When I received the news Friday that Mukhi Singh, husband, father, and owner of the Twisted Tandoor food truck had died suddenly, words cannot express what ran through my head:

“What?! But… but, he was so young! He was set to open a brick-and-mortar location that day. I just spoke with him a couple weeks before. He seemed so healthy. He was so happy and peaceful all the time… NO!”

From the first time I met Mukhi, we immediately hit it off, as was the case with many, many others he came in to contact with. He emanated nothing but kindness and compassion. He also happened to put out some of the most amazing Indian food in Tucson from a highly recognizable food truck. The family was on track to open a standalone Twisted Tandoor restaurant the very day he passed.

A few years ago, I had the pleasure of spending Thanksgiving at a good mutual friend’s house with Mukhi, his wife, Roop, and their daughter, Shireen. My sincerest condolences go out to them. I am so grateful to have celebrated with them then.

Many people have expressed on Facebook and off, their thoughts toward this extraordinary being.

Aric Mussman, Noble Hops/Vero Amore:

“He sat with me and helped plan my entire India trip, from calling hotels to writing down entrees at restaurants I had to try. He called Josh and I almost every day that we were there just to make sure we were ok and didn’t need anything.”

Mark Whittaker, Tucson Home Skillet:

“Tucson, and the world, lost a great chef and fantastic person yesterday and my condolences go out to his family.”

Manish Shah, Maya Tea, Heirloom Farmers Markets:

“Mukhi was just one of the most open, engaging, friendly people I’ve had the blessing to be around. His passion for food, people and life just elevated everyone around him.”

Jared McKinley, Former Associate Publisher Edible Baja Arizona:

Mukhi Singh was a kind and gentle person who worked hard and was passionate about food (and life). This loss has totally caught me off guard and I will miss his warm smile.”

This is not an obituary, and I don’t want to bother the family with information gathering requests at this time. This is simply my way of saying “good-bye” to a man I deeply respect and who brought tons of joy to many.

I’ve heard of a few event in the works to celebrate Mukhi and to help offset any costs for the family, but nothing confirmed yet. I’ll make sure we post that information on Tucson Foodie as soon as we know.

(UPDATE): According to The Twisted Tandoor Facebook page, there will be a “celebration of Mukhi’s life on Saturday, the 29th at the new restaurant at 427 E. Limberlost from 11-2pm.”