Sisters bring authentic Indian flavours to Colchester

Raisa, 32, and Zaitun Saleh, 46, are one of the latest arrivals in the city centre and have opened their family business, the Finaa restaurant and bar in St Botolph’s Circus. 

The Saleh sisters found the premises after Zaitun visited a friend, who had moved to Colchester from London. 

Zaitun said: “It was very exciting. We visited a number of locations but decided to open here and got the keys to the building in February 2022.” 

Open - The venue is located in St Botolph's Circus (Image: Newsquest)

Since then, the two have transformed the entire building and given it a fresh and modern look. 

Zaitun’s previous experience in running her own construction firm helped a lot, while Raisa took on the interior decoration, once the main works were finished. 

However, the process of getting to the point and standard the sisters had envisioned, took some time. 

“It was long and difficult,” said Zaitun, “Mistakes were made but we have learned from it.” 

Modern - The sisters have worked hard to bring their vision to life (Image: Newsquest)

In December 2023, the bar opened to the public, with limited opening times, while the search for a chef and the finishing of the kitchen commenced. 

Raisa said: “It took some time before we found someone we were completely happy with, but it was worth the time.” 

Coming from a successful line of entrepreneurs in the food sector, the sisters had a high standard. 

Sisters - Zaitun, left, and Raisa, right, Saleh (Image: Newsquest)

Remembering their grandmother’s roots, who ran a very successful street food business in Bombay, now known as Mumbai, it was Raisa’s and Zaitun’s mission to bring the authentic flavours to the city. 

“We have included our mother’s recipes,” said Raisa, “Everyone cooks a little bit different but we wanted to find someone who does it just the way we know it. 

“Of course, our mum has been taste-testing what our chefs have made.” 

Now, that all things are approved, the sisters are looking forward to welcoming more guests, despite a slow start opening over the summer. 

Starter - One of the delicious starters at the eatery is the Pani Puri, made after the family reciept (Image: Newsquest)

Finaa is open Tuesday to Saturday from 2pm, with kitchen closing times at 9pm and Friday and Saturday at 10pm. 

Food can also be ordered via Deliveroo or Just Eats. 

More information can be found on the restaurant’s Facebook and Instagram pages.