Nestled in the vibrant heart of London, Mayfair, Kanishka beckons food lovers on an extraordinary culinary journey through the diverse flavours of India. With a contemporary twist on traditional Indian cuisine, Kanishka has established itself as a gastronomic gem in the city. Led by renowned Michelin-starred chef Atul Kochhar, this restaurant seamlessly blends passion, heritage, and innovation to create a memorable dining experience.

A REVIEW OF KANISHKA BY ATUL KOCHHAR, MAYFAIR, LONDON

The menu offers an enticing array of dishes inspired by the rich culinary traditions of the Indian subcontinent, carefully curated to tantalize the taste buds of adventurous eaters. From fragrant biryanis to signature dishes like their black dal and tangy curries, each dish is a harmonious symphony of flavours, textures, and aromas that transport diners to the bustling streets of India. With its chic yet inviting ambiance, attentive service, and exceptional attention to detail, Kanishka Restaurant provides an unforgettable dining experience where guests can savour the mouth-watering delights of London's Spice Kingdom.

The reason for our dining here was my collaboration with Lumo Travel and how easy it is to go on a 24hour Date to London from Edinburgh. Lumo Trains travel from Edinburgh Waverley to London Kings Cross in just over 4 hours and you can get tickets for as little as £40 return! This was Date 2.

I love how everything is switched up and elevated making each dish just that little bit more special. The attention to detail, flavours and presentation is commendable and it all shines through in an exceptional meal.

We tucked heartily into the Poppadoms, which were a mixture of crinkled crisp like poppadoms and the thin ones that you usually get. There was a nice hint of spice on the poppadoms, making you reach for those dips without hesitation.

Spice and chilli really take centre stage with the food here - not necessarily with heat but with a very well balanced spice journey.

Kanishka has several menus - Seasonal Tasting Menu, Traditions Tasting Menu, A la Carte, Set Menu, Vegetarian and Childrens Menu. We were trying out the Set Menu, 3 courses for £40 (lunchtime) or £54 (dinner).

I had to order Atul’s Chicken Tikka Pie. This is a speciality and it is exceptional. Firstly, so beautiful to look at, the pie itself is exquisitely put together and then there is the taste. The pastry is flaky and buttery, the filling stuffed and filled to the brim with shredded chicken in an elegant spice hug.

The other starter was Patrani Machhi - steamed sea bass with peanuts & coconut chutney (n). A delicate delight that tantalizes the taste buds of seafood lovers. Sea bass is a brilliant fish that absorbs delicate flavours easily and the spices used here resulted in a harmonious symphony of tastes upon every bite. The coconut chutney was outstanding.

The Mixed Grill provides a great opportunity to taste all the best bits. You’ll find chicken tikka, lamb chop, tiger prawn, bihari seekh kebab and salad. Beautifully presented this is a meat lovers feast.

The Pan-fried salmon with banana fritter in mappas curry was equally as delicious. The salmon sat centre in this Mappas curry, a coconut-based curry sauce with distinctive flavour profiles from the generous use of spices like cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, and black pepper. I wasn’t overly fond of the banana fritter but it definitely has a place on this plate.

Peshwari Naan and rice accompanied these main courses.

For dessert we ordered the Teen Mithai and the Mango & Ginger Brulee. Both extremely pretty dishes.

The Teen Mithai is chocolate mousse, lime fudge, grit and sponge. The chocolate mousse was light and sweet contrasting with the heavy thick sponge. It did have a very unusual texture and we enjoyed the mousse more.

The Mango & Ginger Brulee is almonds, vanilla ganache and raspberry gel. Brulee was light and very creamy and subtle flavours of the mango and ginger. Spoonfuls of the brulee with a combination of the brulee and the tart raspberry gel certainly gave off party vibes on the palate.

Kanishka Restaurant in London is truly a gastronomic gem that never fails to delight the senses. From the moment one enters its doors, it becomes clear why this establishment has garnered such a devout following. The impeccable service and elegant ambiance further enhance the overall dining experience at Kanishka. London is indeed privileged to have such an exquisite establishment in its vibrant culinary scene, where every visit to Kanishka is sure to be an unforgettable experience.

Just one question for Chef Atul Kochhar - when are you opening a restaurant in Edinburgh?

THINGS TO NOTE ABOUT KANISHKA

• They cater for vegetarians and will try to accommodate dietary requirements

• They are not dog friendly

• Disabled accessible from the street but not sure about W/C’s

Kanishka by Atul Kochhar, 17-19 Maddox Street, Mayfair, London, W1S 2QH www.kanishkamayfair.co.uk

My Spoon Award : Tartan Spoon 10/10

I was invited by Kanishka to review their menu. Food and drink were complimentary but the views are very much my own.