Gobind Chona & Oorja London

New Restaurant Opening 

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Introducing Oorja, the new home of casual, Indian comfort food

Opening on 25th February 2025, Oorja is the latest restaurant venture from Gobind Chona, offering a new home for casual, Indian comfort food.

Following the success of his first restaurant Gura Gura, Gobind's latest venture which will be situated on Shaftesbury Avenue, sees guests go on a food journey through India with vibrant and delicious dishes available all day. Oorja (meaning energy in Hindi) will present casual comfort food with a focus on small plates inspired by Northern Indian recipes that have been handed down by generations. 

Spread across two floors, the restaurant will hold 105 covers featuring a downstairs bar area, perfect for a vibey night out on the town. Adorned with splashes of terracotta panelling and beige furnishings, relax and enjoy a culinary experience with friends and family whatever the occasion. 

Showcasing an all-day dining experience with breakfast (a first for the group), transport yourself to the bustling streets of Mumbai and tuck into an array of servings which include Egg Burji on Toast with three eggs, spiced & scrambled, served on sourdough. Vegan Dalia Porridge, the chef’s daily breakfast house dalia & banana porridge with coconut cream and seasonal berries. For those looking for a hearty morning feast opt for the big breakfast dishes such as Oorja Sawera Kebab Platter with chicken tikka & lamb kebab with saffron rice, grilled tomato and fried egg. 

Dinner provides a tasty range of plates featuring the unique Chef’s Choice, where guests can decide to let the expert chef curate a unique dish just for them. Chef will guide guests through Oorja’s unique flavours for a truly special occasion specifically catered to the guest. 

BBQ Butterfly Chicken, Indian-style fire spatchcock chicken marinated in BBQ sauce, fenugreek and cream cheese served with mint chutney onion salad on the side. Railway Lamb Curry, succulent lamb leg with aromatic black cardamon, mace & onion-base sauce. Guests can also enjoy a selection of vegan and vegetarian options, Green mustard & Corn Roti, tempered green mustard & spinach leaves puree served with corn roti. Chickpeas Masala, with overnight tea-soaked Kabuli chickpeas cooked with dry mango, pomegranate, and onion gravy.

For something sweet, the Gulab Jamun Brûlée is the perfect dessert to end the night, a House-Made sweet Gulab Jamuns served with French Crème Brûlée.

On Sundays’ Oorja will also be serving up its very own Indian-inspired Sunday Roast, an indulgent feast bringing a unique take on the classic British tradition. Tandoori Spiced Tender and Succulent Roast Beef with crispy Yorkshire puddings, golden roasted potatoes, mixed vegetables, topped with garam masala beef gravy. 

The Speaking Tree cocktail menu features expertly mixed beverages crafted with ingredients that embody the Roots, Stems, and Fruits of Indian culture, blending heritage with a twist of the unexpected. Toast to the good times with the fruity Rum (Jamun) Indian Plum-Raspberry & Roses, the sweet and sour Basil-Indian masala-Mangosteen (Kokum), or the zesty Tequila-vetiver-Indian Spices-lime Sherbet. All are accompanied by a selection of red and white wines, Champagne, and beers. 

Oorja is the second restaurant from Starwins Group,  founded by Gobind Chona. Gobind grew up in India from an entrepreneurial background where his father owned restaurants. He took inspiration from his family's passion for hospitality and moved to Switzerland to study for a diploma in hospitality at Les Roches, one of the world's leading hospitality schools. Moving on to a work placement in Tokyo to further his hospitality skills, Gobind then travelled back to India to open his first restaurant in 2017. 

Fast forward to the present day and Gobind says, “We are extremely excited to introduce Oorja to London’s exciting food scene. Oorja symbolises a journey through the diverse flavours and landscapes of India.”

Step into Oorja and journey through the colourful tastes of India and find a food sanctuary where energy inspires good cooking, good times and good friends. 

Address 

117 Shaftesbury Avenue WC2H 8AF

Opening Hours

Sunday to Friday: 9 am to 10:30 pm

Saturday: 9 am to 11 pm

About Oorja:

@oorjalondon

Oorja redefines Indian dining with a sensory journey of vibrant flavors and artistry. Every detail, from curated spices to glowing décor, celebrates India’s rich heritage. Oorja (meaning energy in Hindi) presents casual comfort food with a focus on small plates inspired by Northern Indian recipes that have been handed down by generations.