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Tangra brings Indo-Chinese fusion and late-night dining to Soho with chef Nikesh Sawant

Tangra brings Indo-Chinese fusion and late-night dining to Soho with chef Nikesh Sawant

New Indo-Chinese restaurant, TANGRA, is scheduled to open on Monday, the 3rd November, at 17 Frith Street in London’s Soho. The late-night dining spot is led by Executive Chef Nikesh Sawant, formerly of Mildreds and Mallow, and aims to bring the distinctive fusion cuisine of India’s Hakka Chinese community to the heart of the capital. Drawing on culinary influences from India, Tibet, Nepal, and the wider South Asian diaspora, the restaurant offers a modern interpretation of a cuisine born in Kolkata and now popular across the subcontinent.

Named after the Tangra neighbourhood in Kolkata, historically home to the city’s Chinese-Indian community, the restaurant pays homage to a culinary tradition that blends Chinese cooking techniques with Indian spices and ingredients. The menu features a range of dishes designed for sharing, including Manchurian Kofta, Hakka Noodles, Schezwan Rice, and Bazaar MOMO stuffed with cheddar and sweetcorn. Other offerings include Chinese Bhel, Chilli Cheese Quesadilla, and a house speciality called the Hakko – a taco-style dish made with paratha, inspired by Hakka cuisine.

“For me, Indo-Chinese food is pure nostalgia. It’s the taste of Bombay nights after school or post-shift at midnight, plates of Manchurian and noodles shared with friends until sunrise,” said Chef Sawant. “TANGRA is that same spirit. It’s fiery, joyful, and unapologetic.”

He added, “We make every sauce from scratch, from our bold Schezwan Rice to our Bombay Szechuan Chutney, using fresh spices sourced directly from India. You’ll taste the smoke, the garlic, the seven kinds of chilli – it’s food with heat, depth and character.”

The drinks menu is similarly eclectic, with cocktails such as the Lychee Baijiu Sling and Rasgulla Espresso Martini, alongside non-alcoholic options like the No’Rita 0%, which includes the tangy Indian fruit kala khatta.

TANGRA’s interior, designed by Quadrant Design in collaboration with Mumbai-based studio Boomranng, reflects a blend of retro and contemporary styles. The space comprises textured brick, brass accents, patterned floors, and neon signage, evoking both the vibrancy of Mumbai and the energy of Soho.

Food Desk

For further information and reservations, visit TANGRA’s website here.

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