Culture Food & Travel News & features

Babur restaurant marks 40 years with debut cookbook and anniversary dinner in Forest Hill

Babur restaurant marks 40 years with debut cookbook and anniversary dinner in Forest Hill

Babur, the long-established Indian restaurant in Forest Hill, will mark its 40th anniversary this December with the publication of its first cookbook and a celebratory dinner. The book, entitled Babur: Forty Years of Flavour, will be released on 9th December and will be accompanied by a one-off launch event at the venue on Thursday 11th.

Founded in 1985, Babur has served South Indian cuisine to the local community for four decades and has garnered a reputation that chef Vivek Singh once described as “a Southeast London institution”. The forthcoming publication is currently available for pre-order, and includes a selection of recipes that span the restaurant’s history, from long-standing favourites to newer additions. Dishes featured include Chettinad Tandoori Wings, Punjabi-style Steamed Lamb Shoulder and a Cumin Chocolate Fondant. Also included is the recipe for the Currytini, a cocktail described as a “cult classic”. As well as the recipes, there are contributions from Babur’s founder Emdad Rahman and executive chef Jiwan Lal, alongside insights from the kitchen team that include cooking tips and reflections on Babur’s development over the past 40 years.

To commemorate the release, Babur will host a special launch dinner next Wednesday. The event, ticketed at £100 per person, will feature a five-course tasting menu, a welcome cocktail and a signed copy of the cookbook. Guests will also receive a Babur-branded tote bag.

Babur’s anniversary comes at a time when many long-standing independent eateries are reflecting on their legacy and adapting to a changing dining landscape. Forty Years of Flavour aims to document not only the restaurant’s culinary achievements but also its place in the local community over four decades.

Food Desk

Babur: Forty Years of Flavour is self-published at the hardback price of £25. For further information or to purchase, visit here.

To book a table at Babur, 119 Brockley Rise, London SE23 1JP, visit the restaurant’s website here.

More in Food & Drinks

Orfali Bros reopens in Dubai in a new era for Middle Eastern dining

Food & Travel Desk

Chef Jaime Pesaque unveils Yachay, a new creative culinary atelier in Lima

Food & Travel Desk

Oblix at The Shard to host Burns Night dinner with The Macallan whisky and modern Scottish menu

Food & Travel Desk

Scottish chef Darren Ross brings open-fire residency to London’s Carousel for Burns Night celebrations

Food & Travel Desk

Wild Idol and The May Fair Bar launch Broadway-inspired alcohol-free cocktail menu for January

Food & Travel Desk

Luke Selby appointed chef partner at Palé Hall amid major developments

Food & Travel Desk

Fat Hippo launches SpongeBob-themed burger created with TikTok star ReefaTV to celebrate new movie release

Food & Travel Desk

Heliot Steakhouse launches half-price Argentinian steak offer for January dining boost

Food & Travel Desk

Via Emilia by Food Roots brings handmade pasta and Emilia Romagna flavours to Notting Hill with third London opening

Food & Travel Desk