About Us

Indian Fusion Restaurant in Canterbury

Welcome to The Cook’s Tale – a modern Indian fusion restaurant where tradition meets refinement. Inspired by the flavours of Odisha, our dishes are mild, delicately spiced, and made with mustard oil, fresh coconut, and the finest seasonal ingredients.

We don’t serve high street curries — instead, we offer authentic regional cuisine with a modern twist, showcasing the rich diversity of Indian cooking.

Each meal begins with hand-crafted tasters like our pre-starter and poori, and select dishes are finished live at your table, bringing a touch of theatre to your experience.

With a small, dedicated team, we focus on personal attention, use locally sourced produce, and feature a curated wine list of local and premium Indian wines.

Our true reward is creating a memorable dining experience built on care, quality, and creativity.

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The Vision of Chef Dev Biswal

Chef Dev Biswal, founder of The Cook’s Tale, brings his culinary journey to life through each dish. Originally from Odisha, India, his career has spanned Calcutta, Dubai, London, and Canterbury, where his passion for food and storytelling found a home.

Inspired by The Canterbury Tales, Chef Dev created The Cook’s Tale to offer dishes that tell stories through flavour, heritage, and imagination. His unique blend of Indian spices and global techniques results in cuisine that is both refined and distinctive.

Chef Dev has received recognition from Michelin, AA, Good Food Guide, and Harden’s, and has been featured on Channel 4’s "Superscrimpers". He has won numerous accolades, including “Best Restaurant” at the Taste of Kent Awards and “Best Asian Chef of the Year” at the Asian Restaurant Awards.

What We Offer

Signature tasting menus, including our popular 12-course experience
A wide variety of meat, seafood, vegetarian, and vegan options
Flavours inspired by international techniques and seasonal ingredients
Live music evenings, cultural events, and themed dining nights
Carefully selected wines and warm, attentive service

At The Cook’s Tale, we believe food should be memorable, meaningful, and shared. Whether it’s your first visit or a special celebration, we’re here to make it exceptional.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you serve traditional Indian curries?

No, we offer authentic regional dishes from India — not high street curries like Chicken Madras or Tikka Masala.
What region of India inspires your menu?

Our menu is inspired by the cuisine of Odisha, known for its mild, balanced, and delicately spiced dishes.
How is Odia cuisine different?

Odia cuisine features light spices, mustard oil, and fresh coconut, focusing on natural flavours and seasonal ingredients.
Is your food very spicy?

No, our dishes are gently spiced to highlight flavour over heat.
Do you accommodate vegetarians?

Yes, we offer a variety of vegetarian options inspired by India’s diverse culinary traditions.
What makes your dining experience unique?

Each meal includes artisanal tasters, personal touches, and dishes finished live at the table for an added sense of theatre.
Why are your prices premium?

We offer a carefully curated experience, using high-quality local ingredients and providing exceptional care to each guest.
Do you use local produce?

Yes, we source locally whenever possible to ensure freshness and support our community.
What kind of wines do you serve?

Our wine list includes local vineyards, premium selections, and rare Indian wines.

Meet The Chef

Chef Dev Biswal