Gran, grandson and a grand tour of Bristol’s best Indian restaurants
The famous Grans Spice team share their favourite spots
Jay and his grandma burst onto my Instagram feed a few months ago, and I was instantly hooked by their warmth, humour and authentic recipes. I was delighted when they agreed to write a piece for The Sauce — and just when I thought I knew every good spot in the city, they’ve managed to surprise me. Follow them on Instagram or YouTube to keep up with their adventures, and enjoy their brilliant picks below.
I’m Jay Singh — Bristol-born record producer, sometimes known as Indian Man — and I’ve spent the better part of my life searching for ways to bridge generations through music, memory, and shared meals. As a third-generation Punjabi immigrant, my story has always been intertwined with my grandmother’s. She raised me on stories from the homeland and the kind of slow-cooked wisdom that can’t be found in textbooks or studio sessions.
I wrote my debut album Gran’s House during the years I spent living with her. That record wasn’t just about beats or melodies — it was about intergenerational love, memory, and the quiet magic of being around your elders. The album struck a chord with listeners, including music legend Peter Gabriel, who signed the record and helped amplify its message to a global audience.
The journey didn’t stop there. A BBC Good Food feature highlighted the role my gran’s cooking played in the creative process, and the response was overwhelming. What began as a quiet personal archive of five-generation-old recipes soon grew into a crowdfunded cookbook, supported by chefs and artists alike, including BBC chef Matt Tebbutt and others who shared our passion for food as storytelling.
With that momentum, we launched a YouTube series, inviting artists and creators to cook, talk, and reflect with us. We've had the pleasure of welcoming guests like Serena Appleby, Faveganism, The Cooking Flea, and Big Bristol Vegan into our home. Together, we explore everything from plant-based Punjabi recipes to the unspoken lessons passed between generations at the dinner table.
Now, Gran and I are taking that same spirit out into the city — revisiting five of Bristol’s most remarkable Indian restaurants. This tour isn’t just about what’s on the plate; it’s about how food connects people, places, and memories.
So here it is — a culinary love letter to Bristol, my Gran, and the flavours that continue to bring us together.
1. Urban Tandoor – Light, fresh, and full of heart
Tucked near St Nicholas Market, Urban Tandoor is a Bristol favourite — not just for its food, but for its infectious personality. We’d both spent more time than we’d care to admit watching their cheeky, Bollywood-inspired TikToks, so we had to see what the buzz was all about in person. Thankfully, the food lives up to the fun. Urban Tandoor serves up fresh, well-balanced North Indian dishes with care and consistency.
The palak kofta was rich and velvety, the tandoori broccoli surprisingly moreish, and the portions just right. Gran said the dal reminded her of temple langar (temple food) — simple, soulful, and honest. For me, it was the mango lassi that hit hardest — thick, cold, slightly tart, and exactly like she used to make during summer breaks. Urban Tandoor might be playful online, but in person, it’s all heart — a warm, welcoming spot that brings generations together, one plate at a time.
Urban Tandoor, 13 Small Street, BS1 1DE
2. Jeevan Sweets – The true taste of Punjab
Walking into Jeevan Sweets on Stapleton Road is like stepping into a corner of Amritsar. It’s a no-frills, family-run spot that does exactly what it promises: real Punjabi food and sweets, just like home. My Gran’s been eating here since I was a kid, and every visit still feels like part of a family ritual.
Her eyes lit up at the deep trays of jalebi and barfi behind the counter — but the real secret here? It’s not just the sweets. Their curries are quietly some of the best in the city — hearty, home-style, and packed with flavour. We tucked into a simple veg thali with creamy dal, saag, and fresh chapatis that tasted like they’d just come off the tawa.
And we have to say it: the samosas here are the best in Bristol — crisp, golden, perfectly spiced, and never greasy. We sat by the window sharing one, followed by a pista barfi, reminiscing about the first time Gran made parathas in Bristol back in the 1970s.
This place doesn’t shout — it hums with history, comfort, and care. For us, Jeevan is more than a sweet shop. It’s a touchstone.
Jeevan Sweets, 415-417 Stapleton Rd, Easton, BS5 6NE
3. Pukka Peacock – Colourful, modern, and proudly fusion
Located in Brislington, Pukka Peacock feels like a celebration of everything new Indian cuisine can be. The décor is bold, the plating is precise, and the flavours aren’t afraid to twist tradition.
Gran wasn’t sure what to expect from “Indian street food with a twist,” but she was pleasantly surprised — smiling and clearly enjoying the playful yet grounded flavours.
What truly won us over, though, was the lassi — thick, creamy, and just sweet enough. After trying the lassi at Urban Tandoor earlier, we had to try it again here, and it was neck and neck, Gran said. She added it reminded her of the ones they used to churn by hand in the village. “If they bottled this,” she said, “we’d be leaving with a crate.”
Pukka by name, pukka by nature — this is modern Indian cooking done with real charm.
Pukka Peacock, 65 Sandy Park Rd, Brislington, BS4 3PQ
4. Dev’s Kerala – South Indian soul, served hot
Perched at the top of Gloucester Road, Dev’s Kerala brings the vibrant flavours of South India to one of Bristol’s busiest culinary strips. While their menu offers a wide range of traditional Kerala dishes, it was the masala dosa that stole the show. Crisp, golden, and paper-thin, it arrived folded like a letter from home — stuffed with spiced potato and paired with sambar and fresh coconut chutneys that tasted like they’d been ground that morning.
Gran doesn’t often gravitate toward South Indian food — it’s outside her usual wheelhouse — but after one bite, she nodded in approval. “This is dosa done right,” she said, wiping her fingers with a smile.
Warm service, bold spice, and a sense of quiet pride make Dev’s a standout. It’s the kind of place where tradition speaks through texture, heat, and generosity — and where even lifelong North Indian cooks like Gran can’t help but be impressed.
Dev’s Kerala, 180 Gloucester Road, Bishopston, BS7 8NU
5. Jalebi Chowk – Bristol’s secret family-run gem for samosas and sweet treats
Located on Fishponds Road, Jalebi Chowk is a humble stall set right in their front garden — pure family business vibes. It sits just next to the Queens Head pub, making it the perfect spot for a pint followed by a samosa and some sweet, sticky jalebi.
Gran loved the warm, fresh sweets and the crispy samosas packed with flavour. The friendly, down-to-earth service made it feel like you were visiting family, not just grabbing a quick bite.
Jalebi Chowk is all about simple, satisfying Indian street food snacks done with love — perfect for a casual evening where great food and good company go hand in hand.
Jalebi Chowk, 282 Fishponds Rd, Eastville, BS5 6PY
All words by Jay Singh
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This is fantastic. Thank you.