The rumors are true: a Houston Chopped champion’s newest restaurant is opening in late spring.
Kitchen Rumors is the fourth concept developed by executive chef Jassi Bindra and his partners at the Kahani Social Group, Surpreet and Preet Paul Singhat. The trio is known for Amrina, a fine-dining restaurant in The Woodlands, and the Midtown fast-casual spots Pok Pok Po and Bol.
Bindra has reimagined classic global fare with an Indian twist for the Kitchen Rumors menu. Diners will discover such dishes as bison short rib nihari, pan-seared branzino served with salad, and panna cotta shai tukda.
“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,” said Bindra. “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.”
The restaurant’s name hints at a core belief of Kitchen Rumors: that food is more than sustenance; it can start conversations and bridge the gap between cultures. Patrons will discover that each menu item has a backstory, with interactive elements incorporated into the restaurant’s food presentation and cocktails.
The Kahani Social Group has been busy lately, launching Pok Pok Po in December 2024 and Bol in late January.
Fried chicken is the focus at Pok Pok Po, with Bindra’s housemade hot sauce inspiring the menu of crispy, gluten-free, halal chicken enhanced with Indian flavors.
Sharing space with Pok Pok Po is its sister concept, Bol. Here, diners build a bowl, salad, or wrap with ingredients such as basmati rice, garbanzo beans, lamb keema, and hummus. Kitchen Rumors will open at 2310 Decatur, the former space of Xin Chao, the ambitious Vietnamese restaurant from chefs Tony Nguyen and Christine Ha.