If you're serious about Indian dining, we'll bet you're already a fan of Awadhi cuisine, which comes from the Awadh region in Northern India and Southern Nepal, and now to London thanks to the team at Biryani Kebab Chai. Known as BKC to their friends (which now officially counts you), this small, independent chain first opened in Marylebone in 2022, followed by a new site in Soho in 2023.
The Soho branch is a dynamic, colourful space with a long, narrow dining room punctuated by a sculptural light installation overhead, colourful wall murals and trendy seating. We love the look of the mixed booths and pouffes, all in a rich, tangerine hue and mix of tactile textures. The menu has been devised by Head Chef Arsh Thakur, who curates each dish using age-old Awadhi techniques and only uses the freshest British produce, sourced from across the UK.
What's more, the team say that sustainability is at the foundation of their concept and they make the effort to use environmentally conscious suppliers, partnering with local farms, utilising biodegradable packaging and using tableware created by artisans.
When choosing your dishes, there are three main sections on the menu to consider. First up, take a look at the biryanis on offer, with options like king prawns finished in tandoor and dum cooked, alongside the Lakhnawi lamb biryani, cooked with aromatic spices, saffron, rose water and fragrant rice.
Amongst the curries, you'll find dishes like Fish Tikka Masala which brings together tandoori monkfish with simmering onions and tomato gravy, and if you're hungry, take a peek at the kebabs with 15 different recipes across chicken, lamb, seafood and vegetarian.
As well as all this, there's plenty of snacks, sides, small plates and chaats, all of which will keep your tastebuds entertained.