A new restaurant which is thought to be the only place themed around Goan-Portuguese cuisine has opened.

Mr Todiwala’s Petiscos, officially opened in December 2018 on Queen’s Road, Buckhurst Hill, co-owned by Steve Redman-Schaffer, from Woodford and Cyrus Todiwala from East London.

The duo decided to launch the restaurant after trialling a pop-up event last summer at Mr Todiwala’s Indian eatery, Cafe Spice Namaste in Whitechapel.

Mr Redman-Schaffer, who runs tapas-styled themed restaurant full-time, said: “We are pleased they have pursued this we are very happy with the way it’s going.

“It is like having a new-born baby, so it’s going take some time for people to get to know the cuisine and wines because they are used to pinot grigio or a merlot. My job is to get them to try new beverages from Portugal.”

The 35-seated venue’s unique menu was inspired when Goa, located in west India, was part of the Portuguese colonisation until 1961.

Mr Redman-Schaffer and his wife Michelle are responsible for importing wines from small family-run businesses all 12 of Prtoguals wine regions.

We import and deal with very small family run businesses from all 12 wine regions of Portugal

Bombay-born Cyrus Todiwala, a regular on BBC’s Saturday Kitchen, has injected his experience with Goa to offer a unique take on an enduring Portuguese food.

Mr Todiwala said: “Steve and I go back a long way, and he and his wife Michelle’s knowledge of Portuguese wines is second to none.

“I love their wines, and they go perfectly with the Goan-inspired Petiscos we will be serving to our customers. Portugal was the very first country to introduce European wines to Asia and the Americas, and spices as well.”

The restaurant is set to launch a new lunch time menu later this month, offering several mouth-watering dishes and drinks in a special deal.

The long-time friends and chefs also plan to release a Sunday lunch menu by adding their Portuguse-Goan influences to the classic British roast.

There is a dearth of different restaurants in the area and Queen’s Road is a great place where you won’t find this style of food anywhere in the UK,” explained Mr Redman-Schaffer. “People are really keen to come back try everything.

“Tapas is a very different way of eating but combining with Goan and Portuguese that makes it a unique experience.”

“It’s great for us to be able to introduce new food and wine pairing concepts like Mr Todiwala’s Petiscos which allow people to discover and enjoy world class cuisine with wines in a truly convivial atmosphere of sharing. ‘

Visit www.mrtodiwalaspetiscos.com or call 02082570816 to find out more or make a booking.