Shan-A-Punjab Reopens Across the Road in Brookline

An Indian restaurant in Brookline underwent a small relocation and has officially reopened in its new home. Shan-A-Punjab picked up its business from 455 Harvard St. and plopped it down on the other side of the road within the former Rubin’s Kosher Delicatessen (500 Harvard St.), which closed in 2016 after 90 years in operation.

The Danesh Group, a Brookline real estate company, owns both Shan-A-Punjab’s former and current homes: Principal David Danesh bought the Rubin’s building to save it from redevelopment, as previously reported. While he hoped to find someone who would preserve the space as Rubin’s, one deal fell through at the last minute and nothing else worked out. Ultimately, he rented the space to Shan-A-Punjab because he didn’t want to see a chain come in. “I wanted to keep it local because we bleed Brookline,” Danesh told Eater in September.

Shan-A-Punjab is known for its menu of dosa, curries, tandoori entrees, and biryani, along with lunch buffets. The restaurant reopened on Tuesday, November 21, kicking off service with a full lunch spread and dinner. The interior retains some of the old Rubin’s diner feel, including the curved ceiling, and has green and white table and booth seating. The restaurant is open from 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Saturday and from 12 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Sunday.

No plans have been announced yet for the former Shan-A-Punjab space at 455 Harvard St.

• Shan-A-Punjab to Move Into Old Rubin’s Space [EBOS]