Nepal is the exotic and ancient mountainous Himalayan kingdom, famous for its breathtaking scenery and beautiful and remote monasteries and temples. Though its cuisine is influenced by the major countries that it borders, Tibet (China) and India, it features many dishes and flavours unique to Nepal. The heart of a Nepalese meal is daal bhat (rice and lentils) and achar (chutney), which accompanied by starters, main dishes and vegetables combine to form the perfect meal.
Our restaurant takes it name from the legendary Gurkha regiment of fearless Nepalese soldiers who for over 200 years have fought as part of the British army. They still carry into battle their traditional weapon an 18 inch long curved knife known as the Kukri - though nowadays it is said to be used mostly for cooking.
Since it’s opening in 2003, The Gurkha’s Diner has established itself as ne of the finest Nepalese restaurants in London, winning accolades for its delicately-spiced and aromatic dishes, fresh ingredients (free from artificial colourings and preservatives), tranquil atmosphere and friendly and impeccable service. The diverse menu reflects all major Nepalese regions, however its defining characteristic is the use of fresh herbs and spices prepared in-house.
Anyone who enjoys spicy food or who is familiar with a traditional Indian menu will find Gurkha Diner’s carefully-selected repertoire of subtly-flavoured dishes to be the ultimate Asian dining experience. Furthermore, our chef Krishna will be pleased to prepare your dishes to your own personal preferences, be it spicier or milder, for no additional charge.
In addition to the restaurant’s relaxing and atmospheric dining room, the Gurkha’s Diner provides a home delivery (through Deliveroo) and take-away service that offers an outstanding Nepalese culinary experience at your maximum convenience.
We look forward to sharing a part of Nepalese culture with you and hope you will enjoy your meal.
Press and Review
It may be billed as a ‘Diner’, but this popular Nepalese corner spot on Balham High Road is more serious than that. Some find the lighting a bit bright, although smiling staff and a soundtrack of folksy native music create just the right mood for some excellent-value authentic food. Everyone orders the momo cha (juicy steamed dumplings served with a pot of sweet-and-sour achaar sauce), but the menu is chock full of good things, from curries of richly spiced pokhoreli lamb or creamy prawn asworya (‘favoured by young princes for their romantic nights out’, apparently), to Nepalese-style noodle dishes. To drink, most thirsty locals plump for a bottle of traditional Khukuri beer.
Time Out says
We are so used to the hybrid menus at most curry houses - chicken tikka masala, etc - that any eaterie ignoring these cliches tends to grab the attention.
From the moment that you walk in, it is immediately obvious that Gurkhas Diner is anything but a diner.
Charles Campion
mlfood&drink
Evening Standard.
Looks like a bog-standard Indian from the outside, but the food is anything but. I often take my family on a night off. All of the menu is great, but there are some stand-out dishes, such as the knuckle of lamb braised with chickpeas. And the chef make peshwari naan line nobody else can – I’d go for those alone.
Michel Roux Jr
A Little Place I know
The Guardian
Imaginative, well-executed Nepalese cuisine. Mains cooked in the charcoal oven include marinated Gurkhali chicken and lamb shank cooked on the bone with gravy. Prices are reasonable.