Nelson Fernandes along with his team at ‘Spices 29’.
MELBOURNE
‘Spices 29’, a Goan Indian Restaurant owned and managed by Nelson Fernandes and his wife Selma at Woy Woy in New South Wales, has achieved a rare distinction by winning two awards in two weeks.
On August 13, the restaurant bagged the Local Business Award as the most outstanding restaurant on the central coast for the second time in a row. Earlier on August 1, the restaurant was awarded the Business xCellence Award 2025 in the Restaurant, Cafe and Bakery Category.
The awards come at the perfect time for the business to support its upward momentum and mark its name as a national gem. The BX award and the Local Business award have provided the much-awaited global recognition to the business and have also strengthened the brand.
Starting in 2018, the restaurant is now heading towards its 8-year completion.
The ‘Spices 29’ restaurant offers authentic Indian cuisine, with each dish carrying the true Indian heritage and spirit. Unique to its modern yet classy interior, the restaurant has become a widespread name in not only the local community but also at the state and national level.
The first couple of years laid the foundation for the business where the restaurant owner Nelson with his wife Selma, worked hard to establish the place.
By the time the Covid pandemic could hit in 2020, the restaurant was already a well-known name in the community. Covid years were unexpectedly productive for the business with sales growing and customer base expanding.
THE AWARDS
Within a couple of years, the business grew multifold and in 2023 stood as a winner for the Restaurant and Catering association awards in Regional NSW and claimed the third place for National level.
Since then, an upward trajectory has been seen with accolades coming the way of ‘Spices 29’.
Last year, not only did ‘Spices 29’ win as the best restaurant for the Restaurant and Catering Association’s Regional NSW category but also secured the second place at the National Level. Last year also saw a big win for the restaurant at the Local Business Awards as the most outstanding business.
Since then, there has been no looking back for the business as the praises from patrons, industry experts, leaders and media keeps coming.
In 2025, the BX awards and the Local Business awards have initiated the much-awaited series of awards and recognitions where the team is hopeful for the upcoming award categories.
Nelson Fernandes along with his sons, Selson and San.
The restaurant now boasts state and national accolades as a testament to the team’s hard work and dedication which combined with the community support has taken the business to another level.
THE REACTIONS
Restaurant owners, Nelson Fernandes and Selma Rocha, are celebrating the success with the team and are grateful to the community for their support.
“Winning awards for three years in a row is amazing,” said Nelson.
Added Selma: “Winning the prestigious Restaurant & Catering Hostplus Awards for Excellence is a testament to the restaurant’s commitment to culinary artistry and guest satisfaction.”
“This is a great achievement for our business because of the constant support from our customers and the team work. It has been our pleasure and a great opportunity to be able to compete against all big businesses”, says Selma.
Earlier while speaking to The Goan, Nelson said ‘Spices 29’ lives up to its name with a menu that dazzles the palate and a dining experience that captivates the senses.
“The restaurant’s dedication to excellence extends beyond the kitchen. The attentive and knowledgeable staff ensures that every guest feels welcomed,” said Nelson.
“Our award-winning menu features a range of dishes that celebrate chosen ingredients and Indian culinary traditions to deliver flavours that amaze. For those looking to experience a slice of culinary brilliance, Spices 29 is ready to welcome our patrons with an unforgettable meal.”
Nelson said that the enthusiasm and dedication shown by the staff over the last seven years of the business have been the biggest factors contributing to the win.
He further adds that the coast has always been a wonderful place filled with loving patrons and boundless opportunities.
THE EFFORTS
Nelson’s dedication to the business and the success of the restaurant are testament to the opportunities that arise if one is passionate.
“I have been working in the hospitality industry for over 20 years myself, and it always is an absolute pleasure to be able to bring delicious food and warm service to the clients”, says, Nelson.
As migrants who moved to Australia, Nelson and Selma has their own struggles but their hard work and determination have made the business an ever-glowing star.
In his message to Goan youngsters around the world, Nelson stated that if they put in hard work, they can be successful in any part of the world.
