers have come to love it, and many of them value the way it relates to Sikh teachings.
We’re going to the church on this particular day, so it feels fantastic, Happy Singh added. They participate in one of our gurus’ [teachings] if they are unable to attend church.
Happy Singh opened his Aurora branch near the Flying J Travel Center along Interstate 5 on November 14 and served bread pakora, samosas, masala chai, gulab jamun, chips, and soda to throngs of truck drivers.
On November 14, Happy Singh serves drivers warm meals, chai, and snacks while standing behind a table.Profenna Chiara
Dozens of truck drivers stopped by during the first hour of free food service, packing their to-go containers with roadside goodies. Many truckers stayed there to eat the fresh cuisine and converse with other drivers during their break.
Happy Singh stated that everyone is free to consume as much food as they require during those brief hours. Singh responded that it’s the last thing on his mind when asked about the possible effect on profits.
“We still have 29 days to turn a profit,” he remarked. so that we might give God our day and act in good faith. We are able to assist those who are unable to pay for things. There are instances when a lot of these folks are driving and truckers aren’t paid or anything. They can get a free dinner at least once.
Three-year truck driver Dharmander Sharma returns to the Aurora truck stop at least once a week because of the reliable and genuine Punjabi North Indian cuisine. Along with the welcoming service, many guests gave the same explanation.
near an effort to reach an even larger spectrum of truck drivers, Singh intends to broaden his menu and open a food stand near Biggs Junction that will serve smash burgers.
For drivers on the road, Amayah’s Cafe and Sizzling Tandoori Hut will still provide a little bit of home.
Amayah’s Cafe: 331-472-9461; Indiancurryandkababs.com; 91689 Biggs Rufus Hwy., Wasco
Sizzling Tandoori Hut: 91689 Biggs Rufus Hwy., Wasco; 541-370-2126 and 12271 Melinda Lane N.E., Aurora; 503- 776-9177;sizzlingtandoorihut.com
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Chiara Profenna discusses faith, religion, and cultural ties. 503-221-4327, [email protected], or @chiara_profenna are her contact details.
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