Celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay paid a surprise visit to Amrut Indian restaurant in Leicester city centre, spending two hours sampling dishes with his family and colleagues.
The British chef and television personality visited the restaurant, which opened in 2024, without a booking. He sampled a variety of dishes and spoke with staff during his time at the venue.
Amrut’s growing reputation was further recognised when the restaurant won the New Restaurant award at the Leicestershire Curry Awards 2025
Owner Shivani Joon said Ramsay was particularly impressed by the food and service, singling out the restaurant’s butter chicken and Nalli Nihari for praise.
“He was very impressed with the service and the food, and he especially liked our butter chicken,” Ms Joon said.
She added that the visit had been completely unexpected.
“I was very surprised. He was a walk-in customer with no booking, which came as a total shock. He also knew a great deal about our restaurant and our head chef.
“We will never forget the experience. He praised the food and the restaurant so much, and it was a very special moment for all of us.”
Head chef Dharminder described meeting Ramsay as a deeply meaningful moment.
“I’m very humbled,” he said. “When I approached his table to check that everything was all right, he stood up and welcomed me warmly.”
Chef Dharminder said Ramsay’s family enjoyed a wide selection of dishes during their visit.
“I asked his wife and daughter whether everything was all right with the food, and they were very happy. They tried five starters and five main courses. Gordon said his favourite dishes were the butter chicken and nalli nihari.”
Reflecting on the visit, he added: “This has made my dream come true. It is the biggest reward of my life to have a celebrity chef and guru praising my food and our restaurant.”
Amrut, which opened in Leicester city centre in 2024, has quickly established itself as a popular destination for Indian cuisine. Its success at the Leicestershire Curry Awards 2025, coupled with the surprise visit from one of Britain’s best-known chefs, has provided a further boost for the restaurant and its team.
