featured-image

Long before chicken tikka masala became Britain's favourite dish, an enterprising Bengali soldier made history by opening London's first Indian restaurant. The year was 1810, and Sake Dean Mahomed, a former East India Company captain turned entrepreneur, launched the Hindoostane Coffee House in the fashionable Portman Square area. Despite its name, this wasn't your typical coffee shop.

The Hindoostane Coffee House was a proper restaurant that brought authentic Indian flavours to Georgian London's elite. Mahomed cleverly positioned his establishment near Portman Square, an area popular with wealthy former East India Company employees (known as 'nabobs') who had developed a taste for Indian cuisine during their time abroad. The restaurant's atmosphere was carefully crafted to transport diners to the East.



Walking in, guests would find themselves surrounded by Chinese artworks and scenes of India adorning the walls. They could lounge on bamboo furniture, enjoying their meals on tables dressed with crisp white linen, all while being attended to by South Asian waiters. For those seeking the full experience, there was even a dedicated room for smoking hookah pipes with oriental herbs.

From Patna To Portman Square Mahomed's story is as fascinating as his restaurant venture. Born in Patna in 1759, he joined the East India Company's army at just 11 years old. After serving as a trainee surgeon and fighting in several battles, he travelled to Ireland with his mentor, Captain Godfrey Ev.

Back to Fashion Page