Latest update:09 November 2025 at 1:00 PM IST

A former British chef has created a stir after introducing Kolkata’s beloved jalmori dish to the streets of London, winning hearts with the snack he learned to make in the City of Joy.

Kolkata’s Gilmore rules the streets of London. (Image source: Instagram)

Londoners are used to seeing food trucks and gourmet coffee carts on street corners, but the man enthusiastically mixing puffed rice, spices, chopped vegetables, lemon oil and mustard in a steel cup while chanting “fresh jalmori” is a sight that stops people in their tracks.

That man is Angus Denon, a former British chef who became a social media sensation for selling a popular Kolkata street snack, Jhalmuri, on the streets of London.

Numerous Instagram posts depicting Angus in action have gone viral in recent weeks, with viewers mesmerized by his theatrical delivery of near-perfect Kolkata-style Indian and Bengali blends and inflections. One reel celebrating his journey reads: “Jalmuri’s charm in Kolkata made the Brit fall in love – so much so that he was introduced to him on the streets of London for 18 years!”

According to reports, after visiting Kolkata in 2004, and again in 2005, Denon became fascinated by the city’s street food scene. Intrigued by the energy of the vendors and the overwhelming flavors, he decided to fully immerse himself.

He spent months learning the craft directly from local chaat vendors, watching, practicing and perfecting every detail. Eventually, after years of perfecting the balance of spices and rhythm of presentation, Denon brought Kolkata’s beloved street foods, especially chaat and jhalmori, to the streets of London.

An old clip from June 2019, filmed outside The Oval during the Cricket World Cup match between India and Australia, shows him making bhelpuri and jhalmori for cricket fans. The caption reads: “Angus Dennon, one of the chefs seen in London, learned to make jhalmuri and bhelpuri in Kolkata… He specializes in Indian street food and Dada’s ‘peri peri pil’.”

Dada, a Bengali term of endearment, sums up Angus’s relationship with Calcutta. It doesn’t just serve a product; He carries a legacy.

Angus now operates under the name ‘Jhalmuri Express’, setting up his vans across London and other cities. His Instagram followers often follow his site just to get a taste of his creations.

One fan from Bristol posted: “He very kindly informed me he was coming to Bristol and set up his cart on a suburban Bristol street just to feed my face… Thanks again, Angus, Top Block.”

With each clip shared, more people are discovering the unlikely story of a man from Britain who found his calling on a busy corner in Kolkata.

In the age of the trend-obsessed Internet, Angus stands out because his success is rooted in authenticity. He respects the cuisine, culture and even the spirit of the hawkers.

Staff

The team of writers at News18.com bring you stories about what’s buzzing on the internet while exploring science, cricket, technology, sex, Bollywood and culture.

The team of writers at News18.com bring you stories about what’s buzzing on the internet while exploring science, cricket, technology, sex, Bollywood and culture.

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