In the two years since opening Amrina in the Woodlands to rave reviews, the Kahani Social Group has steadily made their presence known with the launch of a large-scale catering company called Jashn Catering, and two neighboring restaurants, Pok Pok Po and Bol, that opened in Midtown in December and January, respectively. This spring, they are adding another concept to the growing roster, with Kitchen Rumors, a full-service restaurant showcasing Indian-inspired fare, set to open in the former Xin Chao space at 2310 Decatur Street in Sixth Ward.
Led by brothers Surpreet and Preet Paul Singh, with partner and executive chef Jassi Bindra, Kitchen Rumors will spotlight the robust flavors of Indian cuisine, while embracing global influences. Indian-born Bindra is a champion of Food Network’s Chopped, and a dynamo among Houston chefs known for his clever and creative approach to Indian food. While the skilled chef shines in coloring outside of the lines, he remains true to the time-honored traditions of Indian cooking, as evidenced at Amrina, Pok Pok Po, and Bol. With Kitchen Rumors, he aims to surprise diners by reimagining classic flavors in unexpected ways.
“Houston’s food scene is evolving, and Indian cuisine is becoming more diverse and elevated,” says Bindra. “Kitchen Rumors aims to add a new dimension — one that celebrates Indian flavors in a fresh, contemporary way.”
Whereas Amrina offers an opulent and theatrical dining experience with elaborate presentation, Kitchen Rumors will highlight clean, intentional plating in which each element has room to shine. Bindra teases that guests can look forward to dishes that feel familiar in flavor but have surprising form, from grilled steak with house-made spices; bison short rib Nihari; roasted oyster tikka; and bold and unusual sweet pairings like pecan pie with lemon curd and gulab jamun; and panna cotta shahi tukda, a cross between the gelatin-set Italian dessert and South Asian-style bread pudding.
“At Kitchen Rumors, we believe Indian cuisine is no longer confined to its origins. It’s a vibrant, ever-evolving culinary force shaped by global influences,” he says. “Our menu takes the vibrant spices and rich flavors of India and presents them in a way that’s accessible and exciting for everyone, whether they are longtime fans of Indian food or trying it for the first time.”
Balancing comfort with creativity, Bindra says Kitchen Rumors will be a vessel for story-telling, with each dish distinguished by its own backstory. The restaurant’s moniker and theme are a nod to this idea that food is a provocative conversation starter and serves as a bridge between cultures.
Like Pok Pok Chicken and Bol, Kitchen Rumors’ inner loop locale is sure to be a draw, and Bindra says guests can anticipate the restaurant being a “dynamic, social space”. “Houston is a city that thrives on bold flavors and innovative dining, and we want to be part of that next chapter, redefining how contemporary cuisine is experienced.”
Kitchen Rumors, 2310 Decatur St, Houston, kitchenrumorshtx.com
