Barbara M. Houle
| Special to the Telegram & Gazette USA TODAY NETWORK
TKU Kuppanna’s is a new restaurant opened in space formerly occupied by Casta Diva at 35 Solomon Pond Road, Northborough. Owner Samson Moses, with his son, Abijah (Abi) Moses, the restaurant’s GM, hosted a soft launch on Sept. 12.
The dish: TKU is an Indian restaurant chain known for its South Indian cuisine. TKU is an abbreviation of its founder’s name, Thiru Kuppusamy. TKU Kuppanna’s is a specific fine-dining restaurant that is part of the larger TKU brand. There are more than 12 TKU restaurants in the United States and more than 55 in India, according to Abi Moses. Visit tkukuppanna.com for the culinary legacy of the Indian restaurant, in addition to the Northborough restaurant’s menus, ordering and catering info, etc.
Let’s indulge in a little nostalgia before we focus on what’s new. In the summer of 2018, Chef Aurelio Metohu of Worcester opened the Italian restaurant Casta Diva in the vacant Guiseppe’s Grill. He also owned and operated Café Norma, a small breakfast place attached to the building. Metohu, with more than 20 years in the business, was owner/operator of Caffe Espresso Trattoria on Chandler Street in Worcester, first purchasing the business when it was located on Wall Street in Worcester.
“My dad was looking for property in Massachusetts and through a restaurant broker we met Aurelio,” said Abi Moses. “We immediately fell in love with the Northborough restaurant. It was turnkey ready. We only had to add our own personal touches, here and there.” Metohu completely renovated the Northborough location before opening Casta Diva.
A significant Indian population in Central Massachusetts towns such as Shrewsbury, Westborough and Northborough also influenced the sale, said Moses.
TKU accommodates more than 180. It has two full-service bars (indoors and outdoors); three dining rooms. The restaurant’s seasonal outdoor deck overlooking Solomon Pond is a significant bonus, increasing seating capacity by 80, said Moses. “Our guests enjoy outdoor dining.”
TKU advertises “robot-assisted service for a futuristic dining experience.” The property has a spacious parking area and six EV charging stations.
About the menu: It’s all about the fusion of Indian and Italian fine dining with a modern twist, according to Moses. “It’s a perfect match. We have confidence in our brand, and we know we have a great product,” he said.
Metohu is leasing the property and helps out at TKU, if needed, sometimes assisting kitchen staff with the pizza oven he originally installed. TKU offers a “Moses Pizza House” menu with three Italian Heritage pizzas, Margherita Classico, Quattro Formaggi and Prosciutto & Arugula. Also, South Indian Inspirations to include Chettinad Chicken Pizza, Madras Mutton Pepper Fry Pizza and Curry Leaf & Chili Paneer Pizza. Fusion Signatures offer variety, with Butter Chicken Pizza leading the list of five options. Nutella Strawberry and Nutella Banana pizzas offer Sweet Endings.
TKU’s Main Menu runs the gamut from soups, appetizers (Chicken, Mutton, Seafood, Vegetarian), Dosa, Idly & More, From the Tandoor, Breads Fresh Off the Clay Pot to Gravies, Parotta & Bread Combos, Meals & Combos, Eggetarian, Add-ons, Desserts and Beverages. Prices range from $4 to $20. Note: Diners will find bottled water at each place setting.
There also is a limited “Fine Dining Italian Menu,” featuring classic antipasti, salads, soup of the day and five entrees that include Chicken Parmesan and Eggplant Parmesan.
Moses said the restaurant would honor all Casta Diva events previously booked in 2025. The new ownership also will honor gift cards from the former Casta Diva. Metohu said he would help Moses with future Italian-themed parties or catered special events.
TKU plans a special Indian/American fusion menu for Thanksgiving, incorporating traditional American dishes with flavorful Indian twists. It will be a celebratory dining experience, said Moses. Diners reserve early for Thanksgiving so it’s best to book a reservation early through platforms like OpenTable, or directly with the restaurant, he said.
The restaurant is open for lunch from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. and dinner, 6 to 10 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday; Lunch, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and dinner, 6 to 9 p.m. Sunday. The bar remains open when the restaurant is closed between lunch and dinner hours. Telephone: (508) 393-3092. Catering and takeout are available. Note: The restaurant employs Indian cooks, with a focus on authenticity.
In December, Tiffin & Toast is expected to open in the former Café Norma location. “It makes sense to use the unoccupied space,” said Moses. The Indian/American breakfast menu will include pastries made by his mother Gethse Moses. “My mom is into preparing traditional Indian pastries, the stars of our menu,” said Moses.
Tiffin & Toast will seat 15 to 20. A fireplace in the small dining area will create a cozy atmosphere, especially during cooler weather, said Moses. Opening date will be announced on TKU’s website and social media, he said. The breakfast place looks to hire waitstaff.
TKU Kuppanna’s is a true family-owned restaurant. Moses said his only sibling Edwin Moses is involved in the business as are other family members and friends. “We are a close-knit family,” he said.
My recent interview with Moses highlighted that overall hospitality of this restaurant is a key part of the dining experience.
Give the new restaurant a try.
If you have a tidbit for the column, call (508) 868-5282. Send email to bhoulefood@gmail.com.
Dining and Cooking