New British-Indian sports bar just opened its doors in Toronto
Whether you prefer to cheer on your favourite team over chana masala or chips, a new bar in Toronto that blends Indian cuisine and British pub culture is likely to become your new favourite place to do it.
Regardless of the geographical distance, the cuisines of Great Britain and India make particularly harmonious bedfellows. In recent years, both PUNCH and Beaches Brewing Co. have put their own spins on wedding English pub staples with Indian flavours (and vice versa) to dazzling results.
It makes a lot of sense. The two countries, for better or worse, go way back. The two share over 400 years of colonial and trade history, during which India's spices were a primary priority. What's more surprising than the combination of the cuisines in the first place is the fact that Toronto restaurateurs are just getting around to doing it now.
You can't put the toothpaste back in the tube, though, and now that increasing numbers of locals are discovering the magic of masala-spiced mushy peas and tandoori wings, British-Indian concepts are on a roll.
The latest venture to take a crack at the culinary concept is Tap n Tandoor, a sports bar that officially opened in the Junction this weekend.
The tavern comes with an impressive pedigree. Co-owners, husband-and-wife duo Tarun and Noni Verma, cut their teeth at local spots like Bar Goa and Indian Street Food Co. before going off on their own with Tap n Tandoor, their first independent project.
"After two decades of operating within Toronto's culinary landscape, we wanted to create something deeply personal that captures the true essence of a local tavern," Tarun says.
Relaxed, comfortable interiors, a sports-forward atmosphere, and tandoor-fired takes on British pub staples are the core pillars of the experience at Tap n Tandoor.
Expect expansive offerings: tandoori nachos, Keralan-style fried chicken, a selection of curries, tandoor-grilled proteins, and chicken wings, all mingled and melded into something entirely singular.
Tap n Tandoor is located at 2865 Dundas St. W.
Tap n Tandoor
