Your Guide to the Special Four-Course Menu for Mother’s Day with India Bistro, Leeds

Ever had a meal that instantly takes you back to being a kid? That one specific smell from the kitchen that’s more than just food; it’s a whole memory on a plate. It’s the feeling of home, of comfort, and of someone taking the time to make something special. In Leeds, a newly opened restaurant, India Bistro, is tapping into that exact feeling with a special one-off menu designed to celebrate mums and the amazing food they make. This isn't just about going out for a meal; it's about sharing an experience built on nostalgic childhood dishes and stories, creating new family moments along the way.

A menu built on memory

India Bistro has built its special Mother’s Day menu around a simple but powerful idea: ‘Some recipes are written; some are remembered.’ It’s a nod to the way family recipes are passed down, not always on paper, but through watching and tasting. Think about a korma adjusted with a pinch of this and a bit of that, without any measuring cups, or the way a simple dish of potatoes somehow always tasted better when your mum made it. The team at India Bistro has taken inspiration from their own childhood dishes, bringing together a culinary story of heritage and love.

This menu is a trip down memory lane, celebrating those unwritten recipes that define home cooking. The entire experience is designed to be nostalgic, a celebration of regional flavours from across India brought together on one table in Leeds. It’s a tribute to the labour of love that goes into making food that comforts the soul, like leaving the dal to simmer for that little bit longer just to get it perfect.

So, what’s on the special menu?

For one day only, on Sunday 15th March, the kitchen will be serving a four-course Mother’s Day menu that promises a journey through the tastes of India. Priced at £34.95 per person, it’s a thoughtfully crafted experience. Forget your usual takeaway; this is a different level of culinary storytelling. Each course is a chapter, inspired by authentic regional flavours and the kind of food that brings people together.

• First Course: The meal starts with Himachali Aloo Chaat. Imagine perfectly crisp potatoes, brought to life with the tangy kick of tamarind, earthy roasted cumin, and fresh coriander. It's a classic street food snack from the Himachal region, elevated to start the meal with a pop of flavour.

• Second Course: Next up is Tandoori Achari. This dish features broccoli and paneer (a bit like a firm, non-melting cheese that’s brilliant for cooking) marinated in pickling spices. They're then charred in a tandoor, which is a traditional clay oven that gets incredibly hot, giving everything a smoky, delicious depth.

• The Main Event: Guests get a choice for their main. There’s the comforting Matar Paneer, where the paneer is slow-cooked in a gently spiced tomato gravy. Or, for something a bit more indulgent, there’s the Awadhi Murgh Korma. This isn't just any korma; the Awadhi Murgh Korma is a rich, celebratory dish where tender chicken is wrapped in a delicate saffron and nut sauce. It's the kind of dish that feels like a special occasion.

• On the Side: Both mains are served with a whole host of accompaniments. There's Pahadi Chaunsa Dal, a lentil dish simmered slowly and finished with ghee, garlic, and cumin. Plus, fragrant saffron pulao and, of course, soft butter naan for scooping everything up. You can't have a proper Indian meal without a brilliant butter naan.

• To Finish: For dessert, the meal ends with a sweet, nostalgic treat: Jaggery Rice Kheer. It’s a creamy rice pudding, sweetened with jaggery (an unrefined sugar) and topped with crunchy caramelised almonds. A perfectly comforting end to a memorable meal.

A little something extra for mum

As a special touch to celebrate the day, every mum dining from the Mother’s Day menu will receive a complimentary handcrafted cocktail or a creative mocktail. It’s a thoughtful gesture that rounds off the whole experience. This isn't just an afterthought; the drinks at India Bistro are a big deal. The restaurant is also home to Bar28, a spot described as “India, one sip at a time.” The cocktail programme at Bar28 is curated by an award-winning bartender, Santosh Kukreti, and it draws inspiration from the ingredients and flavours found across India's many states. So, whether it's a handcrafted cocktail or a beautifully made mocktail, it’s guaranteed to be something special, adding another layer to those shared family moments.

The kitchen and the chef behind the experience

Since opening in December, India Bistro Leeds has been making a name for itself in the city's vibrant food scene. The man leading the kitchen is Head Chef Navin Chauhan. He and his team are focused on blending traditional cooking methods with a modern culinary approach. It’s all about authenticity and using quality ingredients to showcase the best of India. The kitchen has a strong focus on live-fire cooking and freshly made breads, ensuring every dish reflects genuine craft and a deep respect for the food’s heritage. The regular menu, much like the special Mother’s Day menu, is a tour of India, featuring small plates, chaats, grills, and classic mains. This dedication from Head Chef Navin Chauhan ensures every visit is a genuine exploration of regional flavours, making India Bistro more than just a restaurant—it's a destination for anyone in Leeds wanting a true culinary experience. The entire team is dedicated to bringing these nostalgic childhood dishes to life for a new audience, creating a space where every meal is a memory in the making.

Address: Regents Court, 33-39 Harrogate Rd, Chapel Allerton, Leeds LS7 3PD