Rich culinary traditions, unique ingredients, aromatic spices

Discover a fresh perspective on Indian cuisine at Pukka

Our food is not spicy hot, rather we believe in the nuanced layering of spices to compliment the quality of our ingredients. We want you to taste the calibre of all the individual elements of the dish.

The menu is a celebration of sharing plates bursting with full-size flavours that bring friends and family together. We cater to a variety of tastes, whether you prefer vegetarian, vegan, or non-vegetarian options.

If you're seated on our patio on St. Clair West or within our lively dining room, we promise an experience that's as delightful as it is delicious. Expect a warm welcome and a vibrant space that buzzes with energy.

In addition to a varied selection of cocktails, craft beers, and non-alcoholic refreshers, we boast a sommelier-curated wine list. Dive into classic Indian dishes, seasonal delights, and rotating chef-made tasting menus with expertly paired wines.

Whether you're a seasoned fan of Indian cuisine or trying it for the first time, Pukka is here to surprise and delight you with flavours like never before. Get ready to experience Indian cuisine in a whole new light at Pukka – we can't wait to welcome you!

We Celebrate Food

Over the past ten years, we have refined our recipes to ensure our customers have a joyful dining experience.

We emphasize sourcing local ingredients and meticulously roast and grind our own spices to offer unparalleled Indian cuisine.

Pukka, pronounced puh-kuh, captures the essence of both Indian culinary traditions and Western influences in hospitality.

Harsh Chawla - Co-Owner

Harsh was born and raised in Northern India and he keeps his homeland in his heart wherever he goes. With an education and experience in business and marketing, Harsh arrived on Canada's fair shores to seek his fortune. His journey led him to overseeing the hustle and bustle of many a busy restaurant and there he found his passion. From ownership, running daily operations to being a restaurant consultant, Harsh has flourished in the industry.

As a proud Papa, Harsh is eager to watch his family grow alongside his business. Harsh brings his zest for life, his fierce loyalty and his passion for finer things to everything he does. He is thrilled to lead the Pukka team alongside Derek.

Derek Valleau - Co-Owner

The heat of restaurant kitchens has warmed Derek's heart for nearly four decades. His career has spanned the gamut from busboy to owner and all posts in between. Fuelled by his passion for exceptional food and wine, Derek pursued becoming a Certified Sommelier in 1999, solidifying his dedication to the culinary arts.

As a husband and father, Derek's excitement for restaurants is only surpassed by his devotion to his family. Along with his wife and daughter, he has travelled to numerous countries and exotic locales. On a trip to India, Derek fell in love with the people, culture and diversity of flavours which ignited his passion for Indian cuisine.

Dinesh Butola - Executive Chef

In 1997, Dinesh Butola began his career in the restaurant industry in New Delhi, India. After three years refining his skills in Delhi, Dinesh traveled to the United Arab Emirates, where he spent the next six years as a highly praised Indian Chef at a 5-star property.

In 2006, Dinesh arrived in Canada and joined Toronto’s Kamasutra restaurant as Executive Chef. He continued his career as Head Chef at three other successful Indian restaurants, where his skills and techniques were praised by the Toronto Star, Globe and Mail, and Toronto Life.

Since the opening of Pukka in 2013, Dinesh has held the Executive Chef position and continues to receive praise from the media, most recently in the Toronto edition of Condé Nast Traveler.

Shaan Syed - Director of Catering

The vibrant energy of the restaurant industry has been Shaan Syed’s playground for over 15 years. With a deep-rooted love for hospitality, Shaan's journey has taken him through every role, from serving and bartending to managing and overseeing entire food and beverage programs in luxury resorts. His formal education in Food and Beverage Management and Hotel Operations further sharpened his expertise in the field.

Shaan’s experience spans various cuisines, giving him a global perspective on dining that reflects his passion for exceptional service and flavors. When he's not perfecting the art of hospitality, Shaan enjoys attending food festivals, industry events, and exploring diverse culinary encounters that continue to fuel his inspiration.

The Culinary Team

Each member of our team hails from a different part of India, bringing the spices and flavours unique to their home regions. Trained in classic Indian cooking, the team has grown in their gastronomic artistry by incorporating techniques and tastes from all around the world. Having lived in several different countries while refining their art, the chefs came together on Canada’s fair shores. Seeking new challenges, these remarkable men expanded their delicious repertoires in several of Toronto’s top restaurants. Our culinary team have received many accolades for their exceptional cooking.