Taking over a former Zizzi site, Riwaz – meaning ‘tradition’ – will be Kochhar's third restaurant opening in a year following the London launches of Masalchi in Wembley Park; and his Westminster restaurant Mathura.
Kochhar’s inspiration for Riwaz comes from his experiences growing up in different parts of India – Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Tamil Nadu, West Bengali and Orissa among many other regions.
“I moved to the UK with my well grafted traditions of various parts of India,” says Kochhar.
“After almost three decades here, my traditions have embraced ingredients, habits, practices and of course, traditions of the land as well. So, my cooking will be a nod to British Indian traditions – and I am proud of it.”
Initially open from Wednesday to Sunday, Riwaz will serve a set lunch menu, with the evening featuring both à la carte and tasting menu options.
Dishes set to feature on the tasting menu include jalpari of tandoor seared Scottish scallops with lentil salad and spiced broccoli puree; and Malai Chandi tikka-grilled chicken in a cream marinade with silver leaf and bull’s blood leaf salad.
À la carte options will include a starter of lentil dumplings with date, served with tamarind, yoghurt and mint chutneys; and a main of guinea fowl curry with ginger and black pepper.
There will also be a 'Riwaz at home' takeaway experience available.
