Tantara to bring Bengal Bistro to Jesmond

A new Indian dining concept is set to arrive in Newcastle, bringing a style of Bengali-inspired bistro cooking rarely seen in the North East.

Tantara will open on Osborne Road in Jesmond on March 23, introducing what is described as the region’s first Bengal Bistro. 

Drawing inspiration from the historic cabin cafés of Kolkata, the restaurant reflects the informal neighbourhood venues that shaped the city’s everyday dining culture. 

The Osborne Road site has undergone a full refurbishment to create an intimate bistro setting reflecting the character of those cafés while introducing a contemporary dining experience. 

Dishes on the menu span the historic region of Bengal, combining delicately spiced seafood, slow-cooked meats and house specialities such as Bungalow Lamb Curry.

European dishes that became part of Kolkata’s café culture during the colonial period will also feature, including Chicken à la Kiev, reflecting the blend of influences that shaped the city’s urban food scene.

Tantara has been developed by the Shah brothers from South Shields as a tribute to their late father, whose career in hospitality inspired the project. 

The kitchen will also be led by an executive chef from Kolkata, grounding the concept in the city’s culinary traditions.

Speaking on behalf of the family, Shah Lalon said: “For years, we’ve enjoyed Indian food in this country and it’s become part of everyday life.

“But the story of Bengal, and in particular the cabin cafés of old Calcutta, hasn’t really been told in this way.

“Those cafés were a big part of the city’s dining culture. 

“They blended Bengali cooking with outside influences and created something distinctive. 

“We wanted to be the first to tell that story properly as a restaurant concept.

“With Tantara, we’ve created something completely new. 

“It isn’t just a collection of dishes, it’s a way of bringing that part of Bengal’s identity to life. 

“Dining should feel experiential, and that’s what we’ve built.”

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