As the Indian diaspora celebrates Rakshabandhan in 2026, the focus naturally turns to the sacred bonds shared between siblings. While the festival traditionally highlights the relationship between brothers and sisters, its underlying ethos celebrates unwavering support, protection, and lifelong mentorship. Few stories embody this spirit quite like that of the two brothers at the helm of Muthu's Curry in Singapore. Kasivishvanaath Ayyakkannu and Srinivasan Ayyakkannu have spent decades transforming their late father’s eatery into a celebrated culinary institution. Their journey is a masterclass in familial loyalty, uncompromising resilience, and the quiet power of brotherhood. As families prepare to tie the sacred thread of Rakhi, the siblings' story highlights how true heritage is preserved through togetherness and a shared vision.
Early Memories And The Dignity Of Labour
The story of Muthu's Curry begins with immense sacrifice and a formidable work ethic. Founded in 1969, the restaurant was built by a patriarch who instilled vital values in his sons from a very young age.
"Some of our earliest memories are from the restaurant itself," Srinivasan recalls, looking back at their formative years. "Our father was an incredibly hardworking and brave man. In his early days in Singapore, working in a provision shop, washing cars, before eventually building his own restaurant business." The elder brother, Kasivishvanaath, was born in India in 1971 and moved to Singapore at thirteen, while Srinivasan, born in 1979, arrived at the age of six.
Growing up, the boys’ lives revolved around the family kitchens. "We both attended school in Singapore and would head straight to the restaurant afterward. Our father never wanted us to feel that any task was beneath us; if a staff member was unavailable, he expected us to roll up our sleeves and help," Srinivasan shares. "Through this hands-on approach, he groomed us to eventually take over the family business. We helped with cashiering, taking orders, serving customers, and clearing soiled dishes. During festive periods, we also worked in the kitchen cleaning fish heads, seafood, and poultry. Looking back, those were hardworking days, but they were also fun. We grew up together, learning the business directly from our father."
This foundational period forged a deep respect for hard work. "Our father taught us a very simple but profound lesson: never be embarrassed to work," notes Srinivasan. "He arrived in Singapore with very little and worked tirelessly across various jobs before establishing Muthu's Curry. He showed us that there is dignity in every honest job, whether you are serving a customer, washing dishes, or working in the kitchen."
Image credit: Muthu's Curry
Stepping Up In The Face Of Tragedy
In 1996, the family faced an unimaginable loss when their beloved father passed away. Srinivasan, who had just completed his O Levels at the time, felt as though their world had collapsed. With the loss of their main pillar of support, Kasivishvanaath stepped into a dual role.
Reflecting on their bond today, Srinivasan speaks with deep admiration. "After so many years of working together, my brother is much more than a business partner. He is my brother, my mentor, and, since our father's passing, a father figure to me. We have navigated major milestones and hardships together, from the sudden loss of our father and the prolonged disruption of the MRT construction to the significant step of purchasing our current premises."
Their roles within the business matured alongside them. "Our roles evolved quite naturally. When we were young, we simply helped wherever needed. During peak hours, my brother would often be on the frontline serving customers, while I prepared beverages," Srinivasan explains. Today, Kasivishvanaath acts as CEO, while Srinivasan manages the floor as Director of Operations. "We discuss all major business decisions together and always take the time to understand each other's perspectives. Given his extensive experience, I deeply respect my brother's judgment, and he makes the final call on important matters."
Image credit: Muthu's Curry
Weathering The Storm And Elevating The Brand
The late 1990s tested their business acumen to the absolute limit. In 1997, construction for the North East MRT Line began directly in front of the restaurant, causing business to drop by nearly 70 per cent.
"There were months when we struggled just to pay rent, staff, and suppliers," Srinivasan remembers. However, they survived through sheer perseverance, heavily depending on Kasivishvanaath's decisive leadership. "Then, in 2004, my brother made the bold decision to purchase the property we occupy today. This milestone allowed us to think differently. We renovated the restaurant significantly and elevated our quality standards."
