Twice Michelin-starred chef Atul Kochhar has announced the opening of his new restaurant in the historic market town of Beaconsfield in Buckinghamshire.
Riwaz – meaning ‘tradition’ – opens its doors on 16th February 2022.
Since the restaurant’s conception in April 2021, it’s been Atul Kochhar's dream to champion the traditional cuisines of India with a menu inspired by history and cultural stories and practices.
Atul Kochhar commented: “Now that our Industry has re-opened, it's a prime time to explore new opportunities, and it's in the Chiltern Hills' pretty town of Beaconsfield that we're opening this new gourmet destination.
Our intention is to make Riwaz the place to go for an exhilarating Indian meal that is adventurous and yet remains true to tradition. At Riwaz, we will follow tradition but also remember that traditions get upgraded with time. The team can't wait for the doors to fly open in Buckinghamshire.”
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.
He continues: “I moved to the UK with my well grafted traditions of various parts of India. 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.
“Riwaz celebrates the rustic beauty and charm that I remember from a young age and that are typical of many Indian regions. There are dishes I am especially excited to prepare for the first time – like Hare Masale Ki Machhi (a Parsi fish dish of john dory with spinach crisps and Neelgiri korma); Rogan Boti (from northern India, a plate of Lake District lamb rump with classic Rogan gravy); and Hiran Ka Keema Salli (using local ingredients, an iconic meal of New Forest Muntjac keema masala with crisp potatoes).”
With a menu featuring dishes created and cooked by Kochhar’s grandmother, Riwaz will initially open from Wednesday to Sunday on the former Zizzi site in Beaconsfield.
Lunch will showcase a set lunch menu and the Jugalbandi for two to share (£35pp), which includes a spiced potato appetiser of Dilli Ki Aloo Kachloo Chaat and Malai Chandi Tikka grilled supreme of chicken.
The evening A La Carte menu (average £60 per head) offers time-honoured starters (such as Chowk Ki Bhalla Papri Chaat - yoghurt with crisp poori and lentil dumplings with date, served with tamarind, yoghurt and mint chutneys) and characteristic main courses (such as Kali Mirch Aur Adraki Jungli Murg - guinea fowl curry with ginger and black pepper), along with classic vegetables, rice, breads and accompaniments.
In addition to the Jugalbandi, a 7-course Tasting Menu (£65 pp) will be available in the evening (Sunday to Thursday). Highlights 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.
The Riwaz bar will offer a great selection of wines, cocktails and customary Indian drinks and there is additional seating outdoors for al fresco dining.
Riwaz @home takeaway experience will commence after opening.
Riwaz is a new restaurant by Atul Kochhar, which sits alongside a restaurant group that already includes the recently launched Masalchi in Wembley Park, London; Vassu in Marlow; the recently refurbished Sindhu at the Compleat Angler Hotel also in Marlow; Hawkyns at The Crown Inn, Amersham; and Indian Essence in Petts Wood, Kent.
