The Gurkha Lounge & Bar

Chef Rajan Thapa

Head Chef & Culinary Director

25+

Years Mastery

Meet the Chef

The Hands Behind Every Flavour

At the heart of The Gurkha Lounge is a kitchen driven by obsession — not just with taste, but with story. Chef Rajan Thapa grew up in the foothills of the Himalayas, where cooking was ceremony, spice was memory, and every meal carried the warmth of generations.

His culinary journey has taken him from the bustling kitchens of Kathmandu to the fine-dining scene of London, refining his craft without ever losing the soul of his roots. At the Lounge, he brings that same philosophy to every plate — ancient technique, impeccable produce, and a deep respect for Himalayan heritage.

Trained under master chefs across Kathmandu, Delhi and London.
Specialises in slow-cooked Himalayan curries and live tandoor work.
Brings 25 years of culinary tradition to every plate.

25+ Years

Culinary Experience

Clay Oven

Traditional Tandoor

50+ Dishes

Signature Recipes

“Every dish I cook is a letter home. The spices are the words, the fire is the ink, and the plate is the page.”
— Chef Rajan Thapa

Food Philosophy

Cooked With Conviction, Not Convenience

We believe food is not a product to be manufactured — it is a craft to be practised. At The Gurkha Lounge, every decision in the kitchen is made in service of the dish, never the clock. We don't take shortcuts because we don't believe shortcuts lead anywhere worth going.

Seasonal & Sourced

We work with trusted suppliers to source fresh, seasonal produce. Our herbs and spices are selected for potency, not shelf-life — the difference lands on your tongue.

Live Fire, Always

Our tandoor runs at over 450°C. Breads, meats, and skewers are cooked to order on live charcoal, the way they were always meant to be — smoky, blistered, and alive.

Slow is Sacred

Our gravies simmer for hours. Our Rogan Josh is never rushed. Patience is an ingredient — one that no shortcut can replicate, and one we refuse to compromise.

Allergen Aware

Every dish is prepared with care for dietary needs. Gluten-free, dairy-free, nut-free, and fully vegan options are available and clearly marked. We cook for everyone.

VegetarianVeganHalalGluten-FreeDairy-FreeNut-Free

Our Cuisine

Two Traditions, One Kitchen

We honour the distinct culinary identities of Nepal and India — not as a fusion, but as a celebration of each in its truest form.

Himalayan Heritage

Nepalese

Rooted in the mountain traditions of Nepal, our Nepalese dishes carry centuries of cultural memory. From hand-crafted Kathmandu Momos to slow-simmered Thukpa broths and clay-pot Dal Bhat, every dish tells a story of altitude, season, and soul.

Signature Dishes

Kathmandu MomosDal BhatJhol MomoSekuwa GrillNewari Choila

Subcontinental Mastery

Indian

Our Indian kitchen spans the breadth of the subcontinent — fragrant biryanis from Lucknow, velvet butter curries from Punjab, crisp tandoor breads, and coastal seafood spiced with the warmth of the south. Classic technique, never compromised.

Signature Dishes

Tandoori PlatterLamb Rogan JoshSaffron BiryaniButter ChickenGarlic Naan

50+

Authentic Dishes

Great Cuisines

100%

Scratch Kitchen

The Atmosphere

A Room That Feels Like an Escape

Step through our doors and the city fades. The Gurkha Lounge is designed to slow you down — warm, textured, and unhurried.

Intimate Lighting

Low candlelit tables, hand-hammered copper pendants, and warm amber tones set a mood that turns every visit into an occasion.

Curated Soundscape

Subtle Himalayan instrumental blends into the evening air — present enough to feel, quiet enough to let conversation breathe.

Private Dining

A dedicated private hall upstairs seats up to 50 guests. Perfect for celebrations, corporate dinners, and family milestones.

Full Cocktail Bar

Our bar team crafts cocktails rooted in Himalayan botanicals — cardamom, saffron, timur pepper — alongside curated wines and craft beers.

Why Choose Us

Six Reasons Guests Come Back Every Time

We could list many things. Here are the six that actually matter.

50+

Original Recipes

Authenticity You Can Taste

Every recipe is inherited, not invented. We cook the way our grandmothers cooked — with patience, instinct, and the right spice at the right moment.

5★

Hygiene Rating

Hygiene You Can Trust

Our kitchen holds a 5-star hygiene rating. Every surface, every ingredient, every hand in our kitchen is held to the highest standards — always.

95%

Return Rate

Guests Keep Coming Back

Over 95% of our first-time guests return. We don't take that lightly — it's the measure we care about most, and the one we work hardest to maintain.

10+

Dedicated Staff

A Team That Genuinely Cares

From the host at the door to the chef at the pass, every person here is invested in your experience. Hospitality isn't a policy — it's a personality.

Days a Week

Ready When You Are

Open seven days a week, with dine-in, collection, and delivery — we work around your life, not the other way around.

5 min

From Station

Right in the Heart of the City

Minutes from the station, with parking nearby. Easy to reach, impossible to forget. The Gurkha Lounge is where the city comes to eat well.

Trusted by the community

Join hundreds of guests who call this their favourite table.

Google 5★ ReviewedHalal Certified5★ Food Hygiene

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