Swarna

Every great restaurant has a story — and Tabla’s begins with Swarna Kumar, whose courage, warmth, and love for authentic Indian food transformed a challenge into a lifelong journey.

Swarna was born and raised in Hyderabad, India, where food was at the centre of every celebration and family moment. After marrying Praveen Kumar through an arranged marriage, she left her hometown — for the first time in her life — to begin a new chapter in Scotland.

It was both a culture shock and a weather shock — new land, new language, and everything so different from the bustling streets of Hyderabad. But what she missed most was the taste of home — the comfort of freshly ground spices, slow-cooked curries, and the warmth of Indian hospitality.

One day, after struggling to find real Indian food in Scotland, Swarna challenged her husband, then working as a manager at The Gleneagles Hotel, saying:

“If we can’t find proper Indian food here, why don’t we make it ourselves?”

That spark became the start of something special. Together, they opened Tabla Indian Restaurant in 2009, bringing authentic Indian home cooking to the heart of Perth.

Today, Swarna remains the soul of Tabla’s kitchen — overseeing recipes, training chefs, and ensuring every dish reflects the same honesty and warmth that started it all. Alongside raising their daughters Tanvi Iona and Tansi Isla, she continues to inspire the wider Kumar’s family of businesses, from Tabla to Praveen Kumar Authentic Indian Cuisine range.

“Food connects people — it’s how I share my story, my roots, and my love.”

At Tabla, you’ll taste more than just great Indian food. You’ll taste Swarna’s journey — from Hyderabad to Perth, from home cook to restaurateur, from a dream to a dining experience that brings people together.