A NEW South Indian eatery has opened in Taunton, offering "street food style" dishes and snacks — from the directors of the ever-popular Mattancherry restaurant.

Koottaan's new location in Taunton's Independent Quarter, St James Street, officially opened this week after a "soft launch" over the past month.

It serves Keralan-inspired takeaway and dine-in dishes, as well as traditional drinks including Indian Chai from just £1 and Lassis from £3.50. It is open for traditional Indian breakfast, lunch, and dinner from 9am until 10pm.

The business' directors also own Mattancherry restaurant at 10 Station Road - where Koottaan's chefs are trained "to the same high-quality". 

Koottaan manager Ricardo Freitas, who opened Mattaancherry as the restaurant manager, said: "We are bringing our fine dining experience to something more simple, with a different street food concept and experience.

"Koottaan's philosophy is creating a more casual setting, not a restaurant, where people can enjoy traditional Indian food and relax."

Those working remotely are welcome, with internet and plug sockets available, plus a £5.99 lunch deal including one curry and a side. Alternatively, a "Bombay Sandwich" is £4.99, or perhaps a "Biriyani Buritto" for £8.50.

Koottaan's team hopes it will offer a "hub for the community", with customers also encouraged to come in for a quick Chai or speciality drink, with or without food. NHS workers can enjoy a 10% discount at Taunton's Koottan.

Classic curry dishes including "Mutta Roast" are around £8, Porotta £1.50, and street food style snacks priced from £3 to £6 - such as the "Chai Kadi Platter".

This is the third restaurant from Koottaan, with another restaurant in Cardiff, at 93 Wyeverne Road, and one set to shortly reopen in Bristol on St Nicholas Street after rebranding.

For those wanting to take away some authentic Indian cooking for later, Koottaan stocks My Local Indian's frozen ready meals cooked in a nearby catering kitchen on Galmington Trading Estate, Taunton.