BBC MasterChef Santosh Shah has introduced the traditional fish cuisine of Janakpur with the launch of his new restaurant ‘Janakpur Fish House’ in Naxal. The restaurant offers an authentic taste, style, and dishes of Janakpur, allowing food lovers to enjoy the region’s original culinary flavours in the heart of the capital.

Janakpur Fish House aims to serve fish in its traditional style—pan-fried on a thick griddle using yellow mustard, preserving the unique and indigenous flavour of Janakpur. The restaurant features an open kitchen concept and offers live fish options for customers.

Chef Santosh has collaborated with his brother, Chef Dilip Shah, to bring this concept to life. Chef Dilip, who introduced Santosh to the hospitality industry, brings over 35 years of experience working in the hospitality sectors of Nepal, India, and Central America.

Chef Santosh says that a variety of beverages are available at reasonable prices. His previously launched ‘Mithila Thali’ has already gained popularity nationwide. The Mithila Thali now has branches in Janakpur and several locations in Kathmandu, including Naxal, Gairidhara, Gaushala, and Jhamsikhel.

“My mission is to promote cuisine from the Terai region while within Nepal, and represent broader Nepali food abroad,” says Chef Santosh. “This initiative is an example of cross-promotion, aiming to bring the rich flavours of Mithila and Janakpur to Kathmandu.”