A new Indian restaurant offering ‘an authentic taste of Kerala’ is set to open in Highworth.

Swindon-based couple Bincy and Giji Victor have taken over a former restaurant on Highworth, 30 High Street, to open United Kochi, which they hope will fill a gap in the market.

It aims to deliver something not available in the Swindon Borough’s existing culinary scene by serving traditional Kerala cuisine in an inviting, community-centred atmosphere.

The venture is born from the success of a beloved cooking venture, Taste of Victors, which saw the pair sell their home-cooked meals on social media to great acclaim.

Created to offer fellow Malayalis a taste of home, Taste of Victors quickly became a favourite among both the local Malayali community and Swindon’s broader population.

(Image: Giji Victor)

“We realized that many in our community missed the flavours of home, and no restaurants were offering traditional Kerala dishes in the area,” said Giji Victor.

“That’s when we decided to bring the authentic tastes of Kerala to Swindon and Highworth, and the response has been incredible.”

Through pre-orders and personal connections, the Victors introduced residents to the bold, spice-infused dishes of Kerala.

And it was success from this that led to the pair establishing a full-scale restaurant: United Kochi.

The restaurant aims to expand on Victors’ original vision—bringing Kerala’s rich culinary heritage to even more people.

“There is no Kerala-based restaurant in Swindon, and we saw an opportunity to share our culture and flavours with the local community,” said Bincy.

(Image: Giji Victor)

“United Kochi is more than just a restaurant—it’s a space where people can come together, feel at home, and experience the warmth and richness of Kerala.”

The Victors say they chose Highworth as the location for United Kochi due to its welcoming, close-knit community.

They added that the charming village atmosphere perfectly aligns with their vision of creating a restaurant that fosters connection and celebrates culture.

Giji Victor, 52, has a background in public health and psychological therapy and is also an accomplished artist.

His passion for cooking has been a lifelong driving force, and every dish he prepares reflects his love for Kerala’s culinary traditions.

His partner, Bincy, 43, works as the patient safety manager at Great Western Hospital.

She has always supported Giji’s culinary dreams, and together, they say they’ve created a venture that celebrates their heritage and passion for food.

United Kochi’s menu will feature a range of traditional Kerala dishes, including seafood delicacies, vegetarian favourites, biryanis, and rice-based specialities.

Signature items such as Appam, Dosa, Parotta, and spice-infused curries are prepared with fresh, locally sourced ingredients and aromatic spices.

(Image: Giji Victor) To offer a truly authentic experience, many dishes are served in traditional clay pots and on banana leaves, just as they would be in Kerala.

The restaurant’s ambience is designed to reflect the culture and traditions of Kerala, from the decor to the music, ensuring an immersive dining experience for all.

“We are looking forward to building a place where people feel welcomed and connected through food,” said Giji and Bincy.

“Our hope is that United Kochi becomes more than just a restaurant, but a hub for cultural exchange and shared experiences.

United Kochi is holding a grand opening event on December 1 with the mayors of Swindon and Highworth attending.

Guests who arrive between 12pm and 2pm will be able to meet the owners and sample some of the food before full service starts from 2pm onwards.

"We can’t wait to see families and friends gather around our tables, creating memories over meals that carry the soul of Kerala," said the Victors. 

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