Dastaan
There’s something beautiful about a restaurant that tells a story before you even taste the food. Dastaan, which celebrates its second anniversary on February 24th 2026, is exactly that kind of place.
The name Dastaan refers to an ancient story passed down through generations. A tale that subtly changes each time it is retold. And that is precisely what happens with street food. Recipes travel through families, regions, and time. They evolve. They adapt. They become something new while still holding on to their roots. That is the spirit behind every dish here.
The interior is elegant and classic. White tablecloths. Fresh flowers on every table. A refined setting that mirrors the care on the plate. Because what they serve may be rooted in street food, but it arrives with precision, balance and quiet sophistication.
One of the three owners, Karan, worked in a Michelin-starred restaurant before deciding to open his own place in Woluwé-Saint-Lambert. After months of searching for the right space, he and his wife Ruchi stumbled upon a “for rent” sign while walking through their own neighborhood. They lived here at the time. Sometimes the right story begins right outside your front door.
Karan didn’t do this alone. He opened Dastaan with his brother Ravi and their good friend Sunny. Karan is the only one with a horeca background and clearly the driving force behind the project. The evening I visited, I was warmly welcomed by Ruchi, Karan’s wife, who graciously sat down with me while I asked what must have felt like a thousand questions. She is from West India, Karan from the North. Between them, they carry an entire subcontinent of inspiration for the ever changing menu.
Karan and his with Ruchi, alongside the kitchen team
From day one, the restaurant was full. The neighborhood quickly embraced them. Regulars adopted Dastaan as their own. The team soon realized they needed to refresh the menu regularly to keep curiosity alive, although many guests now have their favorites and no longer need to open the menu.
Here, you won’t find chicken tikka masala or garlic naan. That’s intentional. They want you to discover what India really eats day to day. Street food. Spices. Texture. Heat and cool. Crunch and silkiness on the same plate. I have always felt that Indian cuisine engages every sense. You can taste that there is a reason behind every ingredient.
I had been stalking Dastaan since August. So when we finally sat down, I did what I love doing when the vibe feels right:
“Bring me what you love most.”
It’s my favorite way to discover a restaurant. It takes trust. But if the connection is there, you learn who people are by what they choose to feed you.
And feed us they did.
We started with Dahi Puri — delicate, crunchy shells filled with potatoes, chickpeas, yoghurt and chutney. A complete flavor explosion in one bite. Then came crispy okra fries. Addictive.
Next, a parade of dishes followed. Chole Samosas, resting in a rich chickpea stew. Crispy chicken bites with fried garlic and chilis. Grilled fish with an aromatic curry sauce. Bombay keema, beautifully spiced minced lamb served with fluffy brioche breads that soaked up every drop. And finally, a spectacular chicken biryani.
And because no Indian feast feels complete without mango, I was glad to see a refreshing Mango Maska. This dessert plays with different mango textures, alongside a warm Jemun Crema, a pastry infused with cardamom and rose water, served with ice cream. Everything you want in an Indian dessert.
Dastaan proves that street food can be elevated while keeping it’s roots. It is a story that has traveled far, and one that is still being written, plate by plate.
Dastaan
Av. Georges Henri 373, 1200 Woluwe-Saint-Lambert
Reserve online
CALL 0499 89 44 47
Open 7/7 for dinner
Lunch Thursday to Sunday
