Bhubaneswar, June 20: In a proud moment for the Odia diaspora and the wider Indian community in the United Kingdom, Chillika, an Indian street food restaurant based in Bexleyheath, London, has been recognised as the Most Recommended Restaurant for 2026 by Restaurant Guru, placing it among the Top 10 Restaurants in Bexleyheath.
While the recognition highlights Chillika’s culinary excellence and growing popularity, the restaurant’s journey represents much more than food. It reflects a story of migration, dedication, cultural identity, and a deep emotional connection to Odisha and its heritage.
Named after the iconic Chilika Lake, Asia’s largest brackish water lagoon, Chillika was created with a vision to bring the authentic flavours of Odisha to the United Kingdom while building a space where people could reconnect with their roots.
Founded by two Odias living in the UK, Subhakanta Das and Partha Sarathi Panda, Chillika was born from a shared passion for food, culture, and entrepreneurship.
Subhakanta Das moved to the United Kingdom more than two decades ago as an IT professional. Despite building a successful career in technology, he remained deeply connected to Odisha’s culinary traditions. His journey began with preparing traditional dishes for family gatherings and community events, where his authentic recipes brought back memories of home for many Odias living abroad.
Meanwhile, Partha Sarathi Panda built his career in hospitality, business, and entrepreneurship in the UK. With management experience associated with global brands such as McDonald's and KFC, he developed strong expertise in business operations and growth.
Their shared roots and passion eventually led to the creation of Chillika — a restaurant designed not just to serve food, but to celebrate Odisha’s identity.
Over time, Chillika has become more than a restaurant. For thousands of Odias living in the UK, it has become a place of belonging — a space where memories are recreated, friendships grow, and the warmth of Odisha can be experienced thousands of miles away from home.
Students arriving in Britain, professionals, families visiting from India, and international guests have all found Chillika to be a welcoming destination.
Many affectionately describe it as “Odisha’s Living Room in London.”
Chillika continues to promote Odisha’s rich food heritage through authentic dishes that carry the flavours and traditions of the state.
Its menu includes beloved Odia specialties such as Dahi Bara Aloo Dum, a street food favourite that recalls the vibrant food culture of Cuttack. Alongside Odia cuisine, the restaurant also serves popular Indian street food enjoyed by both Indian and international diners.
The restaurant has welcomed a wide range of distinguished visitors, including business leaders, cultural personalities, entrepreneurs, community figures, film artists, and social leaders.
Every guest — whether a celebrity or a first-time visitor — receives the same warmth and hospitality associated with Odisha’s culture.
In 2025, Chillika hosted members of the India Under-19 Cricket Team during their visit to the United Kingdom. The visit, led by rising cricket talent Vaibhav Suryavanshi, reflected the restaurant’s commitment to supporting young Indian talent and celebrating achievements on the global stage.
In June 2025, Odia entrepreneur, investor, military veteran, and CEO of Xpertnest Arun Kar (Retd) joined Chillika as a strategic partner.
Bringing extensive experience in entrepreneurship, technology, innovation, and sustainable development, Capt Arun Kar aims to support Chillika’s future growth, brand expansion, and international presence.
Together with the founders, he shares a vision of transforming Chillika from an award-winning restaurant into a global cultural destination that represents Odisha’s food, traditions, and values.
