From Award-Winning Chef to Community Hub: The Story Behind Sector Seventeen Café
Sector Seventeen is a warm, creative space where people come to connect, unwind, and enjoy the best of both worlds — exceptional coffee and soulful food. Every cup and plate is crafted with care, bringing together complex flavours and comforting experiences that feel like home. The café is the vision of Simran Dhanju, an award-winning culinary professional and recipient of the StarChef Award by celebrity chef Sanjeev Kapoor. With over 500 students trained through her cooking classes, Simran transformed her lifelong culinary passion into a family venture by opening Sector Seventeen Café in early 2024.
Food has always been a language of love — a way to connect, celebrate, and create memories. Cooking and baking are seen not merely as acts of nourishment but as expressions of emotion and creativity that bring people together. In Oman, this passion evolved into a profession through years of teaching, food styling, and bespoke baking. Recognition from culinary awards, including the StarChef Award by Sanjeev Kapoor, inspired the confidence to take that craft to a new level.
The concept of Sector Seventeen was born from a blend of family passions. A shared love for food and coffee became the foundation for a space that celebrates both. The café’s visual identity, led by the founder’s daughter, draws inspiration from Sector 17 in Chandigarh — a cultural and architectural landmark that symbolizes connection, creativity, and belonging. Every detail, from the Bauhaus-inspired design to the carefully curated menu, reflects the family’s story and shared dream. Sector Seventeen isn’t just a café; it’s an experience that feels personal, comforting, and real.
The business is built around quality, creativity, and connection. Every ingredient, recipe, and design choice is guided by the same philosophy — to create something meaningful and consistent. What distinguishes Sector Seventeen from others is its unwavering dedication to craftsmanship and innovation. Constantly evolving with new ideas, seasonal influences, and family-driven creativity, the café offers more than just food and coffee; it offers a feeling of home. It’s a place where intention and care shape every experience, making Sector Seventeen an expression of passion, design, and community.
Success at Sector Seventeen goes beyond recognition or financial achievement. It’s about contributing to Oman’s identity as a global hub for exceptional food, design, and craftsmanship. The vision is to see Oman thrive on the world stage — to be known for its creativity and quality. Watching that dream take shape through Sector Seventeen is the truest measure of success.
At the heart of the café’s philosophy lies a deep commitment to people. Strong customer relationships are nurtured through presence, attentiveness, and genuine care. Every guest is treated as part of the extended Sector Seventeen family — welcomed warmly, listened to, and valued. The team is carefully selected to share the same principles of hospitality, detail, and excellence, ensuring that each visit feels personal and memorable.
For new startups and entrepreneurs, the guiding belief is simple: begin with a clear purpose. Passion and authenticity form the foundation of every successful venture. Genuine care always shines through in the product and the experience. Hard work, consistency, and openness to learning are key ingredients on the path to success. Above all, trust your instincts — go with your gut and follow your heart.