Here's what to eat at Noosh Nosh in east Louisville, including the Chicken Tikka pizza

Anoosh Shariat is well-known in Derby City’s culinary community. The owner of the new American restaurant Anoosh Bistro was also the force behind Noosh Nosh, also located in Brownsboro Center. But about a year and a half ago, new management — including general manager Akshay Kadam — took over the more casual eatery.

Today, Kadam continues to serve some of the dishes that Shariat’s old regulars love, but he is also bringing new flavors and specials to east Louisville. This week, I caught up with Kadam to learn about his new menu, a popular award-winning dish, and the restaurant's future plans.

Noosh Nosh owners continue Anoosh Shariat's legacy

Kadam and some of Noosh Nosh’s other silent partners began managing the business in September 2022.

“(Taking over) Noosh Nosh was really a (big) task,” Kadam told The Courier Journal, “because chef Anoosh is really a legend himself. We didn’t really change anything (in the beginning).”

He explained that their first year as the restaurant’s new owners was mostly a time for observation. Rather than making any drastic changes to Noosh Nosh’s menu or operations, the team took the time to learn the ins and outs of the business and get to know their customers.

The menu is a blend of cuisines, including everything from French toast and smoked salmon bruschetta to sandwiches, pizzas, and pastas. Every menu item is still made in-house and from scratch, from the sauces to the rotating selection of desserts.

“Noosh Nosh is Farsi,” Kadam said. “'Noosh' means simple, attractive, and delicious. And ‘Nosh’ means food. So that’s where the name comes from — it’s simple, attractive, and delicious food.”

He added that the huge oven in the middle of the restaurant, affectionately named Maria, is used to bake everything.

“We imported (it) from Italy,” Akshay said. “Everything is baked in that oven. We don’t use a microwave at all.”

Try the chicken tikka pizza at Noosh Nosh in Louisville

Noosh Nosh’s pizza crusts are not just made in-house; they’re crafted with a specific kind of water.

“We use Fiji Water to make our dough,” Kadam explained. “We use (it) because it’s all mineral. We don’t use tap water because it has so many chemicals.”

The menu boasts a variety of flatbreads and pizzas made with the special Fiji Water dough, including everything from braised brisket and mushroom to artichoke and chicken tikka.

“We (make) the best (chicken tikka pizza),” Kadam said, adding that the dish is a best seller. “My chef … makes all of the sauces in-house. The tandoori chicken is made in-house, too.”

Don't sleep on the hot brown pizza, either

Several Louisville-area restaurants offer a take on The Brown Hotel’s iconic dish, and Noosh Nosh is no different. Though the eatery’s version includes the same basic hot brown ingredients — mornay, turkey, cheddar, bacon, and tomatoes — it’s served as a pizza rather than an open-faced sandwich.

“Last year, we (entered) a competition for the best hot brown in Louisville … and we won second prize,” Kadam said, adding that because he’s a fan of fusion food, the Noosh Nosh team decided to create a hot brown that would be sure to stand out from the rest.

“We did a southwest-style hot brown,” Kadam said, explaining that the entry boasted queso and pico de gallo. “People liked that twist. … We had a plan that was well executed, and … I hope that if I enter the contest next year, we are going to be number one.”

He added that the menu always features the original hot brown pizza, but the southwest-style option is available, too.

What new dishes are coming to Noosh Nosh?

Akshay plans to release a new menu by mid-February, with revamped food and drink offerings that will change with the seasons.

New items include pancakes, a dish not previously offered at Noosh Nosh; a fried chicken sandwich; and chicken chimichurri pasta. The pasta was previously offered only via Louisville nonprofit APRON Inc.’s Chef in a Box program, which allows diners to pick up a meal for two from a local restaurant that is carefully packed for enjoying from the comfort of home.

Guests can also expect to find several new drinks, including mocktails.

Look for the Noosh Nosh brand to expand in the Louisville area

“Coming into 2024, we have some big plans for Noosh Nosh,” Kadam said, adding that it was always Shariat’s dream to expand the business with multiple locations. “We are trying to carry forward (his) legacy.”

Though new spots have yet to be nailed down, Kadam does have immediate plans to encourage more visits to Noosh Nosh. He and the team are currently working on a special menu for Valentine’s Day, and he is hoping to hold regular events in the space when the restaurant is closed on Mondays.

“We are trying to experiment with food and our clientele right now,” Kadam said, adding that long-term plans include opening an Indian fine dining concept. “(It’s something) Louisville hasn’t seen before. We are working on that project now, but it will take a year or so.”

I’ll be on the lookout for that fine dining restaurant. In the meantime, I’ll have some of that chicken tikka pizza.

Know a restaurant that would make a great feature? Email writer Lennie Omalza at aloha@lennieomalza.com or Lifestyle Editor Kathryn Gregory at kgregory@gannett.com.

Noosh Nosh

WHAT: This is a new American restaurant that serves a variety of dishes all day, including everything from French toast and smoked salmon bruschetta to sandwiches, pizzas, and pasta.

WHERE: 4816 Brownsboro Center

SERVICES: Indoor dining, carryout, and catering; Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

CONTACT: nooshnosh.com, 502-205-2888

This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: What to order, dishes to try at Noosh Nosh restaurant in Louisville