A hybrid born in Kolkata in the early 20th century, Indo-Chinese cuisine blends Chinese Hakka cooking techniques with Indian spices and ingredients — garlic-heavy sauces, soy, chilli, vinegar and masala, all hitting the pan at fierce heat.

In London, the style has long thrived on the city’s outskirts — in Southall, Wembley and Harrow — where late-night restaurants serve up Schezwan noodles, chilli paneer and Manchurian to loyal local crowds.

Now, this dynamic cuisine moves to the heart of Soho with the launch of Tangra, opening on 3 November 2025 on Frith Street under the direction of Executive Chef Nikesh Sawant.

Tangra’s concept and influence

Named after the Tangra neighbourhood of Kolkata – the birthplace of Indo-Chinese cooking – the restaurant celebrates the creativity of Chinese migrants who adapted Hakka traditions to Indian palates. Sawant and his team draw on flavours from India, Tibet and Nepal, creating a menu that honours those roots while reflecting how the cuisine has evolved across South Asia.

“For me, Indo-Chinese food is pure nostalgia,” says Sawant. “It’s the taste of Bombay nights after school or post-shift at midnight, plates of Manchurian and noodles shared with friends until sunrise.”

Tangra’s interiors draw inspiration from Indian pop culture and mythology. The space combines textured brick, patterned flooring, brass detailing, neon accents and hand-painted signage: a mix of Mumbai retrofuturism and Soho edge.

Menu highlights

Tangra’s menu spans the full range of Indo-Chinese dining – from Kolkata-style street snacks to wok-fired noodles and late-night plates, and all dishes seem to be vegetarian.

It’s all about fast, high-heat cooking, with layers of spice, soy and garlic, along with homemade sauces and chutneys.

The menu is extensive, but some vegetarian highlights include the Chick’n Spring Rolls with Schezwan chutney, Honey Chilli Waffle Aloo, Lolli-Popcorn Chick’n tossed in Bombay chilli vinegar sauce, and the Chilli Cheese Quesadilla filled with cheddar, green chilli thecha and Himalayan tomato chutney.

From Thursday to Saturday, Tangra runs a late-night menu from 10 p.m. until closing, serving a rotating selection of hot, fast dishes. Dessert offerings include a line-up of plant-based milkshakes,from chai masala and chocolate to raspberry and mango, as well as plant-based soft serves.

Lastly, the drinks list mirrors the menu’s energy and vibrancy. Cocktails include the Lychee Baijiu Sling (Baijiu, lychee, pandan and grapefruit sherbet), the Rasgulla Espresso Martini (spiced rum, Tia Maria, allspice syrup and espresso) and the Piña Kolkata (spiced rum, amla, ginger and coconut).

Opening details

Tangra is located just off Soho’s main thoroughfare, a short walk from Ronnie Scott’s and Bar Italia. The restaurant will open seven days a week for lunch and dinner, with late-night service until 1:30 a.m. from Thursday to Saturday.

Tangra
17 Frith Street, Soho, London W1D 4RG
Opening 3 November 2025
tangrarestaurant.com @tangrarestaurant

See also our review of Oui Madame, our review of the new menu at The Great Scotland Yard Hotel, and Clays’ new playground in Soho.