Last Updated on September 27, 2024
A Culinary Oasis of Awadhi Flavours in the Heart of London Soho
Typically, I don’t think of Soho as a hub for Indian restaurants. This perception may stem from the relative scarcity of such establishments in the diverse culinary landscape of the area. So, the emergence of BKC, a fresh addition to the neighbourhood’s dining scene, is undoubtedly a delightful and much-needed development.
BKC has ventured into the vibrant heart of Soho, gracing Moor Street with its second branch, following the resounding success of its Marble Arch establishment. BKC, an acronym for Biryani Kebab Chai, continues to weave its culinary magic at this charming new eatery that specialises in serving authentic Indian Awadh cuisine.
Awadhi cuisine, originally hailed from Awadh, a historical region that encompasses modern-day Lucknow in Northern India. Now gracing the London culinary scene for the very first time, it’s characterised by its unique textures, distinct flavours, and captivating aromatics. This gastronomic tradition owes its fame to the bawarchis (chefs) and rakabdars (gourmet cooks) of Awadh, who pioneered the Dum style of cooking, a method involving slow-fire cooking that has since become synonymous with Lucknow, a jewel in the culinary crown of India. Their cuisine boasts a lavish array of delicacies, including kebabs, kormas, biryanis, Galawat, nahari-kulchas, zarda, sheermal, rumali rotis, and warqi parathas. They use a lot of mutton and paneer, together with a profusion of fragrant spices, notably cardamom and saffron.
BKC founder Jeet Mitra (also the founder of Coupette, which will be opening a second site, Atelier Coupette, next door to BKC Soho) says: “BKC is so close to my heart as I have been eating this style of food since I developed my taste buds as a kid. Being in this industry for 20 years has afforded me the privilege to open BKC, and I hope to convey my passion and culture to the people of the UK in the coming years.”
Jeet Mitra has joined forces with Executive Chef Arsh Thakur, who honed his culinary expertise during a 25-year career at some of the world’s most prestigious hotels and restaurants. I attended an opening event at BKC Soho to delve deeper into this culinary venture, meeting Chef Arsh Thakur, hearing about his passion for the Awadhi cuisine and getting to opportunity to sample some of the dishes from their menu.
The décor is bright and contemporary with coloured painted shapes in strong hues of orange yellow and green, rose gold mirrors line the walls along with a large feature picture of the main gate at Laknow, and the ceiling is hung with clay pots. Marble top tables, burnt orange banquettes and modern pendant lights complete the picture.
Kicking off the evening we celebrated with a glass of fizz before tucking into an array of Indian delights. First a selection of kebabs, a plate full of many subtle flavours that are synthesized beautifully – Juicy chunks of Murgh Tulsi Tikka, chicken thighs infused with basil and warm spices, delicious succulent lamb chops marinated in yoghurt with Kashmiri Chilli and mild spices made you want to savour every last bite, and one of their signature dishes – Galuiti lamb patties, soft, flavoursome and very moreish, next rather superior Masala Fish Fingers. And finally, Dahi ke Kebab, scrumptious little dumplings marinated in yoghurt, pepper, chilli and coriander.
We followed on with Chicken Biriyani, cooked with fragrant spices, tender pieces of chicken and basmati rice, served in attractive clay pots with sides of pickled onions infused with beetroot, crisp mini papadums and a yoghurt dip. It has to be one of the best biriyanis I have tasted in a long time.
On the side, we sampled small dishes of Bhuna Gosht, warm, rich and satisfying, slow-cooked lamb with an aromatic tomato and fenugreek sauce, and some House Dahl, a wonderful creamy abundance of flavour. For dessert, BKC keeps it traditional with Phirni, a creamy Indian rice pudding flavoured with cardamon and saffron, and Gulab Jamun, sweet and syrupy dumpling balls topped with flakes of gold. And finally, comforting cups of warmly spiced chai tea served in pottery cups.
BKC Soho is the perfect setting for a pre-theatre meal, a romantic out or dinner with friends or family. The ambience is both cosy and inviting, and the food is fabulous. It is sure to be a hit with locals and visitors alike.
BKC
10 Moor Street,
Soho,
London
W1D 5NE
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