Venturing into the culinary scene of Chatham, near Rochester in Kent, we stumbled upon a gem that immediately piqued our interest: Gurkha Fire. Opened in March of this year, this restaurant has quickly risen to prominence, even becoming the top-ranked eatery in the region on TripAdvisor. Our own fondness for Nepalese cuisine, ignited during a previous trip to Nepal, made Gurkha Fire an irresistible destination. We were eager to explore what makes Gurkha Food so special and how this new restaurant was capturing hearts and palates.
Celebrating the grand opening of Gurkha Fire restaurant in Chatham, a new destination for authentic Gurkha food. Image courtesy of Kent Online.
What Exactly is Gurkha Food? A Culinary Journey
The name “Gurkha” itself carries a rich history, deeply intertwined with the brave Nepalese soldiers who have served in armies around the world for centuries. But beyond the military prowess, there’s a vibrant cultural heritage that includes a distinctive and flavorful cuisine. Gurkha food is more than just Nepalese food; it’s a unique subset, often reflecting the hardy and resilient nature of the Gurkha people and the diverse landscapes of Nepal.
Traditionally, Gurkha food emphasizes hearty, wholesome ingredients, perfect for fueling active lifestyles and braving mountainous terrains. Think robust flavors, warming spices, and dishes that offer both comfort and sustenance. While sharing similarities with broader Nepalese and Indian cuisines, Gurkha food has its own distinct character.
Gurkha Fire: A Taste of Nepal in Kent
Located in Chatham’s former fire station, Gurkha Fire cleverly nods to its location’s history while promising a fiery culinary experience. This venture is the brainchild of chefs Keshav and Raju Kandel, already known for their successful Dylan’s Café. Gurkha Fire represents a step towards a more refined dining experience, showcasing the depth and breadth of Gurkha food.
Upon entering, we were struck by the restaurant’s expansive and inviting ambiance. Spread across multiple rooms and two floors, the interior blends modern design with subtle Nepalese touches, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere. The friendly staff, many with Nepalese heritage, added to the genuine hospitality.
The inviting ambiance of Gurkha Fire restaurant, Chatham, promising a memorable Gurkha food experience.
Exploring the Gurkha Fire Menu: A Feast for the Senses
The menu at Gurkha Fire, while focused, offered a tantalizing selection of dishes, each promising a unique Gurkha food experience. After much deliberation, we decided on a range of starters and mains to truly sample the cuisine.
Starters: Momos and Three Chilli Chicken
We began with the classic Momos (6 chicken momos – £8.95), Nepalese dumplings that arrived swiftly and were simply delightful. These were not overly complicated, allowing the quality of the ingredients and the subtle spicing to shine. The accompanying dipping sauce was a star in itself, adding a layer of flavor that elevated the momos to another level.
Delicious Chicken Momos served at Gurkha Fire, a must-try Gurkha food starter.
Our second starter, the Three Chilli Chicken (£8.95), presented a slightly different experience. While the concept was intriguing, the execution fell a little short. The chili seeds were a bit too abundant and crunchy, and the chicken itself was somewhat dry. The batter, in places, had a chewy texture. While not a complete disappointment, it was the least impressive dish of our Gurkha food journey at Gurkha Fire.
Three Chilli Chicken at Gurkha Fire, part of our exploration of Gurkha food.
Mains: Timur Curry, Tandoori Chicken, and Accompaniments
For our main courses, we opted for a diverse selection to truly appreciate the variety within Gurkha food. The Timur Chicken (£13.95) and Timur Jackfruit (£13.95) curries were the stars of the show. The Timur berry, native to Nepal and related to Sichuan pepper, imparted a distinctive citrusy, grapefruit-like flavor to the curries. This unique spice elevated the dishes, offering a taste that was both familiar and intriguingly different. The chicken version was particularly delightful, while the jackfruit, though well-prepared, couldn’t quite match the succulence of the chicken.
Flavorful Timur Chicken Curry, showcasing the unique spices of Gurkha food at Gurkha Fire.
Our third main, the quarter Tandoori Chicken (£6.50), arrived on the bone, as expected, accompanied by a vibrant green dip. The tandoori chicken was flavorful and well-spiced, though perhaps a touch dry. However, the overall taste was undeniably satisfying. The butter naan (£3.95) and pilau rice (£5) were excellent accompaniments. The waiter mentioned the rice was made with real saffron, evident in its color and aroma, adding a touch of luxury to our Gurkha food experience. The raita (£3.50) and kuchumber (£3.50) provided refreshing contrasts to the richness of the curries and tandoori, completing our main course selections perfectly.
Tandoori Chicken, a flavorful component of our Gurkha food feast at Gurkha Fire.
Drinks: Gurkha Lager
To complement our meal, I chose the Gurkha Lager (660ml bottle – £6.50). This beer, originally brewed in Nepal for the UK market, is now produced locally using British ingredients. I found it to be a superior choice compared to many other British beers, and it paired exceptionally well with the Gurkha food we were enjoying.
Why Gurkha Food Deserves Your Attention
Gurkha food offers a fascinating and delicious alternative to the more commonly known Indian and broader Nepalese cuisines. It’s a cuisine rooted in history and tradition, characterized by hearty flavors, unique spices, and a focus on fresh, quality ingredients. Exploring Gurkha food is a journey in itself, offering a taste of Nepalese culture and the legacy of the Gurkha soldiers.
Final Verdict: Gurkha Fire – A Must-Try for Food Lovers
Our experience at Gurkha Fire was overwhelmingly positive. From the warm service and inviting ambiance to the flavorful and distinctive Gurkha food, it was a truly enjoyable evening. While the Three Chilli Chicken was a minor misstep, the momos, Timur curries, and tandoori chicken were all exceptional. Gurkha Fire is more than just a restaurant; it’s an introduction to the rich culinary heritage of the Gurkhas. If you’re in Chatham or looking to explore unique and delicious cuisines, Gurkha Fire is a must-visit destination to discover the wonders of Gurkha food. We certainly plan to return and wholeheartedly recommend it. 4.5 out of 5 stars.
