How to Design an Indian Restaurant Kitchen: A Complete Guide
- Bob
- Mar 4
- 4 min read
Indian cuisine is one of the most diverse and flavourful in the world, requiring a highly efficient kitchen setup that can handle everything from slow-cooked curries to high-heat stir-fries. Whether you're opening a fine-dining Indian restaurant, a takeaway, or a street-food-inspired eatery, having a well-planned kitchen is crucial for efficiency, food safety, and compliance with UK regulations.
At Via Equip, we specialize in designing and installing commercial kitchens that optimize workflow, safety, and hygiene. In this guide, we will cover everything you need to know about designing a professional Indian restaurant kitchen in the UK.
1️⃣ Understanding the Unique Needs of an Indian Restaurant Kitchen
Indian kitchens operate at high temperatures and require equipment that can handle intense heat, smoke, oil, and heavy-duty cooking techniques. A poorly designed kitchen can lead to inefficiencies, safety hazards, and slower service. Here’s what makes Indian kitchens unique:
✅ High-Temperature Cooking – Dishes like stir-fried curries, kebabs, and deep-fried snacks require gas or induction wok cookers that can handle extreme heat.
✅ Tandoor Cooking – Tandoori naan, kebabs, and tikkas require a properly ventilated tandoor oven for high-heat cooking.
✅ Oil & Smoke Management – Indian kitchens produce more grease and smoke than most commercial kitchens, making ventilation systems a critical part of the design.
✅ Fast-Paced Service – A well-structured layout is essential to ensure chefs can move efficiently between stations during peak hours.
2️⃣ Optimizing Kitchen Layout & Workflow
The layout of an Indian restaurant kitchen should prioritize efficiency, hygiene, and fire safety. A poorly designed kitchen can lead to congestion, slow service, and even accidents. We recommend dividing the kitchen into the following zones:
🔹 Preparation Area
Dedicated space for chopping, marinating, and grinding spices
Heavy-duty prep tables with stainless steel surfaces for easy cleaning
Proper storage for spices, herbs, and dry ingredients
🔹 Cooking Zone
Gas or Induction Wok Cookers for high-heat stir-frying
Tandoor Oven for kebabs, naan, and tandoori items
Heavy-duty burners for slow-cooked curries
Deep Fryers for samosas, pakoras, and bhajis
🔹 Storage & Refrigeration
Walk-in Freezers & Chillers to store fresh ingredients
Shelving & Racks for easy access to frequently used items
Separate storage areas for meat, dairy, and vegetables to maintain hygiene
🔹 Plating & Service Station
Heated pass-through gantry for plating before food reaches customers
Warming trays and heat lamps to keep food at the right temperature
A logical kitchen workflow ensures a smooth transition between these stations, reducing wait times and increasing efficiency.
3️⃣ Essential Equipment for an Indian Restaurant Kitchen
Choosing the right equipment is crucial for consistency, energy efficiency, and safety. Here are some of the most important pieces:
🔥 Tandoor Oven – For cooking naan, kebabs, and tandoori meats at high temperatures.
🔥 Gas or Induction Wok Cookers – Ideal for stir-frying and cooking curries quickly.
🔥 Deep Fryers – Essential for crispy bhajis, samosas, and puris.
🔥 Steamers & Rational Ovens – For efficient cooking of rice, dumplings, and baked dishes. 🔥 Heavy-Duty Refrigeration – Walk-in freezers and under-counter fridges for ingredient storage.
🔥 Stainless Steel Workstations & Shelving – Durable, hygienic, and easy to clean.
We always recommend energy-efficient equipment that reduces operating costs while maintaining high performance.
4️⃣ Ventilation & Fire Suppression: Ensuring Safety & Compliance
Indian kitchens produce a high level of heat, smoke, and oil residue, making a robust ventilation system essential. UK laws require proper ventilation and fire suppression systems in commercial kitchens.
✅ Canopy & Extraction Systems – Removes excess heat and smoke for a safer working environment.
✅ Ductwork & Airflow Management – Ensures even temperature distribution and reduces humidity.
✅ Fire Suppression System – Automatically extinguishes fires caused by oil or grease, ensuring safety.
✅ Grease Filters & Hoods – Prevent grease buildup, reducing fire risks and improving air quality.
💡 UK regulations mandate fire safety compliance, and professional installation ensures adherence to local laws.
5️⃣ Hygiene & Compliance: Meeting UK Standards
To operate legally in the UK, your Indian restaurant kitchen must comply with:
✔ Food Safety & Hygiene Regulations – Stainless steel surfaces, proper drainage, and hygiene protocols.
✔ Gas & Electrical Safety Compliance – Regular inspections and certified installation.
✔ Proper Waste Disposal Systems – Grease traps, efficient drainage, and sustainable waste management.
✔ Pest Control Measures – Proper sealing, ventilation, and waste management to prevent infestations.
💡 Health inspectors regularly check restaurants for hygiene and safety compliance—ensuring your kitchen is designed correctly from the start is crucial.
Conclusion: Partnering with Commercial Kitchen Experts
Designing an Indian restaurant kitchen requires expert knowledge of ventilation, fire safety, equipment selection, and layout optimization. At Via Equip, we specialize in creating custom commercial kitchens that maximize efficiency, hygiene, and compliance with UK laws.
💡 Looking to design or upgrade your Indian restaurant kitchen? Contact Via Equip today for professional kitchen design and installation services! 🚀
📩 Get in touch with us today to bring your vision to life! www.viaequip.com/contact
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