Called Tamila, the kiosk-style venue will launch on 24 September in Hackney’s Bridge’s new canal-side development championing traditional Tamil flavours. It will follow a fast-casual model with dishes designed to be eaten in groups and with hands.
The kitchen will be headed up by ex-Roti King executive chef Prince Durairaj with Glen Leeson, former operations director of Roti King, overseeing the business.
Tamil Nadu-born chef Duraira will serve a menu of south Indian recipes including traditional south Indian curries including paneer butter masala; chana masala; vegetable curry; and chicken, mutton, dhal curries. Roti and dosa will be a core part the menu with the latter served with tomato chutney, coconut chutney and dhal with options such as masala dosa, served with an aromatic potato curry, and the traditional dosa.
There will also be a selection of bar snacks such as fried chicken; mutton keema roll; paneer pakora; onion bhaji; and gobi 65 - a fried cauliflower snack inspired from the popular chicken 65 dish - alongside a concise drinks list featuring mango lassi, masala tea, and Indian beers.
Leeson’s previous hospitality roles have also included general manager positions at BAO and Patty & Bun.