In the tiny town of Bicknell, Utah, with a population of just 476, a Sikh entrepreneur from a small village near Jalandhar has turned a local pizzeria into a destination for travelers craving robust Punjabi flavors. Bhinda Singh, originally from Hardo Pharala village, launched Curry Pizza in 2017, offering pizzas topped with butter chicken, tikka masala, and other Punjabi curries.
From Tourist to Restaurateur
Bhinda Singh first arrived in Bicknell as a tourist but felt an immediate connection to the town, which reminded him of his own small village. His father, Amrik Singh, provided the space for the restaurant after recognizing his son's passion for food and entrepreneurship. The Singh family had moved to the United States in 2000. Before Curry Pizza, Bhinda worked in the automobile industry but eventually gave in to his culinary calling. "Like all Punjabis, my family has a continuous love story with food," he said.
Family Recipes Meet American Palates
Although not a trained chef, Bhinda credits his mother and maternal uncle for teaching him the art of cooking. "I had the best training in the world — family training," he noted. He experimented with blending American pizza traditions with Indian spices. His best-selling creation, the Bhinda Singh Special, features chicken tikka, paneer or tofu, cauliflower, mushrooms, onions, jalapenos, basil, cilantro, and fenugreek over curry sauce.
To cater to local tastes, Bhinda tweaked the recipes by adding cream. "People here generally prefer food that’s a little creamier. Also, the cream helps balance the spicy Indian tadka without affecting the flavor," he explained. Over the years, the menu has also shifted toward healthier options, with no added oils, butter, or unnecessary additives.
A Destination in the Desert
Bicknell, located about 17 miles west of Capitol Reef National Park, sees a steady stream of road-trippers who now stop for Bhinda's pizzas. According to demographic data from World Population Review and Data USA, over 80% of Bicknell’s residents are White. Yet Curry Pizza has become both a local staple and a tourist draw. Bhinda’s wife, Vicky, and children are involved in the business, helping test new recipes.
Innovating with Punjabi Street Food
Bhinda is currently experimenting with incorporating golgappa flavors into his pizzas. "I still miss golgappe from a shop in Jalandhar," he said, describing the challenge of recreating the sweet, tangy, and spicy burst of golgappa water in pizza form. He is also working on a pizza samosa fusion. "I’m excited about making a pizza with our beloved samosas," he added.
From Hardo Pharala to Bicknell
The journey from a small village in Punjab to a tiny Utah town spans continents, but Bhinda Singh’s kitchen carries the unmistakable flavors of Punjab. "I believe Indian flavors can make any food great, though the secret ingredient is always love," he said. "Our spices have so much depth that they can elevate almost anything if you treat them with love and respect."
