Sushil Ravikumar, owner and executive chef at Sushil’s Musclechef Kitchen and Café in Porirua, has once again earned a finalist spot in the prestigious Burger Wellington competition with his heartfelt creation, Gran’s Table.
The burger is part of the annual Visa Wellington On a Plate festival, running from 1 to 31 August 2025, and draws inspiration from Ravikumar’s childhood memories of his grandmother’s cooking. He began his culinary journey at just five years old, making omelettes for his family and discovering a lifelong calling.
“Food is love. It’s always been about bringing people, families and communities together through food, culture and connection,” said Ravikumar.
Gran’s Table is a heartfelt tribute to his grandmother’s cooking and features Chennai-style vellai chicken kurma, with masala omelette, kachumber salad, Kāpiti Kānuka Smoked Havarti, mint coconut chutney and spiced green banana crisps in a Pōneke Bakery coconut milk bun. It’s served with karam podi fries and mango ooruga mayo.
Since the competition began, over 2,800 of these burgers have been sold, with Ravikumar working up to 18-hour days to meet demand.
The burger is one of five finalists selected from more than 180 entries, all interpreting this year’s theme, Food is Love. Each finalist crafted dishes steeped in cultural heritage and emotional connection, offering everything from traditional Māori boil-ups to Malaysian laksa-inspired burgers.
Ravikumar praised the spirit of Wellington On a Plate, noting the generosity and passion of the people involved.
“The people are hardworking, passionate and generous — supporting from behind and out front for their love of food and diversity. That’s what makes us stronger as a city,” he said.
Winners of Burger Wellington will be announced at the close of the festival. Locals can still try Gran’s Table until 24 August at Sushil’s Musclechef Kitchen and Café.
For tickets and details, visit visawoap.com.