Indian chef Joe Ranji Smile opened first US Indian restaurant in 1901, then vanished amid scandal

In 1901, Indian chef Joe Ranji Smile opened what was likely the first Indian restaurant in the United States, Sherry's Restaurant on Fifth Avenue. He arrived in New York in 1899 after working as a curry cook in London, and quickly became known for theatrical service and dishes like Bombay duck. The restaurant closed after Smile was accused of smuggling workers and falsely claiming to be a prince.