Originally from India, the chef Anuroopa Banerjee got used to traveling from an early age. Every year she moved to another city with her family, due to her father’s work in mining. Later, his travels continued to impact his life and today they are reflected in his cuisine, where he combines influences and techniques from all over the world.
At the beginning of her career, Anuroopa worked in Marketing and Communication, but ended up leaving the area and trained in cooking in Italy. He later interned and worked in Peru, where he met Lithuanian Ksenia Naumova during a bus trip. Two years later, the two friends opened Journey, in the Campo de Ourique area, in Lisbon.
In this space, the chef combines Indian spices, from Rajasthan, India, with Portuguese and European ingredients. “All the dishes are, of course, inspired by the places I lived, the places I worked. But I try to introduce my own elements”, says Anuroopa Banerjee to SATURDAY.
Chef Anuroopa Banerjee
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Most of the recipes were already thought up in Portugal, as is the case with beef cheek stewed in chutney strawberry and grape (€18). “In my country, beef is banned because it is a predominantly Hindu nation,” she explains. “I cooked beef cheeks here, for the first time in my life, with fruit for the spring menu.”
Among the starters, the Peruvian fish ceviche (€11) stands out, a fresh dish that goes well with the arrival of good weather. In the more traditional Indian options, the chef recommends the coastal curry (€14), a special dish, inspired by a recipe from her mother. “My parents, as they worked in different parts of the country, took a recipe from that specific part of India and made it their own way.” Before you leave, take some time to browse the dessert menu, which changes depending on the seasonal ingredients.
R. Correia Teles, 38A, Lisbon – €20 (average price)
Five more restaurants
Tabanca
From the vast menu of Indian snacks, the chaat of samosa (€6), a typical dish from northern India, and tapioca vada (€6), served with a chutney of tamarind and one of yogurt, mint and coriander.
R. Angelina Vidal, 88B, Lisbon – 923 084 596 – Average price: €15
Ararat
Dedicated to the flavors of Armenia, the restaurant offers delicacies such as lamb kebabs (€21) and putukh chickpea soup (€10). In 2023, the second space opened in the Odivelas area.
Av. Conde Valbom, 70, Lisbon – 925 451 509 – Average price: €20
Ararate restaurant serves traditional Armenian delicacies
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Imanol Barra Basca
The menu is inspired by the traditional cuisine of the Basque Country, in northern Spain. As expected, pinxtos are stars.
R. da Escola Politécnica, 21, Lisbon – [email protected] – Average price: €20
The interior of the Imanol Barra Basca restaurant, in Lisbon
Francisco Nogueira
Tayybeh
With the aim of showcasing recipes from various regions of Syria, Tayybeh’s menu changes every week.
Estr. Moscavide, 62A, Lisbon – 218 040 111 – Average price: €20
Dish from Tayybeh restaurant, in Lisbon
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Touta
At Touta, in Campo de Ourique, chef Cynthia Bitar puts her touch on traditional Lebanese recipes. The idea of opening the restaurant came after visiting Lisbon and discovering similarities between Portugal and his country of origin.
R. Domingos Sequeira, 38, Lisbon – 960 494 949 – Average price: €25
