New Indian bar and restaurant with ‘humble beginnings’ opens in Worcester

A new bar and restaurant with humble beginnings in India has opened its doors as the chef vows to bring authentic flavours from his homeland to the city.

Teaon Bar and Restaurant has opened at 29 Broad Street, Worcester, and offers a menu of authentic Indian dishes inspired by the culinary traditions of the chef’s family.

The premises were previously occupied by Tipsy Toast, which opened in May this year, and, before that, by Waffle and More.

The chef behind the new Teaon restaurant venture is 29-year-old Jerin Raju, who says he wants to bring fusion cuisine and authentic dishes from Kerala in India to Worcester.

Chef Jerin describes the restaurant as created out of a combination of ‘tradition, passion, and dreams’. The menu suggests the business will have an eye on value for money too, with special offers for students

AUTHENTIC: Chef Jerin Raju has opened Teaon Bar and Restaurant in Broad Street, Worcester (Image: Supplied by chef Jerin)

A spokesperson said: “Teaon’s roots trace back over 30 years to a humble home in Kerala, where a remarkable woman began a small snack business from her kitchen. A housewife with an extraordinary vision, she wore every hat—chef, manager, marketer, and entrepreneur—all on her own. With no formal training but an abundance of passion, she created flavours that people cherished and built a business that stood as a testament to her dedication.

OPEN: Teaon in 29 Broad Street, Worcester (Image: Newsquest)

“Her journey wasn’t easy, but her determination transformed a simple home venture into something truly special. Every dish she made carried her spirit—bold, authentic, and full of heart.”

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Chef Jerin’s maternal grandfather was a well-known chef in his hometown of Kariyad, near Cochin International Airport. ‘Renowned for his skill and dedication’, he regularly cooked for large gatherings and functions, serving anywhere between 500 to 1,000 people.

Chef Jerin trained as a professional chef, mastering both traditional and modern culinary techniques. Starting with Indian cuisine, he later moved on to continental and Chinese cooking,

The name “Teaon” reflects its deep connection to Kerala—’where tea is not just a beverage, but a way of life’.

INSPIRED: Chef Jerin Raju has opened Teaon bar and restaurant in Broad Street, Worcester (Image: Supplied by Chef Jerin)

A spokesperson said: “Our menu is thoughtfully crafted using quality ingredients to deliver bold flavours and satisfying bites.

“Whether you’re joining us for a relaxed coffee, catching up with friends over cocktails, or enjoying a casual meal, we aim to create a warm and welcoming atmosphere where every visit feels special.”

Dishes on the menu include mains like Masala Dosa, Kerala chicken curry with parotta and chicken dum biryani. Starters include chicken 65 (South Indian style spicy fried chicken with curry leaves), vegetable samosas and gol gappa shots (crispy puris filled with flavoured water, potatoes, chickpeas and chutneys).