An Indian restaurant located on a quiet Liverpool street has rapidly gained city-wide recognition, securing a prestigious award and expanding its presence with a new, larger venue. Ikkayees, situated on South Hunter Street, has been operating in the city for just over a year but has already been named the region's best curry house.
Following its success, the family-run business recently launched The Grand Ikkayees in a historic city centre building, marking a significant step in its growth. The brand's journey began in India and is rooted in a mission to combine culinary excellence with social compassion.
Key Takeaways
- Ikkayees on South Hunter Street won a major title at the Northern England Curry Awards.
- The restaurant was founded in Calicut, India, in 2014 before expanding internationally.
- The business was inspired by the founders' volunteer work at a palliative care centre.
- A new, larger restaurant, The Grand Ikkayees, has recently opened in Liverpool city centre.
From Calicut to Liverpool A Decade of Growth
Ikkayees first opened in 2014 on the streets of Calicut, India. The restaurant was established by founder Fulaij Nelliyot, who was joined by his brothers, Shafrin and Muhammed Arafath, and friends Shibili Latheef and Shyam Prabhakar.
Their concept was born from a deeply personal experience. The group of college students had been profoundly affected by their time volunteering at a palliative care centre in Southeast Asia. According to the family's story, meeting a resilient six-year-old patient named Kulsu inspired them to create a business that blended entrepreneurship with a strong sense of compassion.
This philosophy has guided the brand's development over the last decade, leading to its international expansion and its eventual arrival in Liverpool. Despite being in the city for a relatively short period, the restaurant has quickly established a loyal following.
A Mission-Driven Business
The founding principle of Ikkayees was to create more than just a restaurant. The founders aimed to build an enterprise with a compassionate core, influenced by their volunteer experiences and a desire to make a positive impact. This narrative is shared with customers, creating a unique connection beyond the food itself.
The Award-Winning South Hunter Street Venue
The original Liverpool location is situated in an underground space on South Hunter Street, a short distance from St Luke’s Bombed Out Church. Tucked away in an alley, the venue offers an intimate dining experience with only seven tables available.
This limited seating allows for attentive service, where staff can easily see to every customer. The restaurant's interior is described as cosy and welcoming, providing a warm escape from the city streets. Details such as golden cutlery and unique placemats contribute to its distinct atmosphere.
A Unique Dining Experience
One of the most notable features is the use of custom-printed newspapers as placemats. These sheets tell the story of the Ikkayees brand, from its origins in India to its arrival in Liverpool. This marketing approach allows diners to understand the family's journey and values before their meal arrives.
The restaurant has earned significant praise, culminating in a major win at the Northern England Curry Awards. This accolade, combined with strong recommendations from local residents, has solidified its reputation as one of the city's premier destinations for Indian cuisine.
Did You Know?
The small, seven-table layout of the South Hunter Street restaurant ensures a highly personalised service, a key factor in its positive reviews and word-of-mouth success before its recent expansion.
An Extensive Menu of South Indian Flavours
Ikkayees offers a menu that reflects its South Indian roots, with a range of curries, side dishes, and appetisers. Popular main courses include the beef chatty curry, garlic chicken, and a fish mango curry, showcasing a variety of flavour profiles.
The culinary team also prepares a wide selection of accompaniments. A typical order might include:
- Masala Chips: Spiced potato chips.
- Pilau Rice: Aromatic basmati rice.
- Peshwari Naan: A sweet-filled flatbread.
- Onion Bhaji: A classic fried onion appetiser.
Dishes like honey chicken and chilli mushrooms are also frequently recommended. The chilli mushrooms, in particular, are noted for their intense heat, balanced with a flavour that encourages diners to keep eating despite the spice level.
The presentation of the food is a key highlight. Starters are often decorated with edible flowers made from multi-coloured mayonnaise, a detail that demonstrates a high level of care and creativity in the kitchen.
Expansion into the City Centre
Building on the success of its first Liverpool venue, the family has now opened a second, more prominent location. The Grand Ikkayees is situated in a historic building in the city centre, representing a significant expansion for the brand.
This new restaurant aims to bring the same quality of food and service to a larger audience in a more central location. The move signals the family's confidence in the Liverpool market and their ambition to become a cornerstone of the city's dining scene.
The expansion provides more opportunities for diners to experience the brand's unique blend of authentic Indian cuisine and heartfelt hospitality. With two distinct locations now operating, Ikkayees is poised for continued growth and recognition within the city and beyond.