Ullasan Cheriyan
Managing Director
Ullas International Trading LLC
In the bustling world of Gulf entrepreneurship, certain names stand out not merely for their business acumen but for their ability to combine enterprise with cultural legacy. One such figure is Ullasan Cheriyan, the Managing Director of Ullas International Trading LLC and the visionary behind Zamorin’s Restaurant in Muscat. Hailing from Vadakara in Kerala’s Kozhikode district, Ullas has built a career that spans nearly four decades, marked by steady progression, entrepreneurial courage, and an enduring commitment to community and tradition.
Born on April 7, 1961, Ullas was the son of the late Udhay Bhanu and Janaki Bhanu. His early years in Kerala were shaped by education and a strong cultural upbringing that would later manifest in both his business ventures and community engagements. A postgraduate by qualification, he carried with him not only academic discipline but also the determination to carve out his own path beyond the shores of his homeland.
Ullas’s professional journey began in 1984 when he moved to Bahrain to join the Bramco Group of Companies. As a supervisor, he quickly demonstrated leadership qualities, efficiency, and a capacity to manage operations in a demanding environment. His performance soon led to a transfer to Oman in 1989, a move that would prove pivotal in shaping his career and future endeavors.
For more than two decades, from 1989 to 2012, Ullas worked in Oman, gaining invaluable experience in operations, trade, and the dynamics of Gulf business. This period honed his skills and built the foundation for his later entrepreneurial ventures.
In 2012, after years of corporate exposure, Ullas took a decisive step by establishing his own venture, Al Jifnain International Misfah, focusing on the trading of metal scraps. Running the business until 2020, he developed a reputation for integrity and reliability in the metal export market. His venture tapped into Oman’s growing industrial sector, offering sustainable solutions in recycling and trading, and firmly established him as a trusted name in the field.
Even as the challenges of global markets and the disruptions of the COVID-19 pandemic tested businesses across the world, Ullas’s resilience ensured that he remained grounded and ready to evolve. In 2022, he launched Ullas International Trading LLC, a new chapter in his professional journey that reaffirmed his adaptability and business foresight.
On June 26, 2025, Ullas turned another page in his entrepreneurial story by launching Zamorin’s Restaurant in MBD, Ruwi. True to its tagline, “Where tradition meets taste”, the restaurant is a tribute to Kerala’s rich culinary heritage. Zamorin’s offers authentic Kerala, South Indian, and Indo-Chinese cuisine, each dish crafted with the flavors of home while catering to the diverse palate of Muscat’s cosmopolitan population.
The restaurant is not just a business venture for Ullas but a cultural statement. In an age where fast food and fusion dominate, Zamorin’s stands out by celebrating authenticity — the spice-rich curries of Kerala, the comfort of South Indian staples, and the versatility of Indo-Chinese favorites. It has quickly carved out a niche as a gathering place for expatriates longing for familiar flavors and locals eager to explore regional cuisine. By blending traditional recipes with modern hospitality, Ullas has created a dining experience that resonates with both nostalgia and novelty.
Parallel to his business life, Ullas has always nurtured a deep sense of social responsibility. He has been actively involved in numerous cultural and social organizations, reflecting his enduring connection to Kerala’s values even while living abroad.
He currently serves as the Middle East Coordinator of the World Malayalee Federation, an organization that unites Malayalis across the globe. He is also the Vice-President of Vadakara Sahrudha Vedhi and an active member of the Lions Club. Prior to the pandemic, he contributed significantly to the Malayalam Wing of the Indian Social Club, strengthening cultural ties among expatriates in Oman.
Beyond official roles, Ullas’s interests reflect his well-rounded personality. He is passionate about social work, deeply enjoys sports, and has a love for music — often lending his voice to songs, a pursuit that connects him to his cultural roots and personal joy.
At the core of Ullas’s journey is his family, who have been a source of strength and pride. He is married to Shobha Ullas, a homemaker, poet, and lyricist, who has been a steadfast partner throughout his career transitions and entrepreneurial ventures. Alongside managing her household, she expresses her creativity through Malayalam poetry and songwriting, adding a cultural richness to the family’s legacy. Together, they have raised three accomplished children, each making their mark in different fields.
Their eldest, Krishna Ullas, an alumnus of Indian School Ghubra, pursued her BE at BITS Ranchi followed by an MS in Computer Science from the University of Manchester in the UK. She is married to Kim Thomas, an MS graduate, and together they are raising their daughter, Nora, a bright third-standard student.
Their son, Vishnu Ullas, an alumnus of Indian School Ghubra, earned his BE from BITS Ranchi, went on to complete his MS in Embedded Systems in Sweden. He is currently working as a subcontractor for Omantel, contributing his technical expertise to Oman’s telecom sector.
Their youngest daughter, Reshna Ullas, an alumnus of Indian School Ghubra, earned her BBA from BITS Ranchi and now serves as Personal Secretary to the Director of MHD. She is married to Kayne Philips, a seasoned professional with experience at Aster and Lifeline Hospitals, now Senior Operations Manager at NMC Hospital. The couple recently welcomed their daughter, Kimaya, who is just nine months old.
From his modest beginnings in Vadakara to becoming a respected businessman and community leader in Oman, Ullasan Cheriyan’s journey is one of determination, adaptability, and vision. His career reflects the resilience of a man who embraced opportunities, overcame challenges, and continually reinvented himself in response to changing times.
Through Ullas International Trading LLC, he continues to make strides in the trading sector, while Zamorin’s Restaurant showcases his ability to blend culture with commerce. Equally, his social engagements underline a lifelong commitment to community and tradition.
In the tapestry of Gulf-based Malayali entrepreneurs, Ullas stands out as an exemplar — a businessman who balances profit with purpose, enterprise with empathy, and tradition with modernity. His story is not merely one of personal success, but of cultural pride and enduring legacy.
Contact Information
Address in Oman: Ullas International Trading LLC, P.O. Box 100, PC. 111, MBD, Ruwi, Oman
Contact in Oman: +968 99349043
Restaurant Contact: +968 78601130
