At just 18 years old, Suleman Raza arrived in the UK from Rawalpindi, Pakistan, with little more than ambition, hope, and a determination to build a better life. The unfamiliar streets of London may have seemed daunting for a young teenage immigrant, but Suleman’s dreams were clear—he would create something meaningful, not just for himself but for his family and the community that welcomed him. Today, at 44, he stands as a celebrated food entrepreneur, philanthropist, and recipient of an MBE, proving that resilience and hard work can pave the way for extraordinary success.
Suleman’s early days were far from glamorous. He spent four years working tirelessly in a dimly lit eatery in Brixton, washing dishes, mopping floors, absorbing the fundamentals of running a kitchen and dreaming of bigger things. With his older brother Nasir by his side and armed with little more than bank loans and sheer determination, the brothers opened their first restaurant – Spice Village, in Tooting. It was a modest 15-seater takeaway, but it marked the beginning of something remarkable. In a foreign land, Suleman found comfort in recreating the flavours of home, blending Pakistani and Punjabi culinary traditions with a vision that would soon capture the hearts and taste buds of thousands.
The path wasn’t without struggles. Navigating life as an immigrant meant adapting to a new culture while battling the uncertainty that comes with starting from nothing. Yet, instead of allowing those challenges to define him, Suleman saw opportunities. He recognised a gap in London’s vibrant food scene—a lack of authentic Pakistani cuisine. With passion as his compass, he built Spice Village into a beacon of flavour, using ancient techniques like cooking over open flames to delivering dishes that were bold, memorable, and deeply rooted in tradition.
What started as a humble takeaway blossomed into a culinary empire. Spice Village expanded to Essex and later opened its flagship branch in Southall, a destination that soon became a magnet for Bollywood stars, Hollywood celebrities, and even the Mayor of London. Recognition poured in, with the media naming Spice Village as one of the top 20 restaurants in London an honour that symbolised the culmination of years of grit and sacrifice. For Suleman, it was more than a personal victory. It was proof that his culture, his food, and his journey belonged in the heart of Britain.
Suleman’s success, however, goes far beyond business. Inspired by his mother’s unwavering strength and generosity, he has always believed in giving back. Her lessons of humility and resilience became his guiding principles: “She encouraged me to follow my dreams and supported me through every challenge. Her values have always shaped my decisions, both in life and business.”
Those values shine through his relentless charitable work. One of his most heartfelt initiatives, “No One Eats Alone on Christmas Day,” ensures that vulnerable members of the community receive a free three-course meal, reminding them they are seen and cared for. “It’s about more than just feeding people,” Suleman explains. “It’s about making sure no one feels forgotten.”
During the pandemic, when frontline workers were stretched to their limits, Suleman
launched One Million Meals, a nonprofit organisation that delivered hot meals and drinks to NHS staff and key workers. It was a monumental effort fuelled by gratitude and the belief that success carries a responsibility to uplift others. “Helping the homeless and those struggling with loneliness reminds me that success is not just about making money, it’s about using that success to help others and make a difference.”
Suleman’s impact hasn’t gone unnoticed. In 2021, his dedication to food, philanthropy, and community earned him an MBE – Member of the Order of the British Empire. Reflecting on the honour, he calls it one of the proudest moments of his life. “It was a real honour and made me feel that all the hard work and effort had paid off, not just for me but for the community as well.”
From a young immigrant with a dream to an acclaimed entrepreneur, Suleman Raza’s story is one of unwavering perseverance and deep gratitude. His journey marked by hardship, resilience, and extraordinary success serves as an inspiration to countless others. “I am grateful to Great Britain for the opportunities it has given me, nurturing me, helping me thrive, and enabling me to impact and influence the world in my humble capacity.”
Today, Suleman Raza’s legacy is not just about Spice Village or the countless awards he has received. It’s about his ability to turn struggle into purpose, to honour his roots while embracing his new home, and to create a success story that belongs to his family, his community, and every dreamer who believes that hard work can change everything.
