Café Jikoni marks an exciting chapter for husband-and-wife duo Ravinder Bhogal and Nadeem Lalani Nanjuwany, the team behind Marylebone’s much-loved Jikoni. This 120-cover all-day café at V&A East Museum brings their 'no borders' approach to food into the heart of Stratford’s emerging East Bank cultural district. It’s conceived not just as a restaurant, but as a community-minded space that mirrors the creative spirit of the museum it sits within.
Rooted in Jikoni’s trademark ethos of maternal, cross-cultural cooking, Café Jikoni evolves that philosophy for a dynamic, modern audience. The project was shaped collaboratively with young people, local creatives and the wider east London community, resulting in a venue that feels inclusive, welcoming and deeply connected to its neighbourhood. Expect a warm, restorative atmosphere that reflects the diversity of the capital and the museum’s focus on making, creativity and global cultural exchange.
The menu draws on the flavours, ingredients and techniques carried across borders, combining comfort with a playful sense of surprise. Signature dishes include Turmeric and Ginger Chicken Pie, Lamb Merguez Flatbreads with fennel, tahini and pickled chillies, and Yuzu and Pandan Strawberry Iced Buns. Classics from the Jikoni repertoire feature too - Macaroni Dhal, Mushroom and Egg Congee with chilli oil, the beloved Bombay Sandwich and an array of bakes such as a Vietnamese Coffee Brownie and Banana Cake with miso frosting. Many dishes are prepared and plated to order at the counter, adding a sense of theatre.
Coffee lovers are well-served with a bespoke 'no-borders' roast created in collaboration with Workshop Coffee, alongside a dedicated coffee cart offering panoramic views from the museum’s third floor.
Open daily for breakfast, lunch and all-day dining, with dinner on museum late nights, Café Jikoni is a thoughtful, delicious and culturally resonant addition to east London’s dining landscape.