Why Dejavu Indian Restaurant Is the Talk of Cheshunt This Festive Season

For those of us living in Cheshunt who consider ourselves foodies, the endless search for the next great dining experience is a beloved pastime. Our community is brimming with restaurants, each promising something unique, but few manage to truly deliver a culinary journey that blends tradition, innovation, and heart. Enter Dejavu, a long-standing fixture on Cheshunt High Street that has been quietly serving some of the finest Indian-Bangladeshi cuisine in the region for an incredible 23 years.

When I stepped into Dejavu on a mid-week evening, it wasn’t just the tantalizing aroma of spices wafting from the kitchen that caught my attention. It was the lively atmosphere. The tables were busy, diners chatted enthusiastically, and the phone rang off the hook with reservation inquiries. This wasn’t just another restaurant—it was a beloved community hub.

I sat down with Abdul Rokib, the owner of Dejavu, to uncover the secrets behind the restaurant’s enduring success. Rokib, a humble yet passionate man, didn’t hesitate when I asked about the restaurant’s legacy. “I’ve seen almost four generations dine with us,” he said with pride. “We’ve built relationships across generations, and that’s something we treasure deeply.”

Rokib explained that while Dejavu has undergone transformations over the years—updates to the décor and adjustments to the dining space post-COVID—the heart of the restaurant has remained untouched: the kitchen. “Our kitchen staff have been with us since the beginning,” he shared. “Their dedication to crafting the best meals is why our customers keep coming back.”

The Menu: A Blend of Tradition and Innovation

Dejavu’s menu offers a mouthwatering mix of Indian classics and house specials, created in-house by their seasoned chefs. The offerings include timeless favorites like Chicken Tikka, Lamb Tikka, and a range of curries from the mild and creamy Korma to the fiery Vindaloo. There’s also Dansak, a hot, sweet, and sour dish cooked with lentils, and other crowd-pleasers like Rogan Josh, Dupiaza, and Korahi.

For seafood lovers, the restaurant serves up a selection of dishes that cater to a more adventurous palate, and vegetarians will be pleased to find a variety of flavorful options. Rokib proudly mentioned that the chefs often experiment, introducing new dishes to the menu that quickly become customer favorites.

But what sets Dejavu apart is the attention to detail. Every dish is carefully prepared using recipes honed over decades, and the in-house specials reflect a creativity that goes beyond the typical Indian restaurant menu.

A Community Pillar Through Thick and Thin

Dejavu has weathered its share of challenges, from the pandemic to the ongoing cost-of-living crisis. Rokib credits the unwavering support of the local community for the restaurant’s resilience. “Our customers stood by us,” he said. “During tough times, we didn’t raise prices—we took the hit. It was our way of supporting them as they supported us.”

Even as the world became increasingly digital, Dejavu relied on word of mouth to grow its loyal customer base. Recently, Rokib’s daughter has taken to social media to promote the business, recognizing the importance of an online presence in attracting a younger, tech-savvy audience. The results are promising, with more locals discovering the restaurant and its unique offerings.

Special Events and the Road Ahead

One of the most exciting additions to Dejavu’s calendar is their Sunday buffet, which offers diners an opportunity to sample a variety of dishes in a relaxed, family-friendly setting. But what really caught my attention was their plan to host live music nights. Rokib believes these events will bring even more vibrancy to the restaurant, drawing in new customers while delighting regulars.

This Christmas Eve, Dejavu is hosting an event that promises to be unforgettable. With live music from the incredible Leona and a carefully curated three-course meal, it’s an opportunity to celebrate the season in style. Starters will include meat samosas, onion bhajis, and special chicken wings, followed by a choice of mains, sides, and naan or rice from their A La Carte menu—all for just £29.95 per person.

“We want our customers to not just eat here but to truly experience the food, the people, and the ambiance,” Rokib said with a smile. It’s this ethos that has kept Dejavu at the heart of Cheshunt’s dining scene for over two decades.

Why Dejavu Matters

Dejavu is more than just a restaurant—it’s a testament to the power of community and the enduring appeal of great food served with heart. Over the years, it has become a treasure in Cheshunt, adapting to the changing times while staying true to its roots. It’s a place where families celebrate milestones, friends gather for a meal, and diners discover the joy of authentic Indian-Bangladeshi cuisine.

If you haven’t yet experienced Dejavu, now is the perfect time. Whether it’s a mid-week dinner, their Sunday buffet, or the much-anticipated Christmas Eve event, Dejavu offers more than just a meal—it offers memories.

Pro tip: Don’t leave without trying one of their specials, and if you’re lucky enough to catch live music, prepare for an evening that will linger in your mind long after the last bite.

For me, Dejavu isn’t just a restaurant—it’s a reason to celebrate the vibrant culinary scene we’re lucky to have in Cheshunt. Here's to another decade of great food, cherished traditions, and community connection at Dejavu.

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