Sutton has plenty of restaurants, but every so often one comes along that genuinely surprises you.
Baithak – the second venture from the team behind the town’s iconic Cricket Lounge – is one of those places.
The name itself sets the tone: “Baithak” roughly translates to a place to gather, sit, and share conversation and food – and that’s exactly the atmosphere they’ve created on Station Road.
I visited on a Sunday to try their all-you-can-eat buffet, which runs from 12pm to 4pm for just £14.99.
From the moment I walked in, I felt like I was stepping into a home where food and hospitality were at the heart of everything.
Soft lighting, warm tones, and subtle Bollywood music in the background immediately set the scene.
It wasn’t just a meal; it was a welcome, and that feeling stayed with me throughout my visit.
The buffet itself is a dream for anyone who loves variety.
On that day, the offerings included chicken bhuna masala, veg kadhai, achari aloo, dal maharani, tandoori wings, beetroot tikki, and a mixed bhaji platter.
Each dish felt freshly prepared, bursting with flavour, and perfectly balanced.
The chicken bhuna was rich but never heavy, the dal maharani creamy with that slow-cooked depth you only get from proper Indian lentils, and even the vegetarian options were anything but second best.
Dessert wrapped things up beautifully – sweet, satisfying, and indulgent without feeling overdone.
I left feeling full, content, and already planning my next visit.
What really impressed me, though, is the calibre of the team behind Baithak.
This isn’t just a restaurant throwing together a buffet.
The same team runs Cricket Lounge in Cheam, a place that opened in 2021 and quickly became Sutton’s most popular Indian restaurant.
Rohit Kaila, the managing director, combines his love for cricket with his Indian heritage in the concept – cricket bats for menus, cricket balls for drinks, cricket-themed souvenirs – but it’s the food and hospitality that keep people coming back.
Baithak continues that tradition under Chef Shobat Singh, whose 30 years of experience in Mumbai, Dubai, and London have been instrumental in shaping the menu.
His mastery of Tandoori, Indo-Chinese, and Lucknowi cuisine comes through in every bite.
And then there’s Asrar, the executive chef at Cricket Lounge and part of Dishoom’s original opening team.
He trained under Michelin-starred chef Atul Kochhar and brings contemporary flair to traditional Indian dishes.
Together, they ensure is both authentic and1 memorable.
Every dish I tried had a story, a technique, or a touch that made it feel special.
The a la carte menu is equally impressive, offering everything from chaat, samosas, and papad baskets, to lamb chops, king prawns, and butter chicken.
The biryanis are worth a special mention – cooked under a dough lid so all the spices and aromas are sealed in, and served with raita.
It’s clear that no shortcut has been taken, and that consistency is a hallmark of their approach.
Beyond the food, Baithak has a real sense of occasion.
Live music nights featuring Bollywood performances add an energy that makes every visit feel celebratory.
You don’t just come here to eat; you come to linger, to chat, to soak in the atmosphere.
The whole point of a “Baithak” – a gathering place – comes to life.
As someone who’s tried many Indian restaurants, I can see how Baithak gives people a reason to return.
You feel the team’s passion in every detail, from freshly made cocktails to the friendly guidance through the menu.
Even on a busy Sunday, the staff made sure everyone felt welcome, never rushed, and left happy.
For anyone in Sutton looking for more than just a meal, Baithak delivers.
Whether you’re coming for the unbeatable buffet, the expertly crafted a la carte menu, looking for live music, or just to soak up the atmosphere, it’s clear that this is a place built with a real love for Indian food.
And if you’ve been to Cricket Lounge, you’ll notice the same dedication – just presented in a slightly different, equally luxurious way.
In short, Sutton is lucky to have Baithak, and so is anyone who gets to enjoy a meal there.
