Eat up. The Standard, London has launched a Summer BBQ Series with a line-up of outstanding South Asian restaurants, created in partnership with cultural curator Diet Paratha
The exciting new series of chef residencies will spotlight South Asian culinary talent from around the globe, with international chefs from BADMAASH, Los Angeles, Kolam, Paris and South London’s Cue Point each set to bring their culinary talent to The Standard for a limited-edition series.
Each chef will deliver a one-off pop-up that celebrates the eclectic flavours of their sought after offerings – from Sri Lankan and Indian Canteen to British-Afghan fusion, all cooked over fire for added authenticity.
Each Saturday from 13th – 27th July, The Standard’s laid back bar and terrace, Double Standard, will welcome a different guest chef from three different South Asian dining institutions into the kitchen to serve up a one-day-only menu.
The global lineup of chefs has been selected by The Standard London in partnership with Diet Paratha, the creative agency and cult social media platform dedicated to celebrating the best of South Asian creative talent, founded by Anita Chhiba.
Each restaurant in the series is globally celebrated for being at the centre of culture and cuisine, where the worlds of fashion, art, music, sport – and, of course, gastronomy – collide. Having grown to cult status, Diet Paratha is now bringing them to The Standard London for a series of highly anticipated foodie experiences.
Chefs will be dishing up unique menus full of diverse South Asian-inspired flavours that pack a punch, finished off on the BBQ on Double Standards summer terrace, where Londoners can watch their food being brought from flame to table before the devouring begins.
1 Saturday 13th July – Kolam, Paris (Sri Lankan)
Stepping straight off the Eurostar from Paris and into the Double Standard Kitchen, Kolam will be bringing the authentic flavours of Sri Lanka and their signature street-food style to Londoners on Saturday 13th July. Known for merging the worlds of fashion and food, Kolam has had successful pop-ups and link-ups with brands like Dover Street Market, Paperboy, and their very own Adidas sneaker collaboration.
The limited-edition menu will feature BBQ twists on Kolam classics, with highlights including Pulled BBQ Jackfruit Hoppers with Seeni Sambol, Batu Maju and Gotu Kola Sambol, as well as Lamb Chops with Roti & Mango Curry.
Lahiru Weladawe, the Founder of Kolam, Paris says: “For this special event, we decided to reimagine our signature dishes with a BBQ twist, which is quite innovative! Our ambition is to bring refreshing and surprising flavours to Londoners who might not yet know Sri Lankan cuisine. This will be the first time we are bringing Kolam abroad and we have the feeling it will not be the last!”
2 Saturday 20th July – BADMAASH Los Angeles (Indian)
Making their way across the pond from Los Angeles are the BADMAASH brothers, Nakul and Arjun Mahendro, known worldwide for their not-your-average Indian Joints and big energy. With regulars to their LA outpost including Mindy Kaling, Marlon “Chito” Vera and NAV, and frequently appearing on Action Bronson’s ‘Fck That’s Delicious’ viral Youtube series, the Mahendro brothers have created a viral food empire – always bringing the vibe.
When asked to describe their menu in three words, they said: “It’s F*cking Amazing”. Expect BADMAASH Steak Frites – (a dish that will make its debut especially for The Standard) and Tandoori Chicken Wings with serrano whip, to vegan-friendly Grilled Tofu Kebab with kachumber salad.
3 Saturday 27th July – Cue Point, London (Afghan)
To finish the month, South London’s very own British-Afghan Smokehouse and Sunday Times ‘Plate of a Nation’, Cue Point, will be putting their signature smoked BBQ spin on the menu at Double Standard.
Famous for their 14-hour oak-smoked halal brisket, Cue Point uses a mix of Afghan cooking and classic British flavours that pay tribute to their UK upbringing – the result being a highly innovative and dynamic menu that invites diners to venture outside their regular palate.
Passionate about diversity and inclusion in the industry, Cue Point also successfully fundraised its social responsibility arm, Cue Point Kitchen, which supports refugee and immigrant hospitality workers.
The fully Halal menu features Cue Point’s signature Oak Smoked Brisket Mantu and Oak Smoked Leek Ashak, as well as Borani Banjan Aubergine, Chickpea Afghan Curry, Kabuli Pilau Jewelled Rice, Afghan Chutney.
Mursal Saiq, Co-Founder of Cue Point: “Diet Pratha have been one of the few creative spaces growing up that helped me feel seen in a world obsessed with authenticity, hence my identity and menu that’s been curated is centered around being authentically inauthentic.
This menu is a homage to my Afghan heritage. We’ve included the dish of the nation from Afghanistan, Kabuli Pilau but with a British BBQ twist – so ‘the London Kabuli Pilau’. The Lamb is brined with garlic, rosemary and turmeric and cumin, bringing my favourite flavour profiles from my multiple identities together.”
To accompany the menus, the tequila will be flowing, with Casamigos serving up a curated list of cocktails including a Spicy Mango Margarita alongside classic tequila cocktails such as Palomas & Tommy’s.
Make it happen
Where: 10 Argyle St, London WC1H 8EG
How: Bookings are open now and can be made via standardhotels.com and walk-ins welcome.
When: Each Saturday from 13th – 27th July 2024
