Tharavadu celebrates 13 years of Kerala cooking in Leeds

When Tharavadu opened in Leeds, Keralan cooking was still a rarity in the city. Thirteen years on, the restaurant has become one of the most respected Indian kitchens in the north of England, and it continues to grow.

Tharavadu brings the food of Kerala, on India's south-west coast, to the heart of Leeds. The cooking draws on the region's traditions, offering diners a different side of Indian food to the dishes many grew up with.

The restaurant made an impression quickly. It was listed in the Michelin Guide within a year of opening, a remarkable start for an independent restaurant, and it has retained its place in the guide over many years. Co-owner Siby Jose has made no secret of his ambitions, saying that one day the restaurant will win a star.

One of the most striking things about Tharavadu is its continuity. The same five co-founders who started the business are still running it today, a rare achievement in a restaurant world where change is often the norm.

The restaurant itself has grown along with its reputation. A 2026 feature marking its 13th anniversary reported that it has expanded from around 70 seats to 120, a sign of just how many loyal customers it has gathered over the years.

The family of venues has grown too. Sister restaurant UYARE, a rooftop restaurant and premium bar, sits in the Victoria Quarter, and the owners have been planning a new Indo-Chinese venue on Mill Hill, offering eat-in or takeaway food.

The 13th anniversary was a chance for the team to thank the customers who have supported them, many of whom have been returning since the early days. It is a story of steady, patient growth built on consistently good cooking and warm hospitality.

For Leeds, Tharavadu is proof that the city's appetite for regional Indian food runs deep, and that an independent restaurant can thrive for well over a decade by staying true to its roots.

Tharavadu is in Leeds city centre, within easy reach of the railway station. Booking is recommended, especially at weekends, and the restaurant's own website has details of its menus and its sister venues.