“While recognition is welcomed, our true satisfaction lies in the joy and satisfaction of our guests.The wife and I had the night to ourselves and we were looking for a place we hadn't been yet. “We aim to become a renowned destination for Nepalese cuisine in London, where people can gather, indulge in delightful food, and immerse themselves in the vibrant culture of Nepal. “As we have recently opened, our hopes for the restaurant moving forward are filled with excitement and ambition,” adds Allen. The team is also dedicated to supporting Gurkha veterans through the restaurant-a cause close to everyone’s hearts.įor every pickle dish sold, The Gurkhas donates 50p (60 cents) to The Gurkha Welfare Trust, an organization that provides vital support to veterans, their families, and communities. “Together, we work in harmony, constantly developing and refining our culinary skills as a cohesive unit.” “It is incredibly humbling to witness their enthusiasm when I introduce them to new combinations that incorporate traditional flavours,” says Allen. The majority come from Nepal, and share an expertise and passion for their cuisine unparalleled by most restaurants in London.

The wider team at The Gurkhas plays a crucial role in upholding the authenticity of its dishes, too. The Makai Risotto, Joe Allen's signature dish at The Gurkhas The Gurkhas It brings me immense joy to offer a culinary journey that not only satisfies the palate but also invokes feelings of familiarity and connection. “Shrabaneswor has mentioned on a few occasions how my food transports him back to those special moments. “In creating the menu for The Gurkhas, I strive to evoke a sense of nostalgia and capture the essence of these cherished experiences,” he says. The experiences I've had during my personal journey in Nepal greatly influenced my approach.” Each caste has its own unique cuisine, and within those castes, there are further variations and twists on the traditional dishes. “While I possess a solid understanding of Nepalese cuisine, there is always so much more to explore. “The collaboration between Shrabaneswor and myself in creating The Gurkhas' menu has been dynamic,” says Allen. You could order the snacks alone and feel you’d had the best Nepalese meal of your life. The thoughtfully curated menu features three sections: snacks, sharing dishes, and large plates, with highlights including Aloo Nimki (a spiced potato curry served in a pastry parcel), a flavorful Spicy Lamb Kachila (accompanied by crispy bitter gourd), the chargrilled Monkfish Choila, and Allen's signature creation, Makai ko Risotto (a unique corn-based risotto dish with butternut squash and churpi-a cheese derived from the milk of a yak, known for its natural sweetness and distinction as one of the world's hardest cheeses). Yet, after its opening was delayed by almost two months, with staff already on payroll, The Gurkhas opened to rave reviews.īara with duck egg, from The Gurkhas The Gurkhas “It has been extremely difficult, challenging and getting investment is never easy,” admits Rai, “but if you deeply believe in an idea and refuse to give up then you will be able to overcome any major challenges and succeed-if not right away, then eventually.”Īfter they signed onto the property on Great Portland Street, Rai was forced to spend upwards £300,000 ($383,103) to fix a major electrical issue, followed by major leakage issues towards the final stages. Still, the road to opening The Gurkhas hasn’t been easy. “However, it felt like the right time had finally arrived, and I embraced the role with enthusiasm.” “Over the years, Shrabaneswor and I maintained contact, and there were several instances when he offered me the opportunity to come on board,” he says. The fact that a fellow Rai was dining with us filled me with excitement, and we made sure to provide him with exceptional hospitality.”Īlthough Allen’s offering at that time included both Indian and Nepalese cuisines, it was evident that Rai was heavily intrigued by his venture into Nepali cuisine. “In Nepal, the caste system still holds sway, and one's last name often reflects their social standing.

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