Haldiram’s, the Indian multinational fast-food restaurant brand – which began in 1937 as a confectionery and desserts shop in Bikaner, Rajasthan – is to make its UK debut with a new “premium” casual format.
It will open a 120-cover, 3,000 square-foot site, including 20 heated outdoor seats, in London’s Leicester Square in June.
The full-service, casual dining format for the UK market marks a shift from Haldiram’s traditional quick-service model. It will offer dishes such as choley bhatura (a North Indian chickpea curry served with fluffy fried bread), pao bhaji (a rich, spiced Mumbai-style vegetable curry) and raj kachori (a large, crisp shell packed with classic chaat fillings).
The site will also include a dedicated retail area, featuring a sweets counter and shelves of Haldiram’s packaged products for takeaway.
The expansion, led by Rhea Agarwal, a third-generation entrepreneur from the founding family, said: “While Haldiram’s is deeply rooted in tradition, we are equally committed to evolving with our consumers. London is an exciting step in making Haldiram’s a household name beyond India.”
Halidram’s operates in more than 80 countries with more than restaurants.
Author: George Shaw
Former BBC journalist and founder and CEO of an award-winning London advertising and PR company for 20 years, providing restaurant consultancy services. Spent a decade as the director of communications of the Asian Catering Federation in the UK and lead judge for its various restaurant and chef awards programmes. Now returned to journalism, specialising in food and travel and currently the Editor-in-Chief for Taste London, Taste Asia, the Good Curry Guide and CEO of International Culinary Guides.