Lehja's new Chesterfield sibling brings Punjabi flair to town
The owner of Lehja — one of Richmond's most acclaimed Indian restaurants — is opening a second spot, this time in Midlothian. Why it matters: Chesterfield residents are in for a treat when Tashan Indian Kitchen opens, hopefully this month, owner Sunny Baweja tells Axios. State of play: Baweja is preparing to open Tashan in the former Rusty Taco space in Westchester Commons, pending final inspections. Think of Tashan, which means "swag" in Punjabi, as Lehja's younger sibling, Baweja says, sharing about 65% to 70% of its menu but with a personality all its own. While Lehja serves cuisines from across India, Tashan will lean more heavily into dishes from Punjab, Baweja's home state. On the menu: More chaats (Indian street-food snacks), Punjabi specialties and a few dishes you won't find at Lehja. Among them: Gosht Beliram , a goat dish named for the legendary royal chef of 19th-century Sikh ruler Maharaja Ranjit Singh. Baweja says Tashan will be the only restaurant in North America serving it. Plus: Punjabi-style rara chicken curry and some street-food appetizers with Amul, a popular Indian cheese brand. To drink: A curated wine list of 70 to 100 bottles, plus beer and cocktails. Inside Tashan.
