The Gurkhas – a Nepalese restaurant opening on Great Portland Street is opening on 28 March with 50% off food for the whole weekend.
Named after the soldiers from Nepal, who have fought for Britain since 1815, The Gurkhas will blend Nepalese flavours and spices with British produce.
Nepal-born Founder Shrabaneswor Rai, who is also director and co-founder of Hot Stone Steak and Sushi Bar in Islington, has long dreamed of bringing Nepalese cuisine to London with a nod to his Gurkha family connections.
Together with head chef Joe Allen – whose wife is Nepalese, and father-in-law a Gurkha – they will offer modern interpretations on traditional recipes, inspired by the heritage of the Himalayas.
Joe has travelled extensively across Kathmandu, Chitwan and Pokhara immersing himself in the culture, sampling delicacies and trying his hand at wild boar butchery, and wants to bring his experiences to life, plate by plate.
He last brought Nepalese food to the capital post his appearance on BBC’s My Million Pound Menu – attracting investment from restaurateur Jamie Barber to set-up Kitycow, a three-month pop-up at Hush Mayfair with his then-business partner.
Dishes are designed for sharing and the menu is divided into snacks, small and large plates, sides and desserts. Expect dishes like kukura ko jhol momo (steamed chicken dumplings in a tomato and soybean soup); Gurhka pickles; and mutton sekuwa with onion and coriander; and chargrilled monkfish choila and pork chop with sisnu (nettle). A six-course tasting menu priced at £75 is also available.
The restaurant will also be supporting The Gurkha Welfare Trust, donating 50p from every Gurkha pickle dish sold to aid Gurkha veterans, their families, and communities.