Our History

Shezan opened in 2002, but our story begins in the previous century, in the early 70s, when the founder whilst visiting India, came across Karim's Mughlai Restaurant in the historic part of Old Delhi. The restaurant served traditional highly-aromatic dishes ranging from mild to spicy and flavoured with freshly ground and whole spices, including samosas, pulao, naan, aromatic Rogan Josh, jalfrezi and more.

When Shezan opened in Oxford’s High Street (originally called Café Zouk, above Carfax Fish and Chip shop), it was to retain the elegance and authentic flavours of Mughlai cuisine. Our menu draws inspiration and traditional cooking techniques from Central Asia, Persia and Afghanistan, as well as the Punjab, Kashmir, and the Deccan region.

And there’s a street in the place – the main street – that ha’n’t another like it in the world….

Thomas Hardy

Number 135 High Street in which Shezan resides is a grade II listed building constructed around 1679, when the Mughal Empire still controlled much of South Asia. In the 18th and 19th centuries the building housed a goldsmith, an upholsterer and then a tailor on the ground floor, with lodgings above the shop.

In 1915, the lodgings were converted into the dining rooms they remain today. For most of the 20th century they housed the Town and Gown restaurant (shown in the photograph on this page), in the late 70s changing to the Gate of India, and, finally, in 2002, becoming Shezan.

Shezan retains the original 17th Century style and displays a beautiful selection of Mughlai artwork to enjoy as you experience the delight of fine, authentic and aromatic Mughlai cuisine.