Our Story: Bringing the Flavours of Punjab to Winnipeg, Manitoba
My Village was founded by Mahak Mahajan, a 32-year-old entrepreneur originally from Punjab, India. Growing up in Punjab's business community — her father ran a private medical practice, and she herself taught business courses and helped graduate students with university admissions — Mahak developed a natural instinct for entrepreneurship and a deep love for the restaurant industry.
In June 2020, during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, Mahak immigrated to Winnipeg to join her husband, who had already obtained Canadian permanent residency. After immersing herself in Canadian culture programs at newcomer centres and securing instructor positions — including a role at Robertson College — she decided to pursue her lifelong passion and open her own restaurant. She settled on the McPhillips Street location in September 2022, spent months personally designing and decorating the 3,000-square-foot space — painting ceilings, bringing mirrors from her own living room, and commissioning vibrant murals — and officially opened My Village in the summer of 2023.
The restaurant features burnt-orange walls designed to evoke warmth, earthy accents including a wooden bar, and striking murals — including a depiction of an Indian man with his bike near a sunset, and a truck mural celebrating Winnipeg's trucking culture. Water is served in wine glasses to make every guest feel special. Every design decision reflects a deliberate effort to bring guests a "glimpse of India (Punjab)" in a welcoming Canadian setting. With 15 staff members, a growing social media presence on Instagram and TikTok, and recognition in the Winnipeg Free Press, My Village has quickly built a loyal following as a standout addition to Winnipeg's northwest restaurant scene.
At My Village, every dish tells a story rooted in the culinary heritage of pre-partition Punjab. From our kitchen to your table, we create experiences that celebrate the rich flavours of India — from street food classics like Golgappa and Tandoori Momos to rich curries, biryanis, and signature Thali platters crafted with passion and authenticity.
