Restaurant Associates announces South Indian culinary concept

Restaurant Associates has launched a culinary partnership with chef Saran Avinash Rajinikanth to showcase South Indian cuisine.

The chef and food writer has developed 25 dishes inspired by the culinary traditions of five South Indian states, each containing a blend of between five and 10 spices.

The menu includes mutton biryani, beef ularthiyathu – a Keralan classic – and Mangalore prawn ghee roast.

Rajinikanth moved to the UK four years ago after having run a restaurant and marketing agency in India.

He will now work closely with Ian Human, group chef at Restaurant Associates, to incorporate his dishes into the Restaurant Associates portfolio.

He said: “Every region in South India has its own distinctive culinary identity. These recipes bring together the flavours and influences I grew up with. I first started cooking alongside my mother at the age of 14 – she remains my greatest inspiration, and these dishes are a reflection of my childhood.

“Seeing my dishes come to life and being enjoyed by so many people is incredibly rewarding. These recipes are true comfort food.”

Adam Thomason, culinary director at Restaurant Associates, added: “It’s incredibly exciting to showcase the passion and diverse talent across the wider Compass business. What started as a casual conversation between two exceptional chefs has, over the past 18 months, evolved into a bold and flavourful concept that we’re now proud to share with our guests.

“Indian cuisine is wonderfully complex – layered, aromatic and deeply regional. It’s a privilege to bring an authentic taste of South India to our restaurants, while celebrating Saran’s creativity and craft.”

Restaurant Associates, part of Compass Group UK & Ireland, operates within several cultural and heritage venues across the UK, including the Design Museum in London and Glyndebourne.

The contract caterer also operates Maria G’s high-street brasseries in London’s Kensington and Fulham.