Restaurants in Upper Bucklebury, Reading, Berkshire

"Elai" translates into English as meaning "a leaf". In South-India, there has been a long standing tradition of serving food on banana leaves and is considered quite healthy and authentic. These thick big leaves are huge enough to serve a multi course meal. Developing around this concept "Elai" was born. Elai is a snazzy urban South Indian restaurant and cocktail bar set in the heart of Basingstoke. Each dish has been perfectly curated using traditional cooking methods to create a multi-sensory dining experience. Elai embarks on a new venture to bring authenticity and fusion in the diverse cuisines of Kerala that would tickle all the senses to experience our home to you - 'Gods own Country'. A generous use of coconut, chilli and spices, local fresh produce and ground spices in mouth-tingling local recipes differs with every region and community of Kerala. Our experienced and skilled chefs are also specialised in North Indian and Indo-Chinese cuisines. We (Nidhin & Unni) having worked in the hospitality industry have channelled our 20 years plus of experience to create this concept of 'dining with a difference'. What sets us apart is that our restaurant is set up in a 1400 year old historical building preserved in it's pristine condition with a private room upstairs of 30 seat capacity and 100 guest capacity downstairs in four sections. We also open from morning until dusk falls offering both Indian and English breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner. Elai welcomes you all to dine with a difference and to a mouthful of memories.

Spices and Spirits Story Spices and Spirits a new Indian restaurant was launched re launched in 2022 after lockdown restrictions were eased. Situated in the area called Kings Furlong, walking distance from the top of the town is the brainchild of Mrs. Anushree Patil. The idea was to create a restaurant serving the exciting taste of the many regions of India, combined with style, flair, and presentation. India, the melting pot of cultures, languages and traditions has one of the finest and richest culinary histories. The country, divided into four regions, north, south, east and west, is a confluence of varied, diverse and distinct cooking styles. The diversity is the essence of Indian food, which is an important and enriching part of Indian culture. The food is a key ingredient in quality family life and festivities. Indian families enjoy and celebrate their togetherness over breakfast, snacks and meals. Special recipes are cherished for generations and are handed down from mother to daughter. The timeless legacy is carried forward from generation to generation. Indian cuisine is renowned for subtle blends of aromatic herbs and spices and exotic gravies. Regardless of region, caste, creed and language, spices are the key ingredients. They not only add depth of flavor but also facilitate healing with their almost magical properties. In India, cooking is an art, perfected over time and kitchen is regarded as the soul of every Indian home. According to the traditional Indian cooking, the food is categorized into six basic tastes- sweet, sour, salty, spicy, bitter and astringent. A well balanced Indian meal contains all six tastes and is wholesome and nutritious.