New restaurant from the team also behind Gymkhana comes to Leeds
When it comes to food from the Indian subcontinent, we are spoiled for choice in Leeds. And we’re about to gain a new addition as chefs Nand Kishor and Sanjay Gour of Michelin-recommended Dastaan head North.
It was awarded a Bib Gourmand by the Michelin Guide in its first year and is currently featured in the Michelin Guide, Hardens, and the AA Guide.
Sanjay was born and raised in Mumbai. Upon finishing his studies in Goa, he was presented with the opportunity to work at Gordon Ramsay's first venture in Dubai, working with the likes of Jason Atherton and Angela Hartnett. He moved around working at numerous high-end restaurants including a short stint with Marcus Wareing. Eventually, he headed to London where he met his now business partner Nand in the kitchen of Mayfair restaurant Gymkhana.
Gymkhana’s opulent interiors speak to the clubs of India where the social elite would come to eat, drink, and play sports. This setting, paired with excellent service and a menu of modern, refined Indian dishes earned the restaurant its first Michelin star in 2014. Nand and Sanjay then moved on to open their first restaurant, Dastaan, on Kingston Road in Epsom in 2017. It was awarded a Bib Gourmand by the Michelin Guide in its first year and is currently featured in the Michelin Guide, Hardens, and the AA Guide. Now, this popular restaurant has been brought to the lucky people of Leeds
Dastaan opened on Otley Road in Adel this week, and guests are already raving about the food on social media. You can expect a range of dishes from across the Indian subcontinent, including one of India’s most popular snacks, panipuri, and some unusual additions such as Tandoori broccoli and duck and guinea fowl seekh kebab. Diners will also find a selection of seafood dishes including lobster and prawn dosa, and Malvani fish curry. Beers come from local favourites Kirkstall Brewery, as well as a small but well-curated wine and cocktail menu, with a few options for non-drinkers too.
Nand and Sanjay pride themselves on their small, considered menu of authentic dishes. Anurag Singh will operate Dastaan Leeds and has worked closely with Nand and Sanjay at their Epsom site. He says that the team felt that coming to Leeds was "the obvious choice, the food scene is really good", and he feels that Dastaan will be a welcome addition, offering a fine dining experience at a fraction of the price.
Dastaan is Michelin-recommended and is sure to become a local favourite alongside the likes of Anand Sweets, Bundobust, Tharavadu, and Prashad. We certainly can’t wait to check it out.
Dastaan, 473 Otley Road, Adel, Leeds, LS16 7NR
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