A Decade of Flavour: The Viva El Burrito Story

Meeting Daksha and Raj Saujani at Viva El Burrito just yesterday offered a vivid reminder of what makes Leicester’s independent scene thrive: genuine warmth, resilience, and a deep appreciation for the human element of hospitality.

Having recently celebrated a decade in business on Belvoir Street, the couple still works hands-on every single day. Stepping through the door, you immediately notice Daksha fully engaged with diners – not out of routine obligation, but out of a real desire to connect. In a time increasingly dominated by touchscreen kiosks, online ordering, and food handed over on plastic trays, Viva El Burrito stands as a sanctuary for human connection. As Daksha pointed out, old-school customer service has largely vanished from the high street. At Viva El Burrito, however, making a customer feel valued with a welcoming smile and a genuine chat is just as crucial as the quality of the food on their plate.

That commitment to connection is matched by a fierce dedication to their location. When Daksha and Raj first opened ten years ago, Belvoir Street was in a precarious state, lined with boarded-up shopfronts and sparse footfall. Taking a gamble on an underrated strip of the city centre required serious conviction. Today, that risk has paid off and they have brought an independent feel to the street. Raj readily acknowledges that while city streets naturally ebb and flow as tenants come and go, their commitment to the next ten years remains absolute: “We know there are things to improve, but we’re going to stick by it, and we’re going to keep offering the best quality service that we can.”

There is something remarkably special about a couple who not only share their daily lives working side-by-side but also serve as an anchor for an entire street’s revival. Independent operators like Daksha and Raj aren’t just businesses; they are the absolute lifeblood of Belvoir Street and Leicester city centre as a whole. If you are anywhere near the area, get yourself into Viva El Burrito. You’ll walk away with incredible food, a warm conversation, and a direct look at local hospitality done right.

Blog by Ashutosh Parihar, Leicester City Council