Away from the busy beachfront restaurants and tourist districts of Australia's Gold Coast, the suburb of Mudgeeraba has developed its own local dining scene. Among its restaurants is Pangaat Indian Restaurant & Bar, a family-run establishment created by chef Akash Sarkar and his wife, Rokeya Rima.
Since opening in December 2023, Pangaat has built a following that extends beyond its immediate neighbourhood. Its recent recognition includes the 2025 Australian Good Food Guide (AGFG) Readers' Choice Award in the Indian – Metro category for Gold Coast, QLD, and a place among the 2026 Queensland and Northern Territory finalists in the Indian Restaurant – South East Queensland category of the Restaurant & Catering HostPlus Awards for Excellence.
For Akash and Rokeya, these honours mark another stage in a journey that began long before the restaurant opened its doors.
A Culinary Journey Across Three Continents
Chef Akash Sarkar grew up in Bachra, Jharkhand, in eastern India, where his interest in cooking developed through the influence of his father, Chef Samar Sarkar.
After graduating in Hotel Management, Akash began his professional career in 2013, working at The Grand Oberoi Kolkata and The Oberoi Mumbai. His experience later took him to the United States, where he worked in fine-dining kitchens at the JW Marriott Hotel in San Antonio.
These positions introduced him to different culinary traditions and professional kitchen environments. Alongside Indian cuisine, he gained experience in French, Italian and continental cooking, developing a broader approach to ingredients, techniques and presentation.
In 2017, Akash moved to Australia, where he worked as head chef on several restaurant projects before establishing Pangaat.
His ambition was to create a restaurant that would preserve the character of traditional Indian cooking while incorporating techniques and influences acquired throughout his international career.
A Restaurant Built Around Family and Community
Pangaat is run by Akash and his wife, Rokeya Rima, who manages the front-of-house operations. With three years of hospitality experience, Rokeya works alongside Akash to shape the restaurant's service and guest experience.
The couple chose Mudgeeraba, a suburb in the Gold Coast hinterland rather than one of the region's main tourist destinations.
For Rokeya, that location has become an important part of the restaurant's identity.
Unlike restaurants that benefit from passing tourist traffic, Pangaat largely depends on people making a deliberate decision to visit. Its customers come not only from Mudgeeraba but also from surrounding communities, including Robina, Bonogin, Worongary and Nerang.
As Rokeya explains, the aim is to give people a reason to make the journey and, more importantly, a reason to return.
That approach has helped Pangaat establish itself as a neighbourhood restaurant with a customer base extending across several Gold Coast suburbs.
Traditional Indian Flavours, Contemporary Influences
The name Pangaat comes from the Sanskrit word Pankti, associated with the tradition of people sitting together to share a meal, regardless of social background.
The restaurant's menu reflects this idea of food as a shared experience, bringing together dishes from different regions of India.
Alongside familiar favourites such as butter chicken, biryani and freshly prepared naan, the menu includes regional specialities and dishes shaped by Akash's professional experience.
Among the restaurant's offerings are tandoori preparations, richly spiced curries, vegetarian dishes and traditional Indian breads. The menu also features banquet options and a weekend lunch selection, including thali — a meal served with several complementary dishes.
The kitchen combines established Indian recipes and spice combinations with contemporary cooking and presentation, while maintaining a focus on the regional traditions behind the food.
Recognition Beyond the Neighbourhood
Pangaat's growing local following has been accompanied by recognition from two Australian hospitality organisations.
The restaurant was named AGFG Readers' Choice Winner 2025 in the Indian – Metro category for Gold Coast, QLD. The Australian Good Food Guide's Readers' Choice programme recognises restaurants through public voting, making this award particularly meaningful for a business built around repeat customers and local support.
Pangaat was also named a 2026 Queensland and Northern Territory finalist in the Indian Restaurant – South East Queensland category of the Restaurant & Catering HostPlus Awards for Excellence.
Although the two honours come from different award programmes, together they represent recognition from both diners and the wider hospitality sector.
For a restaurant operating outside the Gold Coast's principal tourist areas, they also demonstrate how a neighbourhood dining destination can attract attention beyond its immediate surroundings.
Visiting Pangaat
Pangaat Indian Restaurant & Bar is located at Shop 3/59 Railway Street, Mudgeeraba, Queensland 4213, Australia.
The restaurant serves dinner from Tuesday to Sunday, with lunch available Friday to Sunday. It is closed on Mondays.
Visitors can explore the restaurant's menu or make a reservation through the official website.
