Paro Covent Garden embodies a fusion of classical Indian cookery and innovation, providing modern Indian dining experiences deeply rooted in the rich culinary heritage of Kolkata. Based in London’s Covent Garden, the concept of Paro centres around crafting authentic dishes with a contemporary twist, inviting diners to take a journey of culinary discovery, celebrating the diverse flavours, aroma and spices of Indian cuisine.
Paro Covent Garden is the brainchild of Niaz Caan, a visionary chef with a passion for culinary excellence. Having grown up in a family of restauranteurs, Chef Niaz trained under the watchful eye of some of the UK’s finest chefs. Drawing on his many years of expertise and experience, Chef Niaz Caan is dedicated to pushing boundaries through his mastery of marrying flavours and aromas while still preserving the authenticity of Indian cookery.
With its elegant interiors and vibrant artwork, Paro Covent Garden seamlessly blends modern design elements with traditional accents. The venue’s ambiance reflects the lively energy of Kolkata’s streets, culminating in a warm and inviting atmosphere where diners can unwind in style.
Paro Covent Garden lies at the heart of the bustling West End, surrounded by cultural landmarks, theatres and shops. The restaurant’s menu showcases a selection of dishes carefully curated and created using only the finest ingredients. With an emphasis on fresh, locally sourced produce, each dish is meticulously prepared to perfection by Chef Niaz Caan and his dedicated team. From traditional classics to contemporary creations, each bite is a symphony of flavour and spice that plays homage to Kolkata’s unique culinary heritage.
In March 2024, Paro Covent Garden was featured by Condé Nast Traveller in the publication’s ’30 Best Indian Restaurants in London’ list. The piece highlighted the rising popularity of Indian restaurants like Paro Covent Garden, with innovative chefs like Niaz Caan stealing the spotlight like never before by introducing regional variations and fresh takes on classic Indian dishes.
Condé Nast Traveller singled out Paro Covent Garden, praising the venue as the best Indian restaurant for a pre-theatre feast and lauding Paro’s Butter Chicken. Describing Paro Covent Garden as a ‘lip-smacking love letter to Calcutta in the heart of the West End,’ Condé Nast Traveller reflected on the venue’s vibrant murals as ‘pleasantly Edenic’, with the artwork designed by Studio G evocative of a traditional Calcuttan home.
Outlining Niaz Caan’s professional pedigree, with the revered chef having started cooking professionally at the age of 14, Condé Nast Traveller described his Butter Chicken as a ‘winning dish on a winter’s night’, with tender chunks of chicken smothered in a lightly spiced tomato and cream blend. The publication also recommended the ‘plump’ Toddy Shop Tiger Prawns and the ‘syrupy goodness’ of Gulab Jamun for those with room left for dessert.
For diners seeking intense and robust flavours, Paro Covent Garden’s Gunpowder Lamb infuses Welsh grass-fed lamb with a myriad of spices, topped with a tangy tamarind glaze and accompanied by spiced potatoes and fenugreek seeds. The traditional yet fiery Daadee’s Chicken Naga incorporates Paro’s signature 48-spice mix along with a blend of fenugreek, coriander, cloves and naga chilli, delivering a flavourful explosion that lingers on the palate.
For seafood enthusiasts, King Prawn Kalibabu is a hot and velvety homage to the coastal cuisines of West Bengal, while Prawn Puri’s medley of turmeric, sweet paprika and ginger-garlic atop tender puri bread is a symphony of aromas and textures that captivate the senses.
Created with the mission of bringing the magic of spices and the warm embrace of Indian curry to London’s West End, Paro Covent Garden provides an enchanting setting in which to enjoy the rich tastes and traditions of Indian cuisine, celebrating unity, diversity and a shared love of Indian cookery with every bite.
