Tamarind - Indian Restaurant, London

This was our first experience dining in Michelin starred Indian restaurant. We were a little bit skeptical at the beginning, to be honest. We have passed Tamarind many times yet somehow we were not too intrigued to pop by and giving it a try. Until saw their advert in some local magazine. 

As you may have noticed we enjoy long and no-rush lunches, finding out that the restaurant only opens  from noon to 2.30 PM, we made sure we arrive at the venue bang on time. Welcomed by a friendly receptionist who then showed us down to the dining area. 

Normally, when we visit an Indian restaurant, we could pick up the strong scent of herbs and spices used in the food almost immediately which it is not the case with Tamarind. Good sign of a good restaurant. Impressive!

As we were first few guests arrived at that afternoon, we got plenty of tables to chose from. We picked a large table with a sofa. Nothing better than a large table and comfortable seats when you dine. 

As we slowly sipping our Campari Soda and nibbling pappadams, we browsed through the menu. Urged to try so many different things, we consulted the waiter if he can order us a selection of starters. And he was gladly to do so.. One job done for us, now challenge is about the main courses. After a long consideration we settled for Hyderabadi Shank and Gosht Dum Biryani, simply because we have never had it before. And of course Garlic Naan and Zaffrani Rice on the side. 

Starters. We had Channa Chaat (Spiced chickpeas with yogurt), Kalonji Jhingga (Jumbo King Prawn), Peshwari Kebab (Marinated Lamb Chops) and Malai Tikka (Spiced Chicken). Oh my.. Apart from the king prawn were overcooked, they were all tasted soooo good!! Both lamb and chicken were juicy and tender. Beautiful! And the chaat worked so well to compliment the combinations of herbs and spices used on those dishes. A must try!

Main Courses. We were pleasantly surprised to find the Gosht Dum Biryani looked like a giant pie. Something we have not expected. Apparently the rice and the lamb with all required ingredients are all marinated and cooked underneath the pie. The waiter then cut it open to serve and the fragrant of rice and lamb with all the herbs hit the air... It smells divine! And the taste??? Delicious as expected.

Although presented nothing out of ordinary, the Hydrerabadi Shank was not less interesting though. We dived in to our dishes in no time. We juggled between having the dish with the rice, dunking the naan bread into the Hydrerabadi sauce, spooning Cucumber Raita and taking a slurp of Laurent Perrier Rose Champagne until we could not get through anymore food. We don't call ourselves as King Foodie for nothing ;) 

Well.. our last statement was not completely true as at the end we could not resist the temptation to try the dessert. Not just one to share, we had three to share!! They were Tandoori Ananas (Grilled Pineapple), Chocolate Mousse and Duo sorbet (Mango and Basil, Strawberry and Mint). 

As you can see all those desserts were beautifully presented as they're tasted. We left nothing on the plates. As result, we could not move from the seat we were sitting on for a while. Fortunately, unlike other restaurants we have visited, the staff at Tamarind would not rush their guests to eat and leave the premises even passed service hours. They were quite happy to serve us until we were ready to go. So, although they mentioned opening hour is from noon to 2.30 PM it's basically a guideline for last order. Jolly good!

To us, Tamarind's idea to change our perceptions of Indian Food was well delivered and executed. Do we think they deserve their Michelin star? Well.. Of course!!!!


Tamarind 
20 Queen Street, Mayfair, London W1J 5PR
Phone: +44 20 7629 3561
Website: http://www.tamarindrestaurant.com