Ipswich: New restaurant opens with the flavours of South India

Indian Palace, south Indian/Sri Lankan restaurant, re-opening in Upper Orwell Street, Ipswich (Image: Archant)

Indian Palace, now fully refurbished and re-decorated, has new ownership and is taking a new direction.

Ipswich businessman Mr Zulfikar Mihar, and his brother-in-law Siyad, have taken over the business and re-launched it on Saturday, with the help of the special guests.

There was music and dancing too, with visiting drummers and dancers in Upper Orwell Street.

The new restaurant would be inspired by South Indian and Sri Lankan dishes, he said.

Indian Palace, south Indian/Sri Lankan restaurant, re-opening in Upper Orwell Street, Ipswich (Image: Archant)

Mr Mihar said: “There are plenty of Indian restaurants in Suffolk, but not Sri Lankan.

“You have to go to Wembley to find that, and that means an overnight stay too.

“Sri Lankan dishes are lovely food. They can be mild or hot and they are known for their spices.

“They are cooked with less oil.

“We mix and make all our ingredients. It is time consuming but it gives it better taste.”

There are changes inside the building, which has been a restaurant for many years, including two large hand-carved elephants.

“The front of the restaurant is the bar, like an English pub, with Sri Lankan beers including draught.

“We will start with ten to 12 Sri Lankan dishes and gradually introduce more.

“Our chef is very experienced. He has 15 years experience including the Moss restaurants in London. He has also worked in Dubai.

“This is a very exciting time for us.”

His family are already in business locally, operating several conveniences stores in Ipswich and in Felixstowe.

“But this is our first restaurant.” he said.

There is seating for 35 diners in the main restaurant, he said, and two function rooms were being created upstairs especially for private parties and meetings.

There would also be offering takeaway food.