Discover Oorja in the vibrant heart of Soho, Gobind Chona’s latest restaurant venture, a new home for great Indian food. The name itself, ऊर्जा (Uurjā), means energy, strength and power and this philosophy is reflected in every aspect of the restaurant: from the carefully curated menu to the warm, inviting ambience.
Not just another Indian restaurant, Oorja is a celebration of India’s rich culinary heritage reimagined for the modern palate. From the smoky flavours of tandoori grills to the comforting depths of slow-cooked curries, each dish is a reflection of India’s diverse regions and ancient traditions. Did I also mention the location is absolutely brilliant – just off Cambridge Circus.
Contemporary Elegance With An Indian Soul
Located at 117 Shaftesbury Avenue, Oorja is in the heart of London’s vibrant theatre district, making it the place to be for pre-show dining, late-night bites or an Indian cocktail experience. The space is thoughtfully designed, combining the warmth of terracotta tones with earthy textures and contemporary elegance. Beige furnishings, soft lighting and intricate Indian accents create an atmosphere that is both inviting and sophisticated.
The restaurant is distributed over two levels: a lively bar downstairs where mixologists create bold Indian-inspired cocktails and a dining area upstairs that offers a cosy yet stylish space to relax and indulge.
A Menu With Three Distinct Journeys
Whether it is breakfast, lunch or dinner, Gobind Chona brings an explosion of Northern Indian flavours, traditional cooking techniques and contemporary flair to London’s dynamic food scene. Oorja offers an all-day dining experience, where you can choose between: an Á La Carte Menu, the Tiffin Menu, Or a Feast Menu.
Á La Carte Menu Experience
Breakfast
There is no better way to start your day than with a delicious Indian breakfast! Dishoom started the Indian breakfat trend and Oorja have given them a run for their money. How about Egg Burji on Toast with three eggs, spiced and scrambled, served on sourdough? Or perhaps you would like to try our Vegan Dalia Porridge, the chef’s daily breakfast house dalia & banana porridge with coconut cream and seasonal berries? And for those looking for a hearty morning feast, the Big Breakfast dishes are not to be missed. The Oorja Sawera Kebab Platter with chicken tikka and lamb kebab with saffron rice, grilled tomato and fried egg is a must with some masala chai.
Lunch and Dinner
The menu is focused and tempting. The BBQ Butterfly Chicken, an Indian-style fire spatchcock chicken marinated in BBQ sauce, fenugreek and cream cheese served with mint chutney onion salad on the side. Or maybe you prefer the Railway Lamb Curry, a succulent lamb leg with aromatic black cardamom, mace & onion-base sauce. We also tried some vegan and vegetarian options, such as the Green mustard & Corn Roti, tempered green mustard & spinach leaves puree served with corn roti. This corn roti was so so moreish and we could have had these all night.
The House Chaat Thela options bring another layer of excitement, capturing the spirit of Northern India’s bustling street food scene. Each bite delivers crunch, spice, tang and sweetness in full harmony. It will transport diners straight to the vibrant markets of Delhi and Amritsar, where bold flavours meet playful textures.
Dessert
We can all agree that the best way to end a meal is with something sweet. The Gulab Jamun Brûlée is the ideal dessert to end the evening, a homemade sweet gulab jamun served with French crème brûlée. The Chef’s Choice is also fun where you can can choose to have the chef create a unique dish just for you.
Tiffin Menu Experience
The Tiffin Express Lunch Menu at Oorja is not only a meal, it is a time-honoured tradition, bringing with it the warmth of home-cooked flavours and the nostalgia of India’s lunchtime dining culture. This experience bridges history and modernity, offering a carefully curated selection of dishes that reflect the soul of Indian comfort food.
At Oorja, this legacy of tiffin meals is brought to life with flavours that are both nostalgic and refreshingly new. Each dish is thoughtfully composed, offering a harmonious balance of spice, texture and aroma, served with basmati rice, house salad and mini naan bread. Whether it is the Lamb Curry, the Achari Panner Tikka or the Prawn Curry; the Tiffin Menu is a great option for lunch.
Feast Menu Experience
The experience begins with a selection of starters, including the Tutti Frutti Yogurt Bomb, where crispy wheat bubbles burst with cooling yoghurt, tangy tamarind, and pomegranate, creating a playful explosion of sweet and savoury. Then move on to the mains, where you can highlight the Butter Chicken, Paneer Makhani or Chickpeas Masala. Great if you want to try all the signature dishes.
Drinks At Oorja: Tradition And Innovation Together
The Speaking Tree cocktail menu blends Indian heritage with modern mixology, delivering unexpected, captivating flavours. The Masala Chai Negroni, served in a teapot, is one of the most unique creations. The infusion of gin, Amaro and chai spices creates a layered, spiced complexity, making each sip a moment of discovery. There is also a very reasonable wine list that matches the food well.
Why Oorja works
Oorja focuses on food, energy, connection and celebration. Drawing inspiration from family kitchens, each dish pays homage to the regions that have shaped Indian cuisine. The restaurant offers a unique experience of authentic Indian flavours, bringing the vast and diverse culinary tradition to London.
From tandoori-grilled meats to spice-laden curries and bold street food from Delhi, Oorja is a must-visit for anyone who wants to experience the best of Indian cuisine. Oorja offers a unique perspective on Indian cuisine, bringing the warmth of a freshly charred kebab, the comfort of a slow-cooked daal, and the unexpected flavour bomb that is a gulab jamun crème brûlée. And once you have tasted it, you will want to return, again and again.
To discover more, visit Oorja
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All imagery courtesy Oorja.