Babur Forest Hill to mark 40 years serving community

Babur, the 2AA Rosette-awarded Indian restaurant in Forest Hill, is marking the milestone on July 17.

The restaurant, known for its bold flavours inspired by the Indian subcontinent, has been a staple in the community since 1985.

Emdad Rahman, the owner, credits the restaurant’s success to his quiet ambition to continually strive for excellence and evolve.

The establishment is celebrating its 40th anniversary. (Image: Babur) He also highlights the hard work of Babur’s dedicated team and its loyal guests, some of whom have been with the restaurant for more than 20 years.

Babur will celebrate its 40th anniversary with a Ruby Jubilee celebration on July 17, where guests will be introduced to the limited-edition Ruby Jubilee menu.

The menu, curated by Executive Chef Jiwan Lal, who himself marks 20 years at the helm this summer, includes a five-course tasting menu.

This menu is both a tribute and a reimagining, honouring the dishes, regions, and flavours that have shaped Babur’s story over the past four decades.

It has served the South East London community since 1985. (Image: Babur) Dishes include Lal Maas, a clove-smoked lamb curry from the royal kitchens of Rajputana; Daab Chingri, a Bengali delicacy of tiger prawns slow-cooked inside a whole green coconut; and Aloo Bukhara Kofta, prune and potato koftas in a spiced tomato sauce.

The dessert, Malpua, is an Indian sweet flavoured with chocolate and served with stem ginger kulfi and beetroot rabdi.

Celebratory drinks will also be served to toast to forty remarkable years.

Rupam Talukdar, creator of Babur’s signature cocktail, the Currytini, will be serving a 40th birthday cocktail to welcome guests.

The Ruby Jubilee celebration will include the limited-edition Ruby Jubilee menu. (Image: Babur) A Toast to Time combines beetroot-infused vodka, cucumber, Agave nectar, elderflower, and fresh lime.

Its alcohol-free counterpart, Ruby Cooler, features a mix of pomegranate, lychee, fresh basil, lime juice, and bubbles.

In true Babur style, the Ruby Jubilee menu is a collaborative effort, with every dish selected with the help of Babur’s dedicated Tasting Group, made up of loyal patrons.

While tickets to the official 40th anniversary party are limited, the celebrations will continue at Babur throughout the summer, with the Ruby Jubilee menu launching to the public for lunch and dinner on Friday, July 18, until Sunday, September 14.

The Ruby Jubilee menu will be available from July 18 to September 14. (Image: Babur) Beyond the table, a special 40th anniversary gift range will also be available in the restaurant and online.

This includes a commemorative cookbook featuring 40 iconic dishes from Babur’s history, alongside personal stories, and archival photos.

The Ruby Jubilee Chutney Trio, featuring three exclusive chutneys using flavour profiles that have inspired the Babur menu, will also be available.

Early booking is advised for Babur’s Ruby Jubilee Party on Thursday, July 17.

Tickets are £75 per person and include a welcome cocktail, live entertainment, and the five-course tasting menu.

The Ruby Jubilee menu will be available from Friday, July 18 to Sunday, September 14.

For bookings, visit the Babur website.