Recently, Ive become more and more aware of the array of Indian restaurants cro ing up in my local a
Recently, Ive become more and more aware of the array of Indian restaurants cro ing up in my local area. The question is, are they as legendary, as great, as they claim to be, or are they simply serving the same dishes, but under a different name and management? As a keen culinary corre ondent, I set out to visiting a plethora of Bengalese, Bangladeshi and Pakistani eating establishments in the Bromley and Croydon area.
First stop: Shampan 2 - located in Bromley, this is a modern, upmarket Indian restaurant with an exte ive menu. Although I am not usually receptive to overindulgent claims of being Bromleys finest Indian dining or the like, I felt strangely swayed by this restaurants fare. Tender meats, superbly cooked and often complimented by subtle, sometimes pleasingly piquant ices paraded the plates. The staff dont swarm around you like overexcited bees, but rather leave you to your own devices, and let you enjoy their produce. Wonderful.
Feeling quite enlightened, my next visitation was one of Shampa trade competitor The Ruby Indian Restaurant, also on Chatterton Road. For me, this place characterises the unoriginal edge of Indian curry. The food was pleasant but rather inoffe ive and seemed to keep too comfortably in line with the cooking that is churned out by thousands of other Indian eateries acro the capital; co equently, nothing jum out at you. Equally, the same a lies to ice Empire, central Bromley. Although the owners clearly have had their heart set on creating an aesthetically pleasing interior and atmo here, much is lost in the most important element of the equatio the menu. Subdued, often run of the mill flavourings best describe what is on offer again, it will fill you up, but lacks that kick which I mi so much from the authentic stuff.
A bit of creativity and i ovation works wonders with Indian food, which leads me to one of my favourite restaurants. Moving slightly west will take you to the Purley gates of Swayam Ruchi. Not only does it look beautiful here, it tastes heavenly. Park your car round the back, and prepare for a truly unique Kerala Banquet. Small details such as the banana chi (wafer thin salted and iced slices of green plantain) or indeed the Madu Vada soft and silky dumplings filled with dal, black pe er and green chilly, give this a unique character quite simply u aralleled by its pretender neighbours. It is not just the names of the dishes that are different, but the content is irrevocably fresh both in flavour and in its refusal to adhere to the drones of formulaic Indian cooking.
My final destination is Asif Balti House in Beddington. Dont be put off by the exterior, as this modest 30-seater is well re ected by locals and serves mouth watering dishes that are invariably up to scratch. Intriguing dishes such as the Mugli Batak (ducked cooked with mince egg with fresh cream, green her and ice) or the Bata Chop starter (minced lamb, egg and breadcrum encased in potato patties) have always had me gue ing, so this was the perfect o ortunity to seize the moment and give my palette a run for the money. Flavoursome, full of wonderful textures and oh so morish, I can safely say that these Asif ecialities have been added to my list of favourites!
In conclusion and much to my delight, there are a good range of highly i ovative and talented chefs who are simply qued up when it comes to serving high quality Indian food. Although my findings are limited to a ecific area, I am almost certain that there are other great Indian restaurants out there right acro the UK. The diamond does not always lie within beautiful, palatial surroundings, so dont be fooled by these post modern-looking joints with fancy drapings and expe ive interior desig - often well-established restaurants with a matured se ibility can have that golden touch.
First stop: Shampan 2 - located in Bromley, this is a modern, upmarket Indian restaurant with an exte ive menu. Although I am not usually receptive to overindulgent claims of being Bromleys finest Indian dining or the like, I felt strangely swayed by this restaurants fare. Tender meats, superbly cooked and often complimented by subtle, sometimes pleasingly piquant ices paraded the plates. The staff dont swarm around you like overexcited bees, but rather leave you to your own devices, and let you enjoy their produce. Wonderful.
Feeling quite enlightened, my next visitation was one of Shampa trade competitor The Ruby Indian Restaurant, also on Chatterton Road. For me, this place characterises the unoriginal edge of Indian curry. The food was pleasant but rather inoffe ive and seemed to keep too comfortably in line with the cooking that is churned out by thousands of other Indian eateries acro the capital; co equently, nothing jum out at you. Equally, the same a lies to ice Empire, central Bromley. Although the owners clearly have had their heart set on creating an aesthetically pleasing interior and atmo here, much is lost in the most important element of the equatio the menu. Subdued, often run of the mill flavourings best describe what is on offer again, it will fill you up, but lacks that kick which I mi so much from the authentic stuff.
A bit of creativity and i ovation works wonders with Indian food, which leads me to one of my favourite restaurants. Moving slightly west will take you to the Purley gates of Swayam Ruchi. Not only does it look beautiful here, it tastes heavenly. Park your car round the back, and prepare for a truly unique Kerala Banquet. Small details such as the banana chi (wafer thin salted and iced slices of green plantain) or indeed the Madu Vada soft and silky dumplings filled with dal, black pe er and green chilly, give this a unique character quite simply u aralleled by its pretender neighbours. It is not just the names of the dishes that are different, but the content is irrevocably fresh both in flavour and in its refusal to adhere to the drones of formulaic Indian cooking.
My final destination is Asif Balti House in Beddington. Dont be put off by the exterior, as this modest 30-seater is well re ected by locals and serves mouth watering dishes that are invariably up to scratch. Intriguing dishes such as the Mugli Batak (ducked cooked with mince egg with fresh cream, green her and ice) or the Bata Chop starter (minced lamb, egg and breadcrum encased in potato patties) have always had me gue ing, so this was the perfect o ortunity to seize the moment and give my palette a run for the money. Flavoursome, full of wonderful textures and oh so morish, I can safely say that these Asif ecialities have been added to my list of favourites!
In conclusion and much to my delight, there are a good range of highly i ovative and talented chefs who are simply qued up when it comes to serving high quality Indian food. Although my findings are limited to a ecific area, I am almost certain that there are other great Indian restaurants out there right acro the UK. The diamond does not always lie within beautiful, palatial surroundings, so dont be fooled by these post modern-looking joints with fancy drapings and expe ive interior desig - often well-established restaurants with a matured se ibility can have that golden touch.
