The Story of Namji – A Taste of Punjabi Heritage in Milton Keynes

Namji isn’t just a restaurant.

It’s a story of resilience, family, and the rich traditions of Punjabi culture.

Every dish we serve carries a piece of history, love, and passion — a journey that began in my home kitchen and now lives in the heart of Milton Keynes, with restaurants in Wolverton and Xscape.

From Humble Beginnings to a Dream Realised

Growing up in a Punjabi household, food was never just about eating — it was about togetherness.

I learned from a young age that a good meal has the power to bring people closer, to create memories, and to show love without words.

The true inspiration behind Namji was my mum, Munawar Sultana — the real hero of my story.

She was the heart of our family, always cooking with love and teaching me that food is a way to nurture not just the body, but the soul.

Her recipes, her warmth, and her values are at the very core of everything Namji stands for today.

When I moved to Milton Keynes, I realised there wasn’t a place where people could experience authentic Punjabi home-style cooking — the kind of food my mum used to make, that warms your soul and makes you feel like you’re part of a big, happy family.

That’s when Namji was born — not just as a restaurant, but as a dream to share my mum’s legacy and the vibrant flavours of our Punjabi heritage with the local community.

Munawar Sultana: The Heart and Soul of Namji

My mum, Munawar Sultana, wasn’t just a wonderful cook — she was a woman of incredible strength, grace, and generosity.

She taught me everything I know about food, family, and resilience.

No matter how hard life became, she always found a way to make our home a place of love and warmth, often expressed through the meals she lovingly prepared.

I still remember standing beside her in the kitchen as a child, watching her hands work magic with simple ingredients.

She had this beautiful way of turning cooking into an act of love.

For her, food wasn’t just about flavour — it was about bringing people together, making them feel valued, and celebrating our Punjabi culture.

Even though she is no longer with me, her spirit lives on in every dish we create at Namji.

Every spice we grind, every recipe we perfect, carries a piece of her story.

When our guests sit down to eat, they are tasting her legacy — her love, her teachings, and her dream.

“My mum, Munawar Sultana, was the real hero behind Namji. Without her, none of this would exist. This restaurant is my way of honouring her and keeping her memory alive.”

A Safe Space to Empower Women

From the very beginning, Namji was built with a bigger purpose than just serving food.

I wanted to create a place where women could not only work, but feel safe, supported, and empowered — especially those who may have faced challenges in life, as I once did.

In many ways, this part of Namji is my way of giving back.

I know what it feels like to struggle, to feel like you don’t have a voice or a safe place to grow.

So, I made it my mission to ensure that Namji would always be a haven for women — a place where they can build skills, gain confidence, and stand on their own feet.

Over the years, we’ve welcomed women from all walks of life into our team — mothers, students, survivors of hardship — and given them not just jobs, but opportunities to shine.

To me, every time a woman grows stronger because of the environment we’ve built at Namji, it’s another beautiful way of keeping my mum’s nurturing spirit alive.

“Namji is more than a restaurant. It’s a family. It’s a place where women are valued, respected, and given the tools to create a better future.”

Continuing the Legacy

Today, Namji is a proud part of Milton Keynes, with locations in Wolverton and Xscape, serving authentic Punjabi cuisine made with love.

But more than that, it’s a living tribute to my mum, Munawar Sultana, and to the strength of every woman who has walked through our doors — whether as a guest or as part of our team.

When you dine with us, you’re not just enjoying a meal.

You’re becoming part of a story — a story of heritage, empowerment, and community.

“Come, sit with us, and experience the heart of Punjab. Together, let’s celebrate food, family, and the power of dreams.”