Work is under way to create a tasty new addition to Sharrow Vale’s independent food scene, with Shaanti Town opening its doors on 19 July on Cowlishaw Road.
The new venue from long-time Sheffield hospitality figure Bally Johal is about more than just bold Sikh street food though – community-first values, grounded in the centuries-old tradition of langar, are just as central to the venue’s ethos.
“It’s kind of an ethical community food hall, really,” Bally tells us. “Built on service – seva – which means selfless service. Whether that’s paying forward a meal or washing up for your tea, the whole space is designed around people coming together.”
Inspired by the Sikh principle of langar – community kitchens open to all, regardless of faith or background – Shaanti Town will offer a mix of affordable street food, rotating specials and a strong focus on vegetarian and vegan thalis.
“Every gurdwara [Sikh temple] has a langar hall,” Bally explains. “You come in, you sit together, rich or poor, you eat together. It’s about respect, equality and looking after each other.”
At Shaanti Town, that ethos is woven into everything. From communal bench seating to pay-as-you-feel Mondays, the model is designed to keep meals accessible while encouraging generosity. A “pay it forward” wall lets diners donate the cost of a meal for someone else – and if you’re short on cash, you’re still welcome.
“We’ll have people who can afford it donating meals, and people who need them taking them,” Bally says. “If you’ve only got a couple of quid, that’s fine. Come and eat. That’s what it’s about.”
The thalis will be the backbone of the menu – hearty, home-cooked lentil and veg curries served with rice, breads and something sweet – all priced fairly. “It should be affordable as a lunch or a tea,” says Bally.
Alongside that, expect rotating pop-ups and collaborations, with leftovers from weekend events reimagined for the Monday Kitchen – also on a pay-as-you-feel basis.
“For me, this is something that is giving a little bit back. Making a sort of community space that does more than just be a business in that area,” Bally says.
They’ll also be offering tiffins to take away. “We’re doing proper steel tiffins – £25 feeds a family, and you get your deposit back when you bring it back. It’s a proper nod to how we eat at home,” he adds.
And it’s not just about food. Shaanti Town will also focus heavily on drinks – just not the usual kind. “It’s alcohol-free by default,” Bally says. “We’ll have the biggest range of alcohol-free drinks we can get hold of. There’s nowhere really in Sheffield where you can go, have a decent drink and not feel like you’re missing out if you’re not boozing.”
He’s quick to add that the door’s not closed on the occasional event bar or private function. But the vibe will be strictly relaxed – think chai and conversation over pints and shouting.
“We don’t want somewhere that hits that point in the night where everyone’s hammered, talking nonsense at each other,” he laughs.
In keeping with the DIY feel, the venue has been brought to life with salvaged furniture and bright colours. Bally says the aim was to avoid the over-polished ‘street food fit-out’ look.
“I didn’t want to spend silly money and then have to claw it all back through the till. This way, we’ve brought together something beautiful that still feels real.”
There’s indoor seating across two floors, covered outdoor space, low-key background music – and crucially, no plans for it to morph into a late-night bar. “There’s a school opposite and people living nearby. We want it to be respectful. Music will be chill.”
As well as food and drink, Shaanti Town is shaping up to be a proper community space, with plans for volunteering, school partnerships and donations of everything from time to teapots. Bally’s even asking locals to dig out unused china to kit out the tea station.
“There’ll always be a masala chai on the brew,” he says. “And if anyone’s got an old tea set knocking about, we’ll take it!”
Whether you’re swinging by for a tiffin, grabbing a thali or helping out with the washing up in exchange for your tea, Shaanti Town is set to become something special – a place with food at its heart and Sheffield in its bones.
Shaanti Town opens Friday 19 July. Follow @shaantitown on socials for updates, menus and opening times, and to make donations of games, books and tea sets.
