LEELA Hong Kong proudly announces an exciting two-night culinary collaboration with Chef Takamasa Osawa of Tokyo’s renowned MICHELIN Bib Gourmand restaurant, Biryani Osawa, on 24 + 25 June, 2026. Cooking for the first time in Hong Kong, the celebrated Japanese biryani specialist will join forces with LEELA’s Chef / Owner Manav Tuli for an immersive exploration of one of India’s most iconic and beloved dishes. Limited to 50 guests per evening, this exclusive collaboration brings together two chefs united by their deep devotion to Indian cuisine – and in particular, the craft and soul of biryani along with many other Indian dishes on showcase.
A SHARED PASSION: BIRYANI WITHOUT BORDERS
Chef Takamasa Osawa first fell in love with biryani during his student years in India. What began as fascination evolved into lifelong dedication. Guided by his personal philosophy – “Biryani or Die” – Osawa immersed himself in research, trained extensively in Indian kitchens, and eventually opened Biryani Osawa in Tokyo. Chef Osawa has also recently opened his second restaurant, Biryani Master, also in Tokyo.
Today, the restaurant holds a MICHELIN Bib Gourmand distinction and has developed a cult following for its singular focus: in pursuit of the ultimate biryani. Chef Osawa approaches the dish with both passion and a scientific mindset, carefully analysing ingredients, techniques, heat, timing, and balance. The result is a biryani that reflects years of study and discipline – what he proudly calls his ultimate expression of the dish.
At LEELA, Chef Osawa will collaborate with Chef Manav Tuli, whose work has long celebrated India’s diverse regional cuisines through creativity and storytelling. Together, they will present distinct yet harmonious interpretations of biryani, honouring tradition while showcasing how this beloved dish continues to evolve across cultures.
THE LEELA HONG KONG x BIRYANI OSAWA EXPERIENCE
The evening will unfold as a progression of flavours designed to lead guests into the star of the event – the heart of biryani.
Guests will begin with a warming and deeply aromatic lamb nihari shorba followed by a selection of refined, light starters such as tuna papdi chaat, melt-in-the-mouth lamb galouti kebab served with sheermal, masala fish cheek ramen with Idiyappam. These opening courses set the tone, balancing delicacy with intensity.
The centrepiece of the experience is, naturally, the biryani feast. Chef Osawa will present four of his signature biryanis, such as Japanese Unagi and Sancho Biryani, Wagyu Shoulder & Burdock Biryani, Guangdong Duck Biryani and Lobster Biryani each reflecting years of study and dedication, while Chef Manav contributes his own distinctive interpretation. Together, the dishes will showcase different regional inspirations, layering techniques, and spice expressions, demonstrating the remarkable versatility of a dish often misunderstood as singular.
The evening will conclude with dessert of Cardamom and Bergamot Peel Phirnee, offering a sweet reflection of Chef Osawa’s culinary perspective, bringing the journey to a thoughtful and memorable close.
Priced at HK$1,188 + 10% per guest, with only 50 seats available per night, this two-evening collaboration offers a rare opportunity to experience Tokyo’s celebrated Biryani Osawa in Hong Kong.
