Oorja Brings Bold Indian Flair to Sunday Lunch

London’s dining scene is no stranger to reinvention, but few newcomers manage to combine heritage and creativity quite like Oorja.

Nestled on Shaftesbury Avenue in Covent Garden, this stylish Indian eatery offers more than just good food, it delivers a fresh take on comfort dining, with a confident swagger and plenty of soul. The name Oorja, meaning “energy” in Hindi, is fitting. From the moment you walk in, the warm terracotta interiors, mellow lighting, and bustling open kitchen set the tone for a dining experience rooted in hospitality and flavour.

Founded by Gobind Chona, the entrepreneur behind Gura Gura, Oorja is all about reinterpreting traditional Indian dishes with a modern sensibility. The space spans two levels, including a lively cocktail bar and an upstairs dining room that balances contemporary aesthetics with nostalgic touches – think copper detailing, patterned tiles, and earthy textures.

But it’s the menu that makes Oorja a real talking point. Designed for sharing, it celebrates familiar favourites with elevated ingredients and inventive presentation. Their signature Tiffin Express – a £21.00 lunch set inspired by India’s iconic dabbawala culture – offers a generous selection of starters, grills, curries, and sides. Meanwhile, the Feast Menu, available for group bookings, turns lunch or dinner into a communal celebration, with a parade of dishes served family-style.

Yet what truly sets Oorja apart is its remarkable Sunday Lunch offering. Here, the British roast is given a deliciously spiced makeover. Instead of beef with horseradish or chicken with stuffing, diners can choose from Tandoori Spatchcock Chicken, slow-braised Beef Short Rib, fragrant Sea Bream, or even a smoky Achari Cauliflower Steak. Each main arrives on a silver thali platter surrounded by an eclectic mix of Indian-inspired trimmings – think Layered Masala Chips, Sarson da Saag (mustard greens), crispy onion pakoras, and pillowy naan. A rich, peppercorn masala gravy ties everything together, replacing traditional jus with flair – this gravy was truly something special.

It’s a menu that respects both cultures without diluting either – deeply satisfying, undeniably comforting, and bursting with personality. At around £24.00 per person on average for the full Sunday Roast thali, it’s also a welcome alternative to the usual gastropub fare, especially for those looking to mix things up without losing the essence of a proper Sunday lunch.

Oorja also opens early with a breakfast menu that leans hearty and savoury, including spiced egg burji on toast and kebab platters served with saffron rice and tomatoes. There’s an ease to dining here: no fuss, no overworked plating.- just good food, designed to be enjoyed with others.

In a neighbourhood crowded with pre-theatre prix fixe menus and tourist traps, Oorja stands out as a destination in its own right. Whether you’re craving a weekday curry, a group feast, or a Sunday roast with a twist, Oorja brings warmth, generosity, and unmistakable energy to the table.

Find out more > www.oorja.co.uk