For the siblings, moving forward never meant leaving their history behind. "For us, it was never a choice between tradition and progress. We believed we could respect what our father built while still having the courage to move the business forward," Srinivasan asserts. "When we moved to our current premises in 2004, we knew it was time to elevate the brand. We wanted to preserve the original flavours and traditions our customers loved, while also challenging the broader perception of Indian dining."
To achieve this, they introduced North Indian dishes, elevated service standards, and completely refreshed the dining environment. "Innovation, to us, has never meant abandoning our roots; it means building upon them," Srinivasan adds. "Honouring the past has always meant retaining the core values and flavours that define us, while actively evolving to meet the future."
Image credit: Muthu's Curry
A Singaporean Story Of Diaspora And Community
As members of the Indian diaspora, the brothers’ journey is deeply intertwined with the broader Singaporean narrative. Food acts as a powerful medium for cultural connection, and their establishment has played an essential role in sharing authentic traditions.
"Our heritage is at the core of Muthu's Curry, but our journey is also uniquely a Singapore story," Srinivasan reflects. "We came from India and grew up in Singapore, meaning our cuisine, experiences, and hospitality have been shaped by both cultures. Food is a powerful medium for connecting people to culture, and Indian cuisine holds a long, meaningful place in Singapore's history. Over the decades, Muthu's Curry has had the privilege of sharing Indian culinary traditions with individuals from many diverse communities."
The local community has provided unwavering support throughout their growth. "The Indian community has always been foundational to our journey. In the early days, our patrons primarily sought out familiar Indian flavours and a connection to home," says Srinivasan. "As the restaurant grew, our customer base naturally expanded. Today, we are fortunate to welcome multiple generations of diners, from families who have supported us for decades to younger Singaporeans and international visitors discovering us for the first time. This sense of continuity is deeply meaningful to us, demonstrating that food and hospitality can bridge generations even as times change."
Image credit: Muthu's Curry
Protecting A Michelin Legacy Through Brotherhood
Decades of tireless dedication eventually brought Muthu's Curry international acclaim, including a prestigious MICHELIN Bib Gourmand recognition. Yet, the brothers remain incredibly grounded.
"We take immense pride in this achievement, but we never take it for granted," Srinivasan states humbly. "When our father founded Muthu's Curry in 1969, he likely never imagined it would one day become a recognized part of Singapore's culinary history. For us, the focus has always remained on serving our customers, caring for our staff, and sustaining the business. We are incredibly grateful for the recognition we have received over the years, including the MICHELIN Bib Gourmand."
He points out that the true heart of their success is their family connection. "What makes this journey especially meaningful is that Muthu's Curry remains entirely family-run. We feel a profound responsibility to protect what our father started and ensure the next generation has a strong legacy to carry forward." Doing this means embodying their father's character. "Carrying forward our father's legacy means more than just preserving the restaurant; it means embodying his courage, work ethic, humility, and willingness to do whatever it takes to keep the business going. I believe those values are what he would be most proud of today."
Running a high-stakes family business can blur the lines between personal and professional relationships, but the siblings handle it with grace. "We do not always agree, which is entirely natural for two brothers who have worked together for so many years," admits Srinivasan. "What helps us navigate disagreements is our ability to communicate openly and see each other's point of view. Even when we view a situation differently, we know we share the exact same objective: doing what is best for Muthu's Curry."
They make a conscious effort to separate the boardroom from the living room. "Beyond the business, we are brothers first. That relationship is far more important than any workplace disagreement, so we make a conscious effort not to carry business matters into our personal lives."
Ultimately, their success rests on the unshakable trust they have built. "What I admire most about my brother is his patience, management capability, and decisive leadership," Srinivasan concludes. "Above all, I admire his perseverance; even during our darkest periods, he carried the weight of the responsibility and kept moving us forward. Having spent most of our lives working side by side, we have developed a deep, unshakeable trust. At the end of the day, we always remember where we started and the legacy our father entrusted to us."