Having only been open since 2019, De Baga has become something of a roaring local favourite over the past few years.
Tables are often fully booked on the weekend, though the team will accommodate as many walk-ins as possible, but given that food here truly blends traditional Indian street food with inventive, modern flavours- it’s really no surprise.
Now the food here is going to be recognised on a whole new level after the restaurant has become the 2022 recipient of the ‘Taste of the Year’ award, representing the North in the 7th annual Asian Food and Restaurant Awards International.
The team were nominated for the first time and came up top for what is known as the ‘gastronomical innovation and excellent customer service’.
The owner, Mandeep Singh is overjoyed with the award, “It is a proud moment for us to win this prestigious award. A simple thank you does not begin to cover the gratitude I feel towards the whole De Baga team, chefs & front of house staff. Their hard work and resilience has made De Baga what it is today in such a short time.
“De Baga made its name in the industry during the trying times of Covid-19. Within 8 months of our launch, we were the finalist for Oliver awards in 2020 and have been getting Travellers Choice Awards from last 2 years. A huge milestone for us though a little dampened due to Covid-19.”
“We have strived for excellence in the culinary world and continue to do so even during the current rising energy costs and inflation.”
The ultimate goal of the Modern Indian dining restaurant is to be recognised by the Michelin- but in the meantime, this award certainly gives the UK a taste of the high bar that De Baga has set in the city.
You can find the original Headingley restaurant on Otley Road or head over to the Chapel Allerton site which opened earlier this year.
Celebrating the “East Meets West” spirit of Goa at both sites, the menu consists of unique curries and small plates designed in-house by the chefs. The focus is on flavour, rather than size or spice- and it’s this recipe that makes De Baga one of the most-loved curry spots in Leeds.
Adding a playful twist to classic dishes, expect Cornetto bites, puff pastries filled with eggplant bhartha (aubergine), chorizo cigars and speciality dishes like the Chingaari Kebab, a red hot flame coloured kebabs special in Lucknowi style Lamb mince, crushed pepper tossed bell peppers, whole spice, served with home made mint sauce.
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For more information on the award-winning restaurant, including how to book your next visit, visit the De Baga website.
Feature Image- De Baga
