A Journey Through South India; The Story Of Elai
In Basingstoke’s finest South Indian restaurant, dine with a difference.
Welcome to Elai! We’re an authentic Keralan restaurant set in the heart of Hampshire, offering high-quality South Indian and Indo Chinese cuisine. Focused on providing a multi-sensory dining experience, our elegant flavours are the result of combined local produce and fresh ground spices. Here’s everything you need to know about our South Indian restaurant in Basingstoke before your next visit!
Founded On The Flavours Of Kerala Cuisine
Established by Unni Balasubramanian and Nidhin Satheesan in the summer of 2022, Elai was founded on the simple yet zesty flavours of Kerala cuisine. Incomparable to many before it, our specialities revolve around the abundance of coconut, tapioca, black pepper, cloves, cinnamon and ginger.
Our menu is built upon the cultural influences of South Indian food, such as sambar, thali and kari. Influenced by the finest Michelin-starred chefs, including Atul Khoccar, our dishes embrace the freshest vegetables, poultry, red meat and seafood. And prepared with chillies, curry leaves, mustard leaves, turmeric and tamarind, our flavours embody ‘God’s Own Country’.
At Elai, our chef’s share our passion for Kerala cuisine. Expertly trained, they’re excited to flaunt their skills in our South Indian restaurant in Basingstoke.
A Unique And Vibrant Dining Experience
With more than forty years of hard-earned experience between them, our founders Unni and Nidhin had dreamt of bringing a unique and vibrant dining experience to their home in Basingstoke. Each renowned in the hospitality industry, their passion is matched by impressive CV’s.
With a Bachelor’s Degree in International Hospitality Science from Gilon Hotel School, Nidhin had previously spent a decade with the Hilton Group. Similarly, Unni’s career led him to Elai from the 5 Star Hotel Le Royal Meridien, alongside a stint with AA Red Star Hotels.
In early 2022, the opportunity to share their Keralan passion with our community presented itself. And after seven months of hard work, the opportunity finally paid off! Our doors were open.
A South Indian Restaurant In Basingstoke’s Oldest Building
Elai isn’t only set apart by its astounding food. Housed in the historical Anchor Court, our restaurant’s original features date back to the 1400s. With a 30 capacity private room upstairs, you’ll find ceiling beams and decorative woodwork. And in our downstairs dining space, there’s period skirting and stone tiles to marvel upon.
Matched by our unsurpassed South Indian food, Elai embodies a complete multi-sensory dining experience.
Create A Mouthful Of Memories With Our South Indian Food
In the heart of Basingstoke, enjoy lunch, dinner and afternoon tea. Kick back and relax with a delicious cup of coffee, or unwind over a cocktail in our snazzy urban bar. If one thing’s for certain, it’s that you’ll collect a mouthful of memories to relish forever.
Click here to book your table. And don’t forget to download our My Elai app for exclusive rewards and perks!