An award-winning Derby restaurant is celebrating the launch of its new menu with what could be the biggest ever restaurant giveaway in the Midlands, worth £1200.

Nicco Restaurant & Bar, based in Pride Park, is sharing its love of great food with an incredible Instagram giveaway.

One lucky follower will win £100 worth of food every month throughout 2026: that’s a whole year of flavour-packed dining on Nicco’s.

The Derby favourite is already known for its globe-trotting menu after co-owners Bhav and Sanj Kumar clocked up more than 34,000 miles in culinary inspiration for their core menu which blends authentic heritage recipes with international influences. Now, the team has gone one step further and has unveiled a new collection of dishes, including one heartfelt addition straight from the head chef’s own childhood kitchen.

While food trends may come and go, there’s something timeless about dishes that rekindle a sense of home, and that’s exactly what head chef Surjeet Kumar, 43, has created with his latest addition to the menu.

Introducing Methi Chicken, marinated tender chicken pieces cooked with fresh earthy fenugreek leaves, a dish that originates from Northern India and Surjeet’s home city of Delhi.

Having been inspired to become a chef by his mother after spending time with her in the kitchen from the age of 13, Surjeet went on to hone his culinary skills in various hospitality roles before moving to the UK in 2010.

Surjeet said:

“This is a traditional and homely dish, one that my mother and I would cook at least once a week.”

Using a recipe passed down from his mum to retain its authenticity, the dish was given the ultimate seal of approval when she visited the UK last month.

He said:

“I surprised her, simply telling her I wanted to share the latest addition to the menu. She was very emotional, happy and proud when she tasted it, saying it was exactly how we used to make it at home in Delhi. For me, this is a taste of home, that warmth and love from a home-cooked meal that I’d like to share with our customers.”

"And it seems that although only just introduced on the menu, customers are already sharing the love for this dish. Restaurant manager Kam Odedra said the feedback has been “amazing”, with one diner calling it “one of the best dishes on the menu.”

Other new additions include Crunchy Kurkure, a corn snack tossed with onions, tomatoes and coriander, finished with lemon juice; Crispy Chicken Bao, featuring fried chicken tenders coated in a rich makhani sauce and served in steamed bao buns; and Jackfruit Curry, a deep-fried jackfruit in a creamy masala sauce with burnt onions, chillies, garlic and lemon.

Taster Thalis are also now available in both vegetarian and non-vegetarian versions, alongside the Club Maharaja Sandwich, which brings together toasted sourdough, grilled chicken, turkey bacon and a fried egg.

If this has whet your appetite, here’s how you can enjoy it free every month for a year in Nicco’s incredible Instagram giveaway. Just head over to Nicco’s Instagram page, follow the steps on their giveaway post, and you could be enjoying their delicious new dishes all year long.

Co-owner Bhav Kumar said:

“This menu really celebrates the diversity of our team and the experiences that have shaped them. Our chefs come from different parts of the world, and that’s reflected in the dishes. From heartfelt heritage recipes like Surjeet’s Methi Chicken to fusion plates inspired by our travels, every item on the menu tells a story.”

Since opening in 2021, Nicco has become one of Derby’s most popular dining destinations, known for its contemporary Indian fusion food, creative cocktails and stylish interiors. The restaurant’s name was inspired by the couple’s son, while their daughter’s name features in one of the cocktails on the menu.

Bhav added: “We’ve always loved experimenting with flavours from around the world, but everything we do is rooted in our Indian heritage. This new menu is about sharing those stories and experiences through food.”

The winner of the giveaway will be announced on Christmas Day – now that’s one present that you won’t want to return!