Houston, Texas: At the Pakistan Chamber of Commerce (PCC) USA Gala Night in Houston, a remarkable display of camaraderie stole the spotlight. Amid the glitz and celebration, three titans of the restaurant and catering business—Aziz Noorani of Lasbela Restaurant & Catering, Shaukat Maredia of Aga’s Restaurant & Catering, and Asrar Siddiqui of Tempura Food Management—came together to exemplify a unique and inspiring friendship that transcends the usual narrative of competition.
Aziz Noorani, while speaking to MMlive, captured the essence of this unity in his statement:
“When RED meets BLUE, the community gets more GREENER.” 🍀
He went on to remind the gathering of their shared roots, declaring:
“We might not live in Pakistan, but Pakistan will always live in us.” 🇵🇰🇺🇸
This sentiment underscores a profound truth: while these business owners are technically competitors in the bustling Houston food scene, they view their roles as part of a greater mission—strengthening and uplifting the community they all serve.
A Night of Recognition and Reflection
The PCC USA Gala was a night to honor entrepreneurs and community leaders for their unwavering support and contributions. These three restaurateurs, widely recognized for their culinary excellence, stood as an example of how collaboration can coexist with competition. Their unity sends a powerful message: competition doesn’t have to divide—it can inspire innovation and mutual growth.
The idea of community-first business practices isn’t just a feel-good concept; it’s a way to ensure that the fruits of success are shared broadly. It’s about creating a ripple effect of positivity, where businesses thrive not in isolation but as part of a larger ecosystem that benefits everyone.
Healthy Competition, Healthier Community
Healthy competition fosters excellence, but when accompanied by mutual respect and collaboration, it also strengthens the bonds that hold a community together. Aziz, Shaukat, and Asrar have demonstrated that true success lies in unity. Their friendship and support for each other redefine the meaning of competition in business, reminding us that collective progress will always outweigh individual gain.
As Houston’s vibrant Pakistani-American community continues to grow, this story of unity serves as a shining example of what can be achieved when leaders choose collaboration over rivalry. It’s a call to action for others to follow their lead and prioritize community over conflict.
In the words of Aziz Noorani:
“When we work together, the community wins. Together, we can ensure that our shared heritage thrives and that our collective efforts leave a legacy for generations to come.”
The Future is Bright
The story of Lasbela, Aga’s, and Tempura is not just about three businesses; it’s about a mindset—a commitment to keeping the community at the heart of everything they do. As these restaurateurs continue to delight Houston with their culinary prowess, they remind us that unity, respect, and shared purpose are the true ingredients of success.
In the end, when red meets blue, the community indeed gets greener. And in that spirit of growth and collaboration, the future looks brighter than ever.
Written for MMlive by [Madiha Masood]
Celebrating Houston’s trailblazers, uniting communities one story at a time.